Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe: A Sweet Twist on the Classic Italian Dessert
Looking for a delightful and refreshing variation of the traditional tiramisù? This Strawberry Tiramisu is a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved dessert while highlighting the fresh and vibrant flavor of strawberries. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly creamy, and the perfect treat for anyone who loves sweet, indulgent desserts.
This recipe uses all the classic tiramisù elements, such as mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers (savoiardi), but swaps coffee for strawberry syrup, creating a light and fruity dessert that’s sure to impress. The balance between the creamy mascarpone filling and the sweet, slightly tangy strawberries makes for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mascarpone cheese | 400g |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Water | 50g |
| Sugar | 125g |
| Fresh strawberries | 400g |
| Ladyfingers (savoiardi) | 8 pieces |
| Extra sugar (for strawberries) | 20g |
| Lemon juice | 20g |
| Fresh strawberries (for decoration) | 12 pieces |
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 35g |
Preparation Time:
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
Servings:
- This recipe serves approximately 4 people, depending on serving sizes.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the stems and cut them into thin slices, creating a pretty pink array of fruit. Add 20g of lemon juice to the sliced strawberries to enhance their flavor and keep them fresh. Next, sprinkle 20g of sugar over the strawberries, mixing gently to help draw out their natural juices.
Allow the strawberry mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the sugar and lemon juice combine with the natural juices of the fruit. This creates a beautiful, sweet-tart syrup that will form the base of the dessert.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 50g of water with 125g of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook until it reaches 121°C (249°F). At this point, remove the syrup from the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, place the 3 egg yolks. Once the sugar syrup is ready, carefully pour it over the egg yolks in a thin stream while continuously whisking. This step is crucial to temper the eggs and avoid scrambling them.
Continue to whisk the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. The resulting texture should be airy and creamy, and the mixture should be completely cool.
Step 4: Mix the Mascarpone
Once the egg mixture has cooled down, take 400g of mascarpone cheese and add it to a large mixing bowl. Begin by adding a small portion of the egg mixture to the mascarpone and mix vigorously with a whisk to combine. This helps smooth out the mascarpone and create a smooth base.
Gradually add the remaining egg mixture and continue mixing until the mascarpone mixture is thick, creamy, and fully blended. If necessary, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Assemble the Tiramisu
Take your ladyfingers (savoiardi) and gently cut them in half. For assembly, you’ll need a small glass or individual serving bowls (around 300ml in capacity). Begin by dipping the ladyfingers in the strawberry syrup, ensuring they’re fully soaked but not soggy.
Layer the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish. Spoon a generous layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Add a few slices of fresh strawberries over the mascarpone layer for added flavor and decoration. Repeat this process for a second layer of ladyfingers, followed by more mascarpone cream, and top with additional strawberry slices.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Once your tiramisù is assembled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. The chill time allows the mascarpone to firm up slightly and gives the ladyfingers time to absorb the syrup and soften, creating the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture of tiramisù.
Before serving, garnish with extra fresh strawberries on top for a visually stunning presentation. You can also dust the dessert lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar if you prefer.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Tiramisu:
- Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries. This dessert’s taste relies on the natural sweetness of the fruit, so avoid using overripe or sour berries.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! The tiramisù benefits from being chilled, as it allows the flavors to blend together and the dessert to set. If you’re short on time, you can refrigerate it for as little as 30 minutes, but longer chilling times will yield the best results.
- No Coffee: This strawberry version of tiramisù omits coffee, so it’s ideal for those who prefer a fruit-based dessert. However, if you love the traditional coffee flavor, feel free to experiment by adding a splash of coffee or liqueur to the strawberry syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tiramisu:
Strawberry tiramisù offers a refreshing and light alternative to the traditional coffee-flavored dessert. The fresh strawberries not only lend vibrant color to the dessert, but their sweet, tangy taste perfectly complements the rich, creamy mascarpone layer. The combination of soft, syrup-soaked ladyfingers and the luscious mascarpone creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or preparing a casual dessert for your family, this recipe will undoubtedly become a new favorite.
Make sure to share this sweet treat with friends and family on special occasions or enjoy it as a quick indulgence on a sunny afternoon. This strawberry twist on a classic Italian dessert will bring smiles and satisfaction to any occasion.
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Tiramisu, and don’t forget to add it to your dessert repertoire for the future!
