Here's a sweet treat that's both elegant and easy to make! Our Strawberry Tiramisu Cups, served in individual glasses, add a touch of sophistication to your dessert lineup. Picture layers of fresh strawberries, creamy mascarpone, and soft and fluffy ladyfingers all coming together in a cute, personal-sized portion. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself, this fun twist on a classic favourite is sure to be a hit!
Jump to:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost for you! Thank you!
All About Tiramisu
This classic Italian dessert has captured the hearts of dessert enthusiasts around the world. Originating from the picturesque region of Veneto, Italy, Tiramisu has become a symbol of Italian gastronomy.
The name "tiramisu" translates to "pick me up" or "lift me up" in Italian, which perfectly reflects the indulgent nature and creamy qualities of this dessert. It is speculated that the name also refers to two caffeinated ingredients used in this Italian dessert - coffee and cocoa.
While the exact origins of tiramisu are debated, it is widely believed to have been created in the 1960s or 1970s in the city of Treviso. Over the years, this sumptuous dessert has gained international fame and popularity, gracing the menus of Italian restaurants worldwide and enticing dessert lovers with its irresistible combination of espresso, creamy mascarpone cheese, and cocoa.
Today, alongside Panna Cotta and Cannoli, Tiramisu stands as a testament to Italy's rich culinary heritage, a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Try our Biscoff Tiramisu Cups next! And if you want to enjoy tiramisu for breakfast, don't miss our Tiramisu Overnight Oats!
Strawberries, Coffee, Cocoa: It's A Dream Team
The juicy strawberries pairs perfectly with the strong, bold taste of espresso, while the cocoa adds a hint of rich bitterness. The result? A deliciously balanced treat that's both indulgent and full of flavour! Do we dare say, this fruity twist is even better than traditional tiramisu?
But that's not the only reason to love this easy Strawberry Tiramisu recipe.
- Taste the summer: Fresh berries bring a sweet, vibrant twist to classic tiramisu, making every bite a heavenly treat. This no-bake dessert is the perfect way to enjoy the flavours of the strawberry season!
- Serve in style: Ditch the traditional dish-individual cups add an elegant touch and make this dessert perfect for special occasions.
- Get creative: Swap Marsala for a splash of amaretto or strawberry liqueur, or mix in other fresh fruits for your own unique twist.
- No raw eggs: perfect no-bake summer dessert for those with egg intolerances.
Ingredients
- mascarpone: full-fat, fridge cold.
- caster sugar: also known as superfine sugar in some parts of the world. Caster sugar is finer and dissolves quicker, so there is less risk of overwhipping the cream. You may also use powdered sugar.
- Marsala wine: a traditional addition to Tiramisu. We used and loved Vecchioflorio Marsala Superiore.
- double cream: a.k.a heavy cream / heavy whipping cream.
- cold espresso coffee.
- sponge fingers: also known as lady finger cookies, lady fingers or Savoiardi biscuits.
- fresh strawberries: hulled, halved or quartered. We highly recommend using smaller strawberries or chopping them finer for better distribution of flavours.
- cocoa powder: unsweetened.
Find the ingredient quantities, detailed method and nutritional information in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Substitutions and Extras
Substitutes:
- Mascarpone Substitute: If you're unable to find mascarpone cheese, you can try substituting it with an equal amount of cream cheese or ricotta. This will provide a similar creamy texture, although the flavour may differ slightly.
- Wine Substitute:Marsala wine adds a distinct flavour to the tiramisu, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or don't have Marsala wine on hand, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic grape juice or a sweet dessert wine like Madeira or port.
Extras:
- Flavour Enhancers: Enhance the flavour of your delicious Strawberry Tiramisu by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of finely grated orange zest to the mascarpone cream. This will add a subtle depth of flavour and complement the strawberries beautifully.
- Liqueur Options: For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a splash of liqueur to the espresso for soaking the sponge fingers. The traditional version includes coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua) or amaretto, which adds a delightful almond undertone. Adjust the amount according to your preference for the level of alcohol flavour.
- Berry Medley: Alongside or in place of the strawberries, you can include a medley of other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. This will add a burst of colour and different berry flavours to this delicious dessert. You may also choose to sprinkle the top with strawberry powder instead of cocoa.
- Nutty Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some toasted and chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, between the layers of your Strawberry Tiramisu. The nuttiness will complement the other flavours and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Chocolate Variation: If you're a chocolate lover, consider incorporating grated chocolate or chocolate shavings into the layers of the tiramisu instead of using cocoa powder. Dark, milk or white chocolate can all be used, depending on your preference.
Step-By-Ste Method
1. Place the mascarpone, Marsala wine and caster sugar in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mascarpone mixture on low speed for 1 minute until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
2. Gradually add the cream and keep beating with a hand mixer until you just arrive at a pipeable consistency. Do not overbeat, keep it to soft peaks (it will take seconds, rather than minutes to overdo it). Spoon the cream into a piping bag and set it aside.
3. Pour cold expresso into a shallow medium bowl. Break the sponge fingers into portions to fit your serving glasses. Dip half of them into coffee and arrange them on the bottom of each glass.
4. Pipe half of the cream on top of the ladyfingers (you may choose to spoon it over, but be careful not to smear the sides of the glasses). Sift half of the cocoa powder on top.
5. Arrange ⅔ of strawberries on top.
6. Dip the rest of the sponge fingers into the coffee and arrange them on top of the strawberries. Pipe the rest of the cream on top, sprinkle with the remaining cocoa powder and finish with the rest of the strawberries.
7. Chill strawberry tiramisu cups for 2 hours in the fridge before serving.
Video
For a step-by-step guide to crafting these individual Strawberry Tiramisu Cups, don't miss our quick video that captures the process from start to finish.
Tips And Tricks For Best Results
Best Biscuits For Strawberry Tiramisu
When selecting the biscuits (ladyfingers or sponge fingers) for your Strawberry Tiramisu, opt for the drier and more sturdy varieties. This will help them hold their shape when soaked in espresso and prevent them from becoming overly soggy.
Soaking The Sponge Fingers
When soaking the sponge fingers in espresso, aim for a quick and gentle dip. If they are soaked for too long, they may become overly saturated and lose their texture. Dip each sponge finger briefly into the espresso to ensure a moist yet slightly firm texture that will contribute to the overall balance of this perfect dessert.
Don't Overwhip The Cream Mixture
When whipping the mascarpone cream, be careful not to overwhip it. Overwhipping can cause the cream to become grainy or even split. Stop whisking as soon as the cream reaches a soft peak stage (like whipped cream), where it holds its shape but is still creamy and smooth.
Spoon vs Piping Bag
When assembling the layers of Strawberry Tiramisu, you can choose between using a spoon or a piping bag to distribute the mascarpone cream. Both methods work well, but using a piping bag allows for more precise and even distribution, resulting in a neater presentation. However, if you prefer a more rustic look, using a spoon to spread the cream is just as delicious.
Making It Into One Single Dish
While individual cups are often used for serving Strawberry Tiramisu, if you prefer a single large dish presentation resembling a classic dessert, feel free to layer the ingredients in a large glass dish or baking pan. Just ensure that the layers are well-distributed, and the final result is chilled and allowed to set before serving to maintain the dessert's integrity.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, however, Trifle sponge is a lot softer and has more moisture inside. Dip it into coffee for a fraction of a second, only enough to absorb the coffee. Leaving it in the espresso for too long will make it disintegrate and impossible to handle.
We find that the best alcohol-free substitute for Marsala Wine is White Grape Juice.
Whipping mascarpone cream for tiramisu can be a delicate process, and if not done correctly, it can lead to the cream splitting. To prevent this, make sure that both the heavy cream and the mascarpone cheese are cold before whipping. Additionally, avoid overwhipping, as it can cause the cream to separate.
Storage & Making Ahead
Strawberry Tiramisu, unlike Classic Tiramisu, should not be made too many days in advance. Due to the fresh strawberries in this easy recipe, we don't recommend storing this easy dessert for longer than 24 hours.
Once your Strawberry Tiramisu cups are assembled, make sure to leave them in the fridge for 2 hours to set. You will ideally want to cover the tops of the glasses with plastic wrap to prevent from other odours seeping into the cups.
Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for freezing.
More Strawberry Recipes
If you're eager to explore more strawberry-centric delights, check out our array of recipes below. All of these truly celebrate the luscious sweetness and vibrant versatility of this fruit.
- Mini Fraisier Cakes
- Strawberry Panna Cotta
- New York Cheesecake With Strawberry Compote
- Strawberry Souffle
Head here --> for more Fruit-Based Summer Desserts!
Strawberry Tiramisu Cups
Equipment
- 6 Glasses approx 350 ml
- Piping Bag optional
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) mascarpone full-fat
- 70 g (⅓ cups) caster sugar
- 5 tablespoon Marsala wine
- 300 ml (1⅓ cups) double cream a.k.a heavy cream
- 150 ml (¾ cups) cold espresso
- 12 sponge fingers
- 400 g (0.88 lb) strawberries hulled, halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Place the mascarpone, Marsala wine and caster sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric handheld mixer, beat the mixture on low speed for 1 minute until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the cream and keep beating until you just arrive at a pipeable consistency. Do not overbeat (it will take seconds, rather than minutes). Spoon the cream into a piping bag and set it aside.
- Pour cold expresso into a shallow dish. Break the sponge fingers into portions to fit your serving glasses. Dip half of them into coffee and arrange them on the bottom of each glass.
- Pipe half of the cream on top of the sponge fingers (you may choose to spoon it over, but be careful not to smear the sides of the glasses). Sift half of the cocoa powder on top.
- Arrange ⅔ of strawberries on top.
- Dip the rest of the sponge fingers into the coffee and arrange them on top of the strawberries. Pipe the rest of the cream on top, sprinkle with remaining cocoa powder and finish with the rest of the strawberries.
- Chill for 2 hours in the fridge before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Matt says
This turned out so creamy and full of flavor! The layers came together perfectly for a great dessert.
Nicole Kendrick says
This was so good! I love all the sweetness of the berries and sponge fingers with the coffee. Yummy!
Marie says
This Tiramisu in a cup was so easy to make and so fluffy delicious! I'm so doing this again, thanks!
Criss says
These Strawberry Tiramisu Cups are so easy and delicious! Creamy, fresh, and perfect for summer – everyone loved them!
Ieva Greber says
Thank you so much, Criss! Glad everyone liked it 🙂