This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic! With layers of soft mascarpone cheese, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and sweet raspberries, it just bursts with flavor.
I love how light and fruity it feels—perfect for a hot day! Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Just make it ahead and relax! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add bright flavor to this dessert. If they’re not available, you can use other berries like strawberries or blueberries, or even thawed frozen raspberries. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid.
Granulated Sugar: This recipe uses sugar to sweeten both the raspberries and whipping cream. You could use honey or maple syrup as alternatives, but you’ll need to adjust the quantities since they’re sweeter than sugar.
Mascarpone Cheese: Authentic tiramisu usually contains mascarpone. If you can’t find it, a blend of cream cheese and sour cream can work, but it’ll change the flavor a bit. You can also use ricotta for a lighter option.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient is essential for the creaminess. If you want a lighter dessert, you could use half-and-half instead, but the texture might be less rich.
Ladyfinger Cookies: Traditional ladyfingers are great, but you can use sponge cake or even homemade cookies if you’re feeling ambitious. Just make sure they can soak up the coffee without falling apart.
How Do I Make Sure My Whipping Cream Reaches the Right Texture?
Whipping cream can be tricky! Start with cold heavy cream to help it whip up nicely. Use a clean bowl and whisk to avoid any unwanted flavors. Here’s how to achieve those perfect peaks:
- Whip the cream on medium speed until you see soft peaks – the cream should hold a gentle shape.
- Gradually add sugar and vanilla while continuing to whip. Increase speed to high.
- Watch closely for stiff peaks—this is when the cream holds its shape well when you lift the whisk. Don’t overwhip, or it might turn buttery.
A tip: Always make sure your bowl is grease-free to get the best results. This will help your cream whip better!
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Raspberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For The Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Assembly:
- 1 cup espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll spend a little time mashing raspberries, whipping cream, and layering tasty ingredients, and then just let it chill for the flavors to blend. It’s a delightful dessert that’s totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the fresh raspberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Use a fork to gently mash the raspberries a little, just enough to release their juicy goodness. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes so the flavors develop.
2. Make the Cream Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until you see soft peaks forming. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract while continuing to whisk until the cream thickens to stiff peaks. Now, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until everything is combined well and creamy.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu:
Take each ladyfinger and quickly dip it into the cooled espresso or coffee. Make sure they get moistened but don’t soak them too long. Place half of the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in the bottom of an 8×8 inch dish.
4. Layer the Cream and Raspberry:
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers. Then, drizzle half of the raspberry mixture on top of the mascarpone. This will create a beautiful and tasty first layer of your tiramisu!
5. Repeat Layers:
Now, add another layer of the espresso-soaked ladyfingers on top, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Finally, top this off with the remaining raspberry mixture—what a treat!
6. Chill:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time is key for letting all those delicious flavors mix together.
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the tiramisu out of the fridge. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries if you’d like an extra pop of color. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy your delightful Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and gently drain any excess liquid to avoid making the tiramisu too watery. You might want to reduce the sugar a bit since frozen berries can sometimes be sweeter.
How Can I Make This Tiramisu Alcohol-Free?
No problem at all! Simply replace the espresso or coffee with a strong decaffeinated version. If you want to add some flavor, try mixing in a bit of vanilla extract or a splash of almond extract to enhance the taste without any alcohol.
Can I Prepare Tiramisu a Day in Advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead can enhance the flavors. Just assemble the tiramisu and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Store any leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
