This delicious and easy Strawberry Tiramisu recipe is made with juicy strawberries, creamy mascarpone cheese and light and fluffy lady fingers. A tasty twist on the classic Italian recipe, this no bake, layered dessert is perfect for spring and summer and sure to impress!
Looking for more delicious strawberry recipes? Make sure to try my Mini Strawberry Pies, Strawberry Shortcake Recipe and Strawberry Shortcake Roulade!
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
This Strawberry Tiramisu recipe is a berry delicious twist on the classic Tiramisu made with espresso or coffee. This version combines scrumptious strawberries with a rich and creamy mascarpone and whipped cream filing that is perfectly complemented by the lady fingers. It’s a gorgeous layered dessert that is no bake and takes just minutes to put together. Truly the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Whether you’re looking to round out a holiday menu, planning a summertime party or serving this heavenly dessert for brunch, this delicious and refreshing Strawberry Tiramisu is the perfect choice! The lady fingers get coated in a combination of fresh strawberries with strawberry pie filling and then layered with a mascarpone and whipped cream filling. (I’ve included a recipe below on how to make your own strawberry filling if you prefer not to use the canned pie filling.)
This tiramisu recipe has a lot of the same elements as the traditional version but is lighter and perfect for spring and summer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Tiramisu recipe is a quick and easy, no-bake dessert that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor! There’s so many reasons to love this delicious tiramisu recipe:
Quick and easy. This recipe comes together so quickly and can be made in advance which makes it perfect for entertaining.
Versatile. This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap out strawberries for a different fruit. Try lemon or cheesecake instant pudding instead of white chocolate. Add a liqueur. The possibilities really are endless.
Suitable for any occasion. Fancy parties, holidays, brunch or just a weeknight treat, this sweet and refreshing dessert is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Strawberry Tiramisu Ingredients
This yummy no bake dessert is a fruity twist on the classic Italian favorite, featuring fresh strawberries, creamy mascarpone cheese and fluffy ladyfingers. Perfect for summertime parties, brunches, or any time you’re craving something sweet. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…
- fresh strawberries – The strawberries are combined with sugar and macerated to release all of their juice and sweetness. Fresh strawberries are the best choice for this recipe; however, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. I recommend thawing the frozen strawberries and draining well before using them.
- granulated sugar – Combined with the fresh strawberries to macerate the strawberries.
- strawberry pie filling – Provides additional strawberry flavor and creates a thicker consistency for the strawberry layer. I used canned strawberry pie filling in this recipe but have provided a homemade version in the post and recipe card that works perfectly.
- heavy whipping cream – The cream is whipped and then combined with the mascarpone to create a light yet rich layer.
- vanilla extract – Adds a lovely note of flavor and warmth to the mascarpone and whipped cream layer.
- powdered sugar – Used to sweeten the whipped cream and mascarpone layer.
- instant pudding mix – I used white chocolate instant pudding mix for mine but cheesecake, vanilla or lemon would also be delicious options. You need just six tablespoons of the pudding mix which is slightly less than one 3.4 ounce box.
- mascarpone cheese – A traditional ingredient in tiramisu recipes, mascarpone adds richness and creaminess to the dessert. Provides a rich and creamy base for the mascarpone layer.
- ladyfingers – Another traditional ingredient in tiramisu, these soft cookies add a soft texture to the dessert. I used these ladyfingers but any brand will work. If you cannot find Ladyfingers, you can substitute sponge cake, pound cake or angel food cake.
Garnish (Optional)
- strawberries – I used thinly sliced strawberries to top of this tiramisu but whole strawberries with a dusting of powdered sugar would also be beautiful.
How To Make Strawberry Tiramisu
Strawberry Layer
- Macerate strawberries. Combine the strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside for at least 10 minutes. Then, use a fork to gently smash the strawberries in the bowl. Add the strawberry pie filling and stir to combine. Set aside.
Mascarpone Layer
- Whipped cream. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract together until frothy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and pudding mix and continue beating at until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Mascarpone. Add half of the mascarpone cheese and beat into the cream mixture until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining mascarpone cheese and mix until fully combined and mixture is completely smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.
Assembly
- Prep. Lightly spray a 9 inch square baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- Layers. Dip the lady fingers in the strawberry mixture (I like to use tongs), turn to fully coat and then place in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the remaining strawberry mixture on top of the lady fingers. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the strawberry layer using an offset spatula.
- Repeat layers. Repeat, creating another layer of lady fingers, strawberry filling and finally the remaining mascarpone mixture, making sure to spread it into an even layer.
- Chill and serve. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. Top with sliced strawberries and/ or whipped cream, cut into squares and serve!
Storage Information
Store leftover Strawberry Tiramisu in the refrigerator, in airtight container, for up to 3 days. Likewise, if planning on making in advance, prepare the tiramisu, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 or 3 days before serving. I do not recommend freezing the tiramisu. The tiramisu is best enjoyed within 2 days of making.
Variations to Try
The classic Tiramisu recipe can be reimagined in so many different ways, including this delicious strawberry version. Here are some more variations to try – all of which are delicious!
- Chocolate Lovers. Swap out the strawberries for chocolate shavings or cocoa powder and use chocolate pudding mix instead of white chocolate.
- Berry-Licious. Don’t stop at strawberries. Use a variety of berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
- Lemon Lovers. Use lemon pudding mix and add some lemon zest and juice to the mascarpone layer.
Strawberry Filling Recipe
Not everyone wants to take the shortcut of store bought pie filling so here is an easy recipe for making strawberry pie filling from scratch:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine the strawberries and sugar in a large sauce pan and stir to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch and salt in a small bowl. Stir into the strawberries until combined. Stir in the water and turn the heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture has thickened and turns glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let cool to room temperature before using in the recipe.
This homemade strawberry pie filling is a great alternative to store-bought and can be used in a variety of recipes. It’s also a great way to use up fresh strawberries when they’re in season!
Frequently Asked Questions
I highly recommend fresh strawberries for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can be used but they need to be thawed and drained well before using.
I don’t recommend it as the texture and consistency will be negatively impacted.
So many flavors go perfectly with strawberries so it’s really up to use. Cheesecake is a delicious option as well as lemon. Vanilla and white chocolate are also wonderful choices.
Ladyfingers are traditionally used in tiramisu but sponge cake or pound cake are also great options.
Yes! This recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance but I find it is best within the first day or two.
Trish’s Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to let the strawberries macerate with the sugar for at least 10 minutes to help release their juices and create a thicker consistency for the strawberry layer.
- Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the mascarpone layer.
- Any size dish can be used for this recipe but keep in mind you may have to cut or tear the lady fingers into smaller pieces to fit the dish.
- Can’t find mascarpone cheese? Try a mixture of cream cheese and ricotta cheese instead.
More Sensational Strawberry Recipes
- Strawberry Sorbet
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Easy Strawberry Fluff
- Strawberry Sauce
- Strawberry Italian Soda
How To Make Strawberry Tiramisu
Strawberry Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 21 ounces strawberry pie filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar sifted
- 6 tablespoons instant pudding mix pick your favorite flavor: cheesecake, white chocolate, vanilla or lemon (a little less than one 3.4 ounce box)
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 12 ounces ladyfingers
Optional Garnishes
- sliced strawberries
- whipped cream
- powdered sugar
Instructions
Strawberry Layer
- Combine the strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside for at least 10 minutes. Then, use a fork to gently smash the strawberries in the bowl. Add the strawberry pie filling and stir to combine. Set aside.
Mascarpone Layer
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract together until frothy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and pudding mix and continue beating at until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add half of the mascarpone cheese and beat into the cream mixture until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining mascarpone cheese and mix until fully combined and mixture is completely smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.
Assembly
- Lightly spray a 9 inch square baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- Dip the lady fingers in the strawberry mixture (I like to use tongs), turn to fully coat and then place in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the strawberry mixture on top of the lady fingers.
- Transfer half of the mascarpone mixture to the baking dish and gently spread on top of the strawberry layer using an offset spatula.
- Repeat the last three steps creating another layer of lady fingers, strawberry filling and finally the remaining mascarpone mixture, making sure to spread it into an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, top with sliced strawberries and/or whipped cream, cut into squares and serve!
Notes
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Combine the strawberries and sugar in a large sauce pan and stir to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch and salt in a small bowl. Stir into the strawberries until combined. Stir in the water and turn the heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture has thickened and turns glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let cool to room temperature before using in the recipe.
Whitney Jarrett says
This was an Easter Sunday hit. I used the cheesecake pudding mix which turned out very well! What a delicious recipe to add to my collection! Thank you!