Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe

When I first made this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe for a summer get-together, I knew it would become a seasonal favorite. It’s a fresh take on the classic Italian dessert—no coffee, no cocoa—just layers of juicy strawberries, pillowy mascarpone cream, and soft ladyfingers that soak up every bit of flavor. This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is completely no-bake, easy to assemble, and perfect for those warm days when you want something chilled and sweet but still impressive.

I love how it keeps all the rich, creamy texture of the original while feeling so much lighter and fruit-forward. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just treating yourself, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe delivers that wow-factor without the fuss. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be looking for any excuse to make it again.

Why This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe Works

This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe has become one of my most requested desserts, and honestly, I love how effortlessly it comes together. The mascarpone and whipped cream give it that luscious tiramisu feel, but it’s the fresh strawberries that steal the show—bringing just the right amount of natural sweetness and that pretty pop of color. What I really appreciate about this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is how forgiving it is: no raw eggs, no espresso, no stress.

It’s perfect for spring brunches, summer dinners, or a sweet Mother’s Day moment, and since it’s a no-bake recipe, it actually tastes even better after a night in the fridge. If you're looking for a lighter twist on a classic, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds—and then the recipe.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations and Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• The Secret That Changed My Strawberry Tiramisu Forever
• FAQ
• Why This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite (Plus More Twists to Try)
• Related
• Pairing
• Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Mascarpone Cream:

• 1 pound mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 2 packages (7 oz each) ladyfinger biscuits
• ½ cup strawberry juice (from macerated berries)
• Additional sliced strawberries for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Substitution Notes: If you can't find mascarpone cheese, you can substitute with cream cheese, though the texture will be slightly different. For a lighter version, replace half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Those avoiding refined sugar can use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Base Components

1. Combine your sliced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix gently and let them sit for about 30 minutes to macerate.
2. While strawberries are macerating, whisk the mascarpone cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Don't overwhip – you want it creamy, not stiff.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until just combined. Reserve about ½ cup of the strawberry juice from the macerated berries for assembly.

Build the First Layer

1. In a 9x13 inch dish or large trifle bowl, quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the reserved strawberry juice – just a brief dip on each side so they soften but don't fall apart.
2. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer covering the bottom of your dish.
3. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the soaked ladyfingers, creating an even layer.
4. Top with half of the macerated strawberries, including some of their juices for extra flavor.

Complete the Layering

1. Add another layer of strawberry juice-dipped ladyfingers over the strawberries, arranging them evenly.
2. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream mixture over the second layer of ladyfingers.
3. Top with the rest of the macerated strawberries and any remaining strawberry juices.
4. Arrange additional fresh strawberry slices on top for garnish, and add mint leaves if desired.

Chill and Serve Your Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe

1. Cover your strawberry tiramisu with plastic wrap, making sure it doesn't touch the surface.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for best results.
3. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together and gives the ladyfingers time to fully soften, creating that perfect tiramisu texture.
4. Cut into squares and serve chilled, garnishing individual portions with extra berries if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Tiramisu

The key to amazing strawberry tiramisu lies in not over-soaking the ladyfingers – they should be moist but still hold their shape. Make sure your mascarpone is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. When folding the whipped cream into mascarpone, use gentle movements to keep the mixture light and airy.

For the best flavor, choose strawberries that are fully ripe and fragrant. If your strawberries aren't very sweet, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the macerating mixture. The longer you let this chilled dessert sit, the better it gets, so don't hesitate to make it a day ahead.

Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe

This mascarpone strawberry dessert offers some nutritional benefits thanks to the fresh strawberries, which are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. While it's still an indulgent treat, it's lighter than many traditional desserts since it's not loaded with butter or heavy chocolate.

Serve this summer Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe alongside fresh berries, a light mint tea, or sparkling water with lemon. It pairs beautifully after grilled fish or chicken dinners, and it's perfect for outdoor entertaining since it's already chilled and ready to serve.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This strawberry Italian dessert is wonderfully adaptable. Try mixing in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version. For a strawberry shortcake tiramisu twist, add a layer of crumbled shortbread cookies. You can also make individual portions in glasses or mason jars for a more elegant presentation.

For those following special diets, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe can be modified to be gluten-free by using gluten-free ladyfingers, or made lighter by substituting some of the mascarpone with Greek yogurt. The strawberry syrup can be reduced in sugar or sweetened with natural alternatives.

Equipment

While you don't need specialized equipment for this no-bake summer treat, a few tools will make the process easier. A large mixing bowl and electric mixer help create the perfect whipped cream texture. A 9x13 inch glass baking dish shows off the beautiful layers, though individual glasses work beautifully too. A fine-mesh strainer is helpful if you want to strain the strawberry juice for a cleaner look.

Storage

Store your finished strawberry tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve over time, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties. This dessert doesn't freeze well due to the fresh strawberries and cream, so plan to enjoy it within a few days of making.

If you have leftover mascarpone cream, it keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days and makes a delicious fruit dip or spread for toast.

FAQ

Why This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite (Plus More Twists to Try)

This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe proves that you don’t need fancy techniques to make something unforgettable. With just a few simple steps and fresh, quality ingredients, you get a creamy, fruity, no-bake dessert that truly shines. It’s the kind of dish that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better the next day—perfect for summer parties, holidays, or just because. And if you’re as obsessed with twist-on-classic tiramisu as I am, don’t miss my tropical Mango Tiramisu for a sunshine-bright version, or go rich and fudgy with my decadent Tiramisu Brownies. Once you master this recipe, you’ll want to try them all!

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe :