This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a twist on the classic dessert. It layers delicious ladyfingers soaked in coffee with smooth mascarpone cheese and juicy raspberries. Yummy!
What’s great is that the tartness of the raspberries balances the creaminess so well! I often sneak in extra fruit—who can resist? 🍓😋
It’s super simple to whip up! Just layer everything in a dish and let it chill in the fridge. Perfect for warm days when you want something refreshing and sweet!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Raspberries: These berries bring a bright, tart flavor to the dessert. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen raspberries. Just thaw them beforehand and drain excess liquid.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute it with whipped cream cheese, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Heavy Cream: Use this for a smooth and fluffy texture in the mascarpone cream. If you need a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead, but it won’t be quite as rich.
Coffee Liqueur: While this adds depth, you can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic treat. Alternatively, a splash of vanilla extract or almond syrup can enhance the flavor.
Ladyfinger Cookies: If you can’t find ladyfingers, sponge cake or pound cake cut into strips will work well as a substitute. Just adjust the soaking time!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for the Mascarpone Cream?
The mascarpone cream is the star layer of this tiramisu, so achieving the right texture is key. Follow these steps to ensure it’s light and creamy:
- Start with cold mascarpone cheese for easy whipping.
- Use a chilled mixing bowl and beaters to help the cream whip up faster.
- Combine all cream ingredients and whip until soft peaks form, which means it will hold its shape but still be fluffy. Avoid over-beating, or it will become grainy.
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup water
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
For Assembly:
- 12-14 ladyfinger cookies
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Additional raspberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious raspberry tiramisu will take about 30 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to chill it for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. A little patience goes a long way with this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, mix together 2 cups of fresh raspberries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of water. Place it over medium heat and stir gently as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready in about 5-7 minutes when the raspberries break down and the sauce thickens up. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool.
2. Make the Mascarpone Cream:
Grab a mixing bowl and add 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip this mixture until you get soft peaks and it looks creamy and well combined. This will be the luscious layer of your tiramisu!
3. Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of cooled strong brewed coffee and 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur if you’re using it. Allow this to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu:
Now comes the fun part! Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the coffee mixture for just 1-2 seconds. Make sure not to soak them too long, or they will end up mushy! Arrange a layer of these soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a rectangular dish.
5. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers. Then, drizzle half of your raspberry sauce over that creamy layer. Repeat this process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone cream, and top it off with the last of the raspberry sauce.
6. Chill:
Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, that’s even better for the flavors to blend deliciously!
7. Serve:
Before you serve your tiramisu, sprinkle some lemon zest on top, and add lemon slices and a few extra raspberries for garnish. Slice it up and enjoy your refreshing and delightful raspberry tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. The texture might be a bit softer, but they’ll still taste delicious in the sauce and as a garnish!
How to Substitute for Mascarpone Cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can make a substitute by mixing equal parts of cream cheese and heavy cream. Blend them until smooth and creamy to replicate the texture. Another option is cottage cheese blended until smooth, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Coffee or Liqueur?
Absolutely! You can replace the coffee and liqueur with milk or a non-caffeinated coffee alternative. Just remember to reduce the amount of sugar slightly if using sweetened alternatives to keep the balance right.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors will continue to develop and be tasty for a couple of days!
