Layered with juicy strawberries, velvety mascarpone cream, and soft, espresso-free ladyfingers, strawberry tiramisu is a fresh, fruity spin on the beloved Italian classic. It’s everything you love about traditional tiramisu—only lighter, brighter, and bursting with berry flavor. This no-bake dessert brings together sweet-tart berries and a cloud-like filling to create a dish that’s as stunning as it is satisfying.
Perfect for spring brunches, summer barbecues, or casual weekend treats, this layered strawberry tiramisu offers a beautiful balance of elegance and ease. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tiramisu
There’s a lot to love about this dessert, and once you make it, you’ll see why it becomes a staple in so many homes.
- It’s no-bake. No oven needed—just assemble and chill.
- Great for make-ahead. It actually tastes better after resting overnight.
- Light and fresh. The combination of strawberries and mascarpone keeps it from feeling heavy.
- Visually beautiful. The layers make a gorgeous presentation.
- Flexible. You can tweak the layers or flavors depending on what you have on hand.
Whether you’re new to tiramisu or just looking for a new version to love, this recipe is a perfect place to start.
Recipe Overview
This strawberry tiramisu uses layers of strawberry-soaked ladyfingers, rich yet airy mascarpone cream, and fresh strawberries. Instead of espresso and cocoa, it’s all about sweet, seasonal berries with a hint of lemon and optional liqueur for a grown-up touch.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Chill Time:
4 to 8 hours (overnight is ideal)
Total Time:
20 minutes active, plus chilling
Servings:
8 to 10
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Contains gluten and dairy
- Can be made gluten-free with GF ladyfingers
- Egg-free (no raw eggs in this version)
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this beautiful strawberry tiramisu at home:
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1½ pounds (about 4 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Optional: 2–3 tablespoons strawberry liqueur or Grand Marnier
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: zest of ½ lemon for added brightness
Assembly:
- 20 to 24 ladyfinger biscuits (Savoiardi)
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
- Optional toppings: chopped pistachios, mint leaves, or grated white chocolate
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch dish or trifle bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Small saucepan (optional, if reducing berries)
- Blender or food processor (optional for strawberry puree)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes until they release their juices. Stir in the liqueur, if using. Set aside a few nice slices for the top garnish.
Pro tip: If you want a smoother consistency, blend half of the berries into a puree and combine with the rest. This creates a flavorful mixture to soak the ladyfingers.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, gently mix the mascarpone with lemon zest until smooth.
Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—you want it light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the strawberry juice mixture—just a second or two on each side. Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll fall apart.
Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers on the bottom of your dish. Spread half the mascarpone cream over them. Add a generous layer of sliced strawberries (or puree mix).
Repeat the layers: ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a final topping of fresh strawberries.
Cover and chill the tiramisu in the fridge for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Tiramisu
- Choose ripe strawberries. Sweet, juicy berries make all the difference.
- Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers. A quick dip keeps the texture just right.
- Room temperature mascarpone, cold cream. This combo gives the best texture for whipping.
- Use a glass dish. It shows off the beautiful layers when serving.
- Let it rest. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together.
Variations You Can Try
Want to customize your strawberry tiramisu? Here are some fun ideas:
1. Gluten-Free Strawberry Tiramisu
Swap regular ladyfingers for gluten-free ones. Everything else stays the same!
2. Vegan Strawberry Tiramisu
Use plant-based whipped cream and a vegan cream cheese alternative. Coconut whipped topping also works well.
3. Lemon & Strawberry Combo
Add a thin layer of lemon curd between the mascarpone and strawberries for extra brightness.
4. Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu
Use vanilla sponge cake or pound cake instead of ladyfingers for a more cake-like version.
5. Rosé-Infused Strawberry Tiramisu
Replace the strawberry liqueur with a splash of rosé wine in the berry soak for a summery, adult-friendly twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make strawberry tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert actually improves with time. You can make it a day in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
You can, but make sure to thaw and drain them well. The flavor will still be good, though they won’t hold their shape as nicely for the garnish.
How long will it keep?
Strawberry tiramisu stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to keep the flavors and texture just right.
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
You can, but the flavor and texture will be a little tangier and less smooth. If you do, soften it well and blend until creamy.
Final Thoughts
This layered strawberry tiramisu is a sweet way to celebrate strawberry season—or any time you want something light, creamy, and full of fresh flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven time, it’s an easy dessert that feels a little fancy without the extra effort.
Whether you’re entertaining or treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, beauty, and simplicity. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it all season long.
More Delicious Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might love:
- Limoncello Tiramisu – A Sunny Citrus Twist
- Pistachio Tiramisu – Creamy, Nutty, and Elegant
- Matcha Tiramisu – A Bold Spin with Green Tea Flavor
- Gluten-Free Tiramisu – For Everyone at the Table
