Embark on a delightful journey that embraces the vibrant flavours of summer, inviting you to experience a dessert that embodies pure bliss. Enter the realm of our exquisite Strawberry Tiramisu, a captivating twist on the timeless classic Italian dessert. Picture layers of velvety mascarpone cream intertwining with the sweetness of sun-kissed strawberries, delicately balanced between espresso-infused lady fingers. Prepare to be enchanted as each spoonful carries you away to a world of divine pleasure, with a final touch of aromatic cocoa dusting that adds a touch of magic to your summer soirées.
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All About Tiramisu
Tiramisu, a beloved Italian dessert, is a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts of dessert enthusiasts around the world. Originating from the picturesque region of Veneto, Italy, this delectable creation 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 delightful nature and indulgent 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, inviting food enthusiasts to savour its divine flavours and experience a taste of Italian indulgence.
Strawberries, Coffee, Cocoa: It’s A Dream Team
The marriage of fresh strawberries, robust espresso coffee, and cocoa creates a harmonious symphony of flavours in every bite of this delectable, but easy dessert. The sweet juiciness of the strawberries complements the bold intensity of the espresso, while the cocoa adds a touch of rich bitterness, resulting in a perfectly balanced and indulgent combination that tantalizes the taste buds.
But that’s not the only reason to love this delicious Strawberry Tiramisu recipe.
- Experience the taste of summer: By incorporating fresh strawberries into the classic tiramisu recipe, you’ll savour the vibrant and sweet strawberry flavor of the season in every heavenly bite. Juicy strawberries add a welcome fruity twist to this perfect no bake dessert!
- Elevate your dessert presentation: As opposed to traditional tiramisu, serving this Strawberry Tiramisu in individual cups not only adds an elegant touch but also enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or gatherings.
- Unleash your culinary creativity: You can personalize the dessert by adding a hint of liqueur, such as amaretto or strawberry liqueur to the mascarpone cream instead of Marsala, or even incorporate other fresh fruits alongside strawberries for a unique twist. Let your imagination run wild and create a Strawberry Tiramisu that is truly your own!
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.
- 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 ladyfinger cookies 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.
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 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. Traditional options include 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 the 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.
Tips & Tricks For The Best Strawberry Tiramisu
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 the 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, 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.
Method
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.
Gradually add the cream and keep beating until you just arrive at 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 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.
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 the remaining cocoa powder and finish with the rest of the strawberries.
Chill 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.
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 recipe, we don’t recommend storing this delightful 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 beloved fruit.
- Mini Fraisier Cakes
- Strawberry Panna Cotta
- New York Cheesecake With Strawberry Compote
- Strawberry Souffle
Recipe Card
Strawberry Tiramisu
Equipment
- 6 Glasses approx 350 ml
- Piping Bag optional
Ingredients
- 250 g mascarpone full-fat
- 70 g caster sugar
- 5 tablespoon Marsala wine
- 300 ml double cream a.k.a heavy cream
- 150 ml cold espresso
- 12 sponge fingers
- 400 g 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 pipeable consistency. Do not overbeat (it will tkae 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 in portions to fit your serving glasses. Dip half of the them into coffee an arrange them on the bottom of each glass.
- Pipe half of the cream on top of the sponge fingers (you may choose to spoon in over, but be careful not to 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
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