There’s a certain joy in discovering a dessert that feels both familiar and exquisitely elegant—and that’s precisely what you’ll find in this Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu. Picture this: light, fluffy layers of mascarpone cream mingling with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, all nestled between delicate ladyfingers. If that doesn’t make your taste buds dance with delight, the ease of assembling this treat will surely do the trick.
I stumbled upon this recipe one sunny afternoon when I found myself with a bounty of fresh strawberries. Rounded up with a few pantry staples, I turned my kitchen into a canvas of flavors. Perfect for warm gatherings or cozy nights in, this dessert unites the classic charm of strawberry shortcake with the luxurious richness of tiramisu.
Ready to impress without the fuss? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a slice of joy to your table!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu
- This Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to create a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The harmonious blend of creamy mascarpone and fresh strawberries delivers a burst of flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds.
- Its versatility means you can serve it at any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a sophisticated gathering with friends.
- With its beautiful layers and vibrant colors, this dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it the perfect centerpiece for your table.
Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Ingredients
• Get ready to create a dessert masterpiece!
For the Strawberries
- Fresh strawberries – A star player, providing sweetness and color to the dish.
- Granulated sugar – Helps to draw out the strawberries’ natural juices for a delightful syrup.
- Lemon juice – Adds a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness.
For the Cream
- Heavy cream – Creates a light and fluffy texture when whipped, making each bite heavenly.
- Mascarpone cheese – The creamy base of your tiramisu, adding richness and depth.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the mascarpone without the graininess of granulated sugar.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall experience.
For the Ladyfingers
- Ladyfingers (savoiardi) – The essential layer, providing structure and a lovely texture when soaked just right.
For Dipping
- Milk – Keeps the ladyfingers moist and soft, blending beautifully with the mascarpone.
- Vanilla extract (for milk) – A touch of flavor that elevates the milk soak, harmonizing with your Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu
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Macerate the strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss to coat and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out their juices and enhance flavor.
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Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes—keep an eye on it, it should be fluffy but not over-beaten.
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Combine the mascarpone: In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined—this step creates your luxurious mascarpone cream!
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Prepare the soaking mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the milk and vanilla extract. This will keep your ladyfingers wonderfully moist.
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Dip the ladyfingers: Carefully dip each ladyfinger into the milk mixture for just a second (avoid soaking). Place them tightly in the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish to form your first layer.
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Layer the cream and strawberries: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the macerated strawberries. Repeat these layers with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and strawberries to build a beautiful dessert.
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Chill the dessert: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
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Serve chilled: When ready to delight your guests, serve your Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu chilled, garnished with extra strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Optional: Garnish with fresh mint for an extra pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu?
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that enhance every bite of sweetness.
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Fresh Berries: Garnish with additional fresh strawberries and blueberries for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream provides a light, fluffy complement that mirrors the dessert’s creamy texture.
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Mint Sprigs: A sprig of fresh mint adds a refreshing aroma and visual appeal, perfectly balancing the richness of the tiramisu.
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Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly complements the dessert’s sweetness while adding a festive touch to your gathering.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a rich, creamy contrast that creates a decadently indulgent experience.
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Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling some dark chocolate shavings on top adds a touch of bitterness that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
These pairings not only enhance the Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu but also create a stunning presentation that your guests will adore!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can macerate the strawberries and whip the mascarpone cream up to 24 hours ahead of time, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. For optimal freshness, refrigerate the macerated strawberries in an airtight container and store the mascarpone mixture covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, simply dip the ladyfingers in milk, layer them with the prepared mascarpone cream and strawberries, and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. This way, you’ll have a delightful and stress-free dessert that tastes just as delicious!
Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will make your Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu even more personalized!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers to keep this dessert accessible for everyone. Your guests will enjoy the same lovely taste without any compromise.
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Dairy-Free: Swap the mascarpone cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut cream, to create a luscious vegan version. This addition lends it a unique flavor that’s simply irresistible!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the layers before chilling. The rich chocolate flavor harmonizes beautifully with the strawberries, making for a decadent treat.
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Berry Medley: Use a mix of berries, like blueberries or raspberries, instead of solely strawberries. The varied flavors will brighten the dessert and add complexity to each bite.
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Mint Infusion: Incorporate fresh mint leaves into the mascarpone cream. This subtle addition offers a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
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Lemon Zest: Add some fresh lemon zest to the mascarpone mixture for a tangy kick. This brightness elevates the dessert, making each spoonful sing with flavor.
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Spiced Twist: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream for a cozy, warm spice note that contrasts delightfully with the fruity sweetness.
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Boozy Delight: Drizzle a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur, like Amaretto or Chambord, into the milk for dipping. This adds a sophisticated layer, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Experimenting with these variations reflects your tastes and makes each serving unique and special!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu
Fridge: Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you plan to make ahead, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: Generally, this dessert is best served chilled and not reheated, but allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal taste and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu, ensure your heavy cream is chilled for best whipping results, as warm cream won’t achieve the desired peaks.
- Avoid over-soaking the ladyfingers in the milk mixture, as they should be soft but not falling apart, creating the perfect texture.
- If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, consider pureeing a portion of the macerated strawberries and mixing it into the mascarpone cream.
- Always refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is ideal for allowing the flavors to fully develop and the layers to set beautifully.
Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my strawberries are ripe?
Look for strawberries that are bright red all over, with a fragrant aroma. The best ones will have a slight softness to them but not be mushy. Avoid those with dark spots or visible mold, as they may not taste as sweet.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu?
Absolutely! Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the creamy texture intact. Just be sure to cover it well to avoid any fridge odors!
Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu?
Yes, you can! To freeze, cut the tiramisu into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. This way, they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my whipped cream is runny?
If your whipped cream isn’t holding peaks and appears runny, it could be due to over-whipping or using cream that’s not cold enough. To fix it, chill the bowl and the cream for about 10-15 minutes, then whip again until soft peaks form. For a quick fix, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to stabilize it.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you have anyone with allergies, it’s important to note that this dessert contains dairy from cream and mascarpone, which may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. Additionally, if you’re serving this to children or anyone sensitive to sugar, consider using a sugar alternative like erythritol to keep the dessert delicious yet more friendly to various diets.
Can I substitute ladyfingers with something else?
Of course, the more the merrier! If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake or even homemade biscuits as a substitute. Simply slice them accordingly for dipping. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but they’ll still taste delightful in this scrumptious dessert!
Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar to draw out juices
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice for balancing sweetness
- 1 cup Heavy cream whipped
- 8 ounces Mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 package Ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- 1 cup Milk for soaking
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract for milk soak
Method
- Macerate the strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss to coat and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out their juices and enhance flavor.
- Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine the mascarpone: In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
- Prepare the soaking mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the milk and vanilla extract.
- Dip the ladyfingers: Carefully dip each ladyfinger into the milk mixture for just a second. Place them tightly in the bottom of a 9x9 inch dish to form your first layer.
- Layer the cream and strawberries: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the macerated strawberries. Repeat these layers with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and strawberries.
- Chill the dessert: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Serve chilled: Garnish with extra strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
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