This fresh raspberry tiramisu is a light and fruity twist on the classic dessert. With layers of creamy mascarpone, delicious coffee, and juicy raspberries, it’s a treat for the eyes and taste buds!
Honestly, who can resist a dessert that looks this pretty? 😍 I love serving it in clear dishes so everyone can see the colorful layers. Perfect for impressing friends or just treating myself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Raspberries: Raspberries are key for flavor and color. If they are out of season or too expensive, consider using frozen raspberries. Just thaw them and drain extra juice before use.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese gives the tiramisu its rich texture. If you’re looking for lower fat options, you can use cream cheese with a bit of sour cream mixed in, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Heavy Cream: This adds lightness to your filling. If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead, but be aware it’ll change the taste and texture.
Ladyfingers: These sponge cookies are essential for layering. If you can’t find them, sponge cake cut into strips or even a soft cake like pound cake can work as a substitute.
Espresso: Strong coffee gives a nice depth to the dessert. You can swap it with strong brewed tea for a caffeine-free option but expect a different flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Tiramisu Without Soggy Ladyfingers?
Getting the ladyfingers just right is crucial to the dessert’s structure. Dipping them quickly in espresso is the key. Here’s how:
- Have your cooled espresso ready in a shallow dish for easy dipping.
- Quickly dunk each ladyfinger, making sure they are coated but not soaked. This prevents them from becoming too soggy.
- Layer them tightly in your serving dish, ensuring minimal gaps.
- Keep those layers neat as it helps the dessert hold its shape when you serve it!
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt
For the Ladyfinger Layer:
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies (about 24-30 cookies)
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful raspberry tiramisu will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours for chilling in the fridge. It’s a simple process of mixing, layering, and letting the flavors develop—perfect for an afternoon treat or a special gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Sauce:
Start by mashing the fresh raspberries in a medium bowl using a fork. Mix in 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the raspberries to release their delicious juices, creating a lovely raspberry sauce.
2. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes thick and holds stiff peaks. This will give your tiramisu that creamy texture we all love!
3. Prepare the Ladyfingers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you prefer to toast the ladyfingers for extra crunch; if not, you can skip this step. For a crunchy texture, lightly toast the ladyfingers in the oven for a few minutes—just be careful not to burn them!
4. Assemble the Layers:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso. Try not to soak them too long! Once dipped, layer them at the bottom of your serving dish. Next, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly. Then, drizzle half of the raspberry sauce over the cream layer.
5. Finish Layering:
Repeat the layering process with another set of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture, and finally pour on the remaining raspberry sauce. This creates beautiful layers that look as good as they taste!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and allows the dessert to set. Before serving, give it a fun touch by garnishing with some fresh raspberries and extra lemon zest if you like!
Enjoy your deliciously refreshing raspberry tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. Keep in mind that frozen raspberries may be slightly softer and may create a more liquidy sauce, so adjust the sugar to taste if needed.
What Can I Substitute for Mascarpone Cheese?
If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, a great substitute is a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream. Combine 1 cup of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of heavy cream, mixing until smooth. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Leftover tiramisu should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits! Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it drying out.
Can I Make This Tiramisu Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free ladyfinger cookies, which are now available at many grocery stores. Just ensure all other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a scrumptious gluten-free dessert!
