A light, no-bake dessert bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Tiramisu combines layers of juicy berries, creamy filling, and soft ladyfingers for a beautiful, make-ahead treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tiramisu
This Strawberry Tiramisu is pure dessert joy. It’s light, fruity, and so easy to prepare. There’s no baking, no stress, just creamy layers of strawberries and fluffy whipped topping. Unlike the traditional version with coffee and mascarpone, this recipe uses tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry preserves for a brighter flavor. It’s ideal for summer parties or anytime you want a fresh twist on a classic. Plus, it looks beautiful layered in a clear dish, making it perfect for showing off at potlucks or family dinners. Since it’s best made ahead, it’s a convenient dessert that lets you relax while it chills and sets into creamy perfection.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Strawberry Tiramisu stands out because it’s simple, elegant, and full of flavor. The juicy strawberries mix with lemon juice and sugar to form a sweet syrup, perfectly balanced by the tangy cream cheese layer. Orange juice gives the ladyfingers a subtle citrus lift, keeping every bite soft and flavorful. What’s best is its versatility, since you can prepare it the night before, let it chill, and serve a cool, refreshing dessert the next day. Each spoonful is creamy, fruity, and irresistibly light.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and bright color to every layer. Choose ripe, fragrant ones for the best flavor and texture.
Sugar helps draw out the strawberry juices, creating a natural syrup that blends beautifully with the creamy filling.
Lemon juice adds brightness and a hint of tang that keeps the dessert balanced and fresh-tasting.
Cream cheese gives the filling a smooth, velvety base with just the right touch of tang. If you prefer a richer texture, mascarpone works perfectly.
Powdered sugar keeps the cream filling silky and sweet without any graininess.
Strawberry preserves bring concentrated berry flavor and help blend the cream cheese into a smooth, flavorful mixture.
Ladyfingers provide that classic tiramisu texture. They soften just enough to absorb flavor while still holding their shape.
Orange juice adds a refreshing twist and softens the ladyfingers lightly, keeping them tender but not soggy.
Cool Whip whipped topping gives the dessert its light, airy texture and makes layering a breeze.
Strawberry extract deepens the fruity flavor and adds a delicate aroma to the whipped layer.
Fresh strawberries for topping make the final presentation extra special with a pop of color and freshness.
You can easily substitute blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for strawberries. Each berry gives a unique twist and keeps the dessert colorful and fun.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
Prepare the Strawberries
Slice the strawberries and mix them gently with sugar and lemon juice. Let them rest for about 10 to 15 minutes until they release their natural syrup. This will be your sweet and juicy layer.
Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted strawberry preserves. Blend until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in a cup of whipped topping until it’s fluffy and light.
Flavor the Whipped Topping
Take the remaining whipped topping and stir in the strawberry extract. This step gives a subtle pink color and a deeper strawberry flavor that ties everything together.
Soak the Ladyfingers
Lightly drizzle orange juice over the ladyfingers to soften them slightly. Be careful not to soak them too long; you want them tender but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Assemble the Layers
In a deep 9×9 or 11×7 dish, spread half the cream cheese mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of ladyfingers, then spoon over half the strawberry mixture with syrup. Repeat with the remaining cream cheese layer, more ladyfingers, and the rest of the strawberries. Finish with the strawberry-flavored whipped topping spread evenly on top.
Chill and Serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the layers to set. Before serving, decorate with fresh strawberry slices. Each serving has around 303 calories, with 34 grams of carbs, 4 grams of protein, and 17 grams of fat.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Tiramisu
Always chill your tiramisu long enough to let the layers firm up and flavors develop. Avoid freezing since the texture changes when thawed. Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a more authentic Italian flavor. Warming the preserves slightly makes mixing easier and keeps the filling smooth. Choose a deep baking dish for neater layers and a beautiful presentation. Also, don’t over-soak the ladyfingers; a quick drizzle is enough to make them soft without turning mushy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Keep your tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best enjoyed cold and actually tastes even better after sitting overnight. Avoid freezing because the whipped topping can separate once thawed. For parties or holidays, make it a day ahead, chill overnight, and serve the next day when perfectly set.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Serve chilled straight from the fridge with extra strawberry slices or a drizzle of melted preserves. For a fresh twist, sprinkle on lemon zest or a few mint leaves. Add crushed graham crackers or white chocolate shavings for crunch. You can also make individual mini tiramisus in glass cups for easy serving. Try layering in different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful mix that’s just as delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a strawberry tiramisu?
It’s a no-bake dessert made with strawberries, a creamy filling, and soaked ladyfingers layered together.
Why do people like tiramisu?
Because it’s creamy, soft, and packed with balanced flavors in every bite.
How do you describe tiramisu?
It’s light, layered, and rich all at once, with creamy textures that melt in your mouth.
What is a fun fact about tiramisu?
The name “tiramisu” means “pick me up” in Italian, which fits this dessert’s delightful taste.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake for a fruity, creamy dessert
- Slutty Brownies – the ultimate layered treat
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake
- The Best Fudgy Chewy Brookies
- Lemon Bars Recipe – simple and fresh
Conclusion
This Strawberry Tiramisu is the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. It’s creamy, fruity, and so easy to put together. Whether it’s a family dinner, summer barbecue, or holiday celebration, this dessert always impresses. Make it ahead, chill it, and serve cold for a refreshing finish that everyone will love. For more dessert ideas, check out my Pinterest page for sweet inspiration.
Strawberry Tiramisu
Equipment
- Mixing bowls For preparing cream and strawberry mixtures
- electric mixer For blending cream cheese and preserves
- 9×9 inch deep baking dish For layering tiramisu
- Rubber spatula For folding and spreading layers evenly
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries, sliced and sweetened
- Sugar to bring out the berry juices
- Fresh lemon juice for brightness
- Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Powdered sugar for a smooth creamy texture
- Strawberry preserves, melted for easy blending
- Ladyfingers for layering
- Orange juice for lightly soaking the ladyfingers
- Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
- Strawberry extract for enhanced flavor
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 10–15 minutes until syrupy.
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted preserves until smooth. Fold in whipped topping for a creamy mixture.
- Stir strawberry extract into remaining whipped topping to create a light, flavored layer.
- Lightly drizzle orange juice over ladyfingers until softened but not soggy.
- In a deep dish, layer cream cheese mixture, ladyfingers, and strawberry mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with strawberry whipped topping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Top with fresh strawberries before serving.
