This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a fruity twist on the classic dessert. Soft ladyfingers soaked in coffee, layered with creamy mascarpone, and dotted with fresh raspberries make it irresistible!
Who knew tiramisu could taste so refreshing? I love serving this chilled treat on warm days. It’s like a hug in dessert form! 🍓😉 Just try not to eat it all at once!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are key for this recipe. If they aren’t available, you can use frozen raspberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Sugar: The granulated sugar helps sweeten the raspberries and the mascarpone mixture. For a healthier option, you can substitute with honey or a sugar alternative like stevia, keeping in mind that taste and sweetness may vary.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the tiramisu its creamy texture. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but it might not whip up as fluffy. Some even use coconut cream for a non-dairy alternative!
Mascarpone Cheese: This is essential for that classic, rich tiramisu flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can make a substitute using cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream, but the taste will differ slightly.
Ladyfinger Cookies: Traditional tiramisu uses ladyfingers (savoiardi). If these are hard to find, consider using pound cake or sponge cake cut into strips as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Whipped Cream Is Perfect?
Whipping cream can be tricky, but getting it just right is crucial for this tiramisu. Start with cold equipment—chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand for best results.
- Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl.
- Beat on medium speed until you see soft peaks. This means the cream holds its shape but isn’t too stiff. Keep an eye on it, as overbeating will turn it buttery!
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Raspberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Crushed raspberries for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (divided)
For the Ladyfinger Layers:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- ¼ cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 12-14 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful raspberry tiramisu will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. It’s best if you can let it sit overnight for the flavors to meld together—perfect for a special occasion or a refreshing dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Puree:
In a medium bowl, mash the fresh raspberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Use a fork to create a chunky puree. Be sure to set aside about ¼ cup of this mixture for decorating later. This will give your tiramisu a lovely touch!
2. Whip the Cream:
In a separate large bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Whip it using a hand mixer or a whisk until soft peaks form. This means the cream should hold a peak when you lift the whisk out!
3. Make the Cream Mixture:
Add the mascarpone cheese, the remaining ¼ cup of sugar, and the vanilla extract to your whipped cream. Gently fold everything together until it looks smooth and creamy. Take your time with this step to keep it light and fluffy!
4. Dip the Ladyfingers:
In a shallow dish, mix the cooled brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur (if you’re using it). Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this coffee mixture; make sure they’re soaked but not falling apart. A quick dip on each side is perfect.
5. Layer Everything Together:
Grab a rectangular dish for assembling your tiramisu. Start by laying half of your soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then add half of the raspberry puree on top. Yum!
6. Repeat the Layers:
Now it’s time for another round! Layer the remaining ladyfingers, followed by the rest of the mascarpone mixture, and finish with the last of the raspberry puree. This will create a beautiful layered dessert.
7. Chill for Best Flavor:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Patience here will pay off with delicious flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your tiramisu, take it out of the fridge. Spread the reserved raspberry puree on top and garnish with extra fresh raspberries and lemon slices. Serve it up and watch everyone fall in love with this refreshing dessert!
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing raspberry tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery tiramisu. You may want to mash them while they’re still slightly frozen for easier purification.
What Can I Use Instead of Coffee Liqueur?
If you prefer not to use coffee liqueur, you can substitute it with an extra splash of brewed coffee or a bit of vanilla extract to maintain flavor without the alcohol. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Tiramisu actually tastes better when it sits for a while, allowing the flavors to meld. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember that the ladyfingers may become softer over time, but the dish will still be delicious!
