This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a lovely twist on the classic dessert. It layers fluffy mascarpone cheese with sweet ladyfingers and tart raspberries for a perfect treat!
I love how the bright raspberries pop in this dish—so colorful and refreshing! It’s a great way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Perfect for sunny days! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Raspberries: These berries are the star of your tiramisu, bringing sweetness and a beautiful color. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen raspberries, just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese gives the dessert its signature texture. If you can’t find it, a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream can work as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Heavy Cream: This is used to whip and add volume to the mascarpone mixture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Ladyfinger Cookies (Savoiardi): These cookies soak up the coffee and provide structure. If you cannot find them, you can use sponge cake or even homemade ladyfingers, but keep in mind they need to be light and airy.
Coffee Liqueur: While optional, this adds a nice flavor depth. If you prefer to skip it, you can just increase the coffee instead. Or use a flavored syrup to give your mocktail a twist.
How Do I Get the Creamy Texture Just Right?
Creating that perfectly creamy texture in your tiramisu relies on properly whipping the mascarpone and heavy cream mixture. Too much whipping can lead to a grainy texture, so be gentle.
- When whipping, start on low speed to blend your mascarpone and sugars before increasing to medium speed. Stop whipping once you see soft peaks.
- Incorporate the whipped cream gently with a spatula to maintain its lightness. This is key for a fluffy tiramisu!
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Raspberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ladyfinger Layer:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
For Garnishing:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Additional lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge. The layers of flavors and textures meld beautifully as it sets, making it well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Mixture:
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh raspberries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
2. Make the Cream Layer:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to whip this mixture until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it; we want it creamy and fluffy!
3. Mix the Coffee:
In another shallow dish, mix the cooled coffee with coffee liqueur, if you’re using it. This will serve as the flavor base for your ladyfingers.
4. Dip the Ladyfingers:
Take each ladyfinger and quickly dip it into the coffee mixture for about 1-2 seconds. Make sure they absorb the coffee but don’t get too soggy!
5. Layer the Dish:
In a square or rectangular dish, arrange a layer of the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Next, spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, ensuring an even layer. Then add half of the cooled raspberry mixture on top of the mascarpone.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Create another layer of soaked ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Top this with the rest of the raspberry mixture. It’s going to look beautiful!
7. Chill Time:
Cover your dish and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This is key for the flavors to meld together wonderfully!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, garnish your tiramisu with fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a few slices of lemon for a nice touch. Once it’s beautifully decorated, slice into pieces and serve chilled.
Enjoy your fresh raspberry tiramisu! It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid before cooking. Keep in mind that the texture may be a bit softer than fresh, but they’ll work beautifully in the sauce!
How to Make This Tiramisu Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the mascarpone cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or cashew-based cream, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Just ensure all your ingredients are dairy-free and follow the rest of the instructions as is!
Can I Prepare Tiramisu in Advance?
Absolutely! Tiramisu can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight helps the flavors blend beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for a great treat later on! Just remember to enjoy it chilled for the best texture and flavor.
