The Best Tiramisu Dessert Recipe with Strawberries

The Best Tiramisu Dessert Recipe with Strawberries is a sophisticated fusion of the beloved Italian tiramisu and a moist, beautifully shaped Bundt cake.

Each slice reveals a marbled effect of coffee-soaked lady fingers and cream filling topped with fresh strawberries. This no bake dessert is perfect for dinner parties or as a luxurious treat for coffee and dessert lovers.

Why I love The Best Tiramisu Dessert Recipe with Strawberries

Making tiramisu with strawberries is a delicious twist on the authentic tiramisu recipe. But it still has the delicious layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

The Bundt shaped dessert is soft and moist, thanks to the incorporation of mascarpone cheese, whipped cream and coffee, providing a luxurious texture.

Slices of fresh strawberries adorn the cake, adding a burst of color and freshness. The sweetness and slight tartness of the strawberries complement the rich coffee and mascarpone flavors.

This coffee-flavored dessert with strawberries captures the essence of a classic tiramisu recipe while presenting it in a novel, cake form. It brings a sense of nostalgia while offering a new and exciting way to enjoy classic flavors.

Enjoying this classic Italian dessert (with a twist) feels like a gourmet experience, akin to having a sophisticated dessert at a high-end restaurant, yet it’s homemade and filled with love.

It's a delicious twist on the authentic Italian tiramisu recipe with the addition of strawberries. A great recipe for anyone that loves tiramisu.

What you need

Ingredient Notes

Heavy Cream - Use heavy whipping cream for this recipe. Whip it just before assembling dessert for the best texture.

Mascarpone Cheese - Ensure your mascarpone cheese is fresh and at room temperature for a smooth, creamy texture.

Powdered Sugar - Taste and adjust the sugar level in the whipped cream according to your preference.

Vanilla Extract - Always opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla. Pure vanilla extract is made from real vanilla beans and alcohol, providing a richer and more complex flavor.

Lady Finger Cookies - Choose high-quality ladyfinger cookies for the best texture and flavor. (The coffee or espresso-dipped ladyfingers are what makes this a classic tiramsu recipe.)

Brewed Coffee - Use freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso for a robust flavor. Avoid using weak coffee as it can result in a less flavorful tiramisu. Instant coffee can work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as rich.

Fresh Strawberries - Use ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Overly ripe strawberries can become mushy and watery. Do not use frozen strawberries.

How to make The Best Tiramisu Dessert Recipe with Strawberries

• Line Bundt pan with plastic wrap. Place a layer of sliced strawberries on bottom and up sides. Set aside.

• In large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, whip cream to stiff peaks with an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Add sugar, vanilla extract and creamy mascarpone. Beat until combined. Place mascarpone mixture in piping bag, cut opening. Pipe a layer of this creamy mixture onto strawberries. Smooth slightly with spatula or back of spoon. Top with 5 cookies (first quickly dip cookies in coffee, then place on cream). Pipe more creamy filling, smooth with spoon. Add another layer of ladyfingers (about 10 cookies that have been dipped in coffee). Top with more cream. Smooth and add remaining cookies dipped in coffee (fit as many as you can). Top with plastic wrap and tightly seal on sides. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

• To serve, invert onto a large dessert plate or cake stand. Slice and serve immediately. Store in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

• For best results, use very fresh, high-quality ingredients. Use high-quality mascarpone cheese, and good espresso or strong coffee. Use Fresh, High-Quality Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Fresh and high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the taste.

• Properly Soak the Ladyfingers: Dip the ladyfingers quickly in coffee or coffee liqueur They should be moist but not soggy, so they retain some texture.

• Try using coffee liqueur instead of coffee if you prefer. It can add a little extra coffee flavor with a hint of alcohol taste to the dessert.

• Strawberry Arrangement: Arrange the strawberries artistically in the bottom of the Bundt pan, ensuring even coverage for both flavor and visual appeal.

​• Allow the tiramisu to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight. This lets the flavors meld together and the dessert set properly.

• Keep the assembled cake refrigerated until ready to serve. This helps maintain the structure and enhances the flavors as they meld together.

• When cutting the dessert to serve, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

• For garnishing, add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh mint sprig on each serving plate for a beautiful presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this traditional tiramisu recipe with strawberries ahead of time? Yes, you can make this easy tiramisu recipe ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store the cake in the refrigerator and add the strawberries just before serving.

How do I prevent the ladyfingers from getting too soggy? Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee (or coffee liqueur, if using), ensuring they are moist but not drenched. A brief dip of 1-2 seconds on each side should be enough.

How long will this cake last? The cake will last for up to 3-4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I use frozen strawberries? No, frozen strawberries will not work in this recipe.

Can I use coffee liqueur? Yes, you can use coffee liqueur if you prefer to use alcohol. The cake will have a rich coffee flavor with the addition of coffee liqueur.

What type of lady fingers should I use for this classic Italian tiramisu with strawberries? Use Italian Savoiardi lady fingers for the best texture. They are firm and absorb liquid without becoming too mushy.

Can I make this popular Italian dessert gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free ladyfinger cookies. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese? If you can't find mascarpone, you can use a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt as a substitute. However, the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

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