Craving a refreshing twist on a classic Italian dessert? This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe brings together the richness of creamy mascarpone and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries in the most irresistible way.
Perfect for summer, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is a no-bake dessert that requires just 30 minutes of prep time—plus a little chilling for those dreamy layers to set.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party, planning a family gathering, or simply want to impress without turning on the oven, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe delivers on both flavor and elegance.
Tested and loved by home bakers and food bloggers alike, this easy-to-follow Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is a must-have in your summer dessert rotation.
Why This Strawberry Tiramisu Will Become Your Go-To Dessert
The traditional tiramisu we all love is made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream. But this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe gives the classic a fruity makeover—replacing coffee with layers of fresh strawberry flavor that scream spring and summer.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season. While fresh berries are ideal, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe works beautifully with high-quality frozen strawberries too—so you can enjoy it all year round.
You still get those soft, luxurious mascarpone layers that define a good tiramisu. The texture is creamy, melt-in-your-mouth, and completely satisfying.
Unlike the original, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is coffee-free and easy to make alcohol-free as well. That means it’s a family-friendly dessert everyone can enjoy—including kids and guests who avoid caffeine or alcohol.
Simple, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with berry flavor, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is guaranteed to impress every time.
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Ingredients for Strawberry Tiramisu
For the Strawberry Layer:
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Optional: Strawberry liqueur or limoncello
For the Cream Layer:
- Mascarpone cheese
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: Cream cheese
For Assembly:
- Ladyfingers (savoiardi cookies)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Mint leaves
- White chocolate shavings
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Syrup
- Wash and hull strawberries, then slice them into quarters.
- Add strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan and simmer until strawberries break down.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, strain if desired, add liqueur if using, and allow to cool completely.
Make the Mascarpone Cream
- Beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, then fold into the mascarpone.
- Refrigerate the cream mixture briefly while preparing for assembly.
Assemble and Serve
- Dip ladyfingers quickly in the strawberry syrup and arrange in a layer in your dish, cover with half the cream mixture and fresh strawberries.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and remaining cream, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Before serving, decorate with fresh strawberries, white chocolate shavings, and mint leaves.
- Prepare the Strawberry Syrup: Simmer and blend strawberries with sugar, lemon, and water to create syrup.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: Whip mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers in syrup and layer with cream and strawberries.
Equipment For Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Blender or food processor
- Shallow dish for dipping ladyfingers
A glass dish works best for this strawberry tiramisu as it allows you to see the beautiful layers. If you don't have a trifle bowl, a clear glass baking dish works just as well.
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- The key to perfect strawberry tiramisu is in the dipping – too quick and the ladyfingers will be dry; too long and they'll fall apart. Aim for 2-3 seconds per side.
- For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries. Out of season? Try adding a tiny bit of strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberry powder to boost the flavor.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream – it'll whip up faster and fluffier.
- Make the strawberry syrup a day ahead to save time and allow the flavors to develop even more.
- For a more intensely pink syrup, add a few drops of natural red food coloring or blend in a few freeze-dried strawberries.
Recipe Variations
Vegan Strawberry Tiramisu
Replace mascarpone with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. Use vegan ladyfingers or layer with vegan vanilla cake instead.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free ladyfingers or substitute with gluten-free sponge cake cut into strips.
Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mascarpone mixture and layer with chocolate ladyfingers for a chocolate-covered strawberry effect.
Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu
Add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to the mascarpone cream for a beautiful color contrast and subtle earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
Strawberry Lemon Tiramisu
Add lemon zest to the mascarpone cream and a splash of limoncello to the strawberry syrup for a bright, citrusy version.
Individual Strawberry Tiramisu Cups
Assemble in clear glasses or mason jars for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
Storage
Fridge Storage
Strawberry tiramisu will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in your fridge.
Freezing Instructions
While you can freeze strawberry tiramisu, the texture of the fresh strawberries will change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider using only cooked strawberries in the layers. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dessert actually improves with time! Make it a day ahead of your event for the best flavor and texture. You can also prepare the components separately (strawberry syrup and mascarpone cream) up to 2 days ahead and assemble when ready.
My Grandmother’s Secret Touch
One thing my grandmother always believed: presentation is part of the magic. Her secret to the most beautiful Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe wasn’t just in the flavor—it was in the final touch. She used a springform pan lined with parchment to shape those creamy layers into something truly stunning. After a good chill, she'd gently release the sides to reveal perfect edges every time.
And here’s her favorite flourish: a few spoonfuls of that sweet strawberry syrup saved just for the end. She’d drizzle it lovingly on each plate before serving—adding a glossy, jewel-like finish that made the dessert look straight out of a French patisserie. It’s a small detail, but one that elevates your Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe from homemade to unforgettable.
FAQ
What is the secret to good tiramisu?
The secret to good strawberry tiramisu is properly balancing moisture and texture. Use room temperature mascarpone to prevent curdling, and fold it gently with whipped cream for airiness. Dip ladyfingers quickly—just 2-3 seconds per side—to avoid sogginess. Let your tiramisu chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly. Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor profile.
What are ladyfingers soaked in for tiramisu?
For strawberry tiramisu, ladyfingers are soaked in a homemade strawberry syrup instead of the traditional coffee mixture. This fruity syrup is made by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar, water, and lemon juice until reduced, then blending until smooth. For an adult version, add strawberry liqueur or limoncello to the syrup. The quick soak (2-3 seconds) infuses the ladyfingers with bright berry flavor without making them soggy.
What not to do when making tiramisu?
When making strawberry tiramisu, avoid over-soaking ladyfingers—this creates a mushy texture. Don't beat mascarpone too vigorously as it can curdle or become grainy. Never use cold mascarpone straight from the refrigerator. Don't rush the chilling process; skipping the 4+ hour setting time results in runny layers. Avoid using unripe strawberries, which lack flavor. Don't overmix when folding whipped cream into mascarpone or you'll lose the airy texture.
Is it better to use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu?
Hard, dry ladyfingers (savoiardi) are better for strawberry tiramisu than soft ones. They maintain structure when soaked in strawberry syrup without becoming too soggy. Their firmer texture creates distinct layers in the dessert and provides necessary support for the creamy mascarpone filling. Soft ladyfingers absorb too much liquid too quickly, resulting in a collapsed dessert with indistinct layers and mushy consistency.
A Sweet Ending You’ll Crave Again and Again
This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of making something unforgettable. With every creamy, berry-soaked bite, you’ll taste the harmony of classic Italian tradition and the brightness of fresh strawberries.
Whether you're sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a slice quietly on a sunny afternoon, this no-bake masterpiece is bound to become a new favorite. Its elegant layers, restaurant-worthy presentation, and kid-friendly charm make it a go-to for any season.
And if you’re in the mood for even more indulgent inspiration, don’t miss our Perfectly Tart Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe—a zesty showstopper with cloud-like peaks—or try the nostalgic comfort of Grandma’s Coconut Cream Pie with Graham Crust, another heirloom treasure that’s stood the test of time.
We’d love to see your version of this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tag us on social media with your stunning creations.
Happy no-baking—and even happier sharing.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Easy Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9×13-inch baking dish or trifle bowl Glass works best for showing off layers
- 1 Electric mixer or stand mixer To whip mascarpone and cream
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve For straining strawberry syrup if desired
- 1 Blender or food processor For puréeing strawberries
- 1 Shallow dish For dipping ladyfingers
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Syrup Layer:
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries Hulled and quartered
- ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1–2 tbsp Strawberry liqueur or limoncello Optional
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream Cold
- ⅓ cup Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 8 oz Mascarpone cheese Room temperature
- 2 oz Cream cheese Optional for added tang
For Assembly & Garnish:
- 20–24 Ladyfingers savoiardi Depending on dish size
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries Sliced for layering and topping
- 1–2 tbsp White chocolate shavings For garnish
- Few Mint leaves Optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, water; blend and cool
- Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form
- Fold whipped cream into mascarpone
- Quickly soak each side in cooled syrup
- Alternate soaked ladyfingers with cream and berries
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours
- Top with berries, mint, and white chocolate
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