If you love classic Italian desserts but crave a fresh, fruity twist, you absolutely must try this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe. This delightful dessert combines the luscious creaminess of mascarpone with the bright, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries, creating a vibrant and irresistible treat. Perfect for warm days or any special occasion, the layers of sweetened strawberries, soft lady fingers soaked in strawberry pie filling, and fluffy mascarpone cream come together beautifully to deliver a heavenly experience with every bite. It’s a fresh take on tiramisu that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe brings together a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building those perfect layers of flavor and texture. From fresh strawberries that bring brightness and natural sweetness to rich mascarpone and fluffy whipped cream providing indulgent creaminess, every component works in harmony to make this dish unforgettable.
- Fresh strawberries: Hulling and slicing them releases fresh fruity brightness and natural sweetness to the dessert.
- White sugar: Helps macerate the strawberries, coaxing out their juices for a syrupy base.
- Lemon zest and juice: Adds a zesty punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Strawberry pie filling: Provides a thicker, slightly gelled texture for dipping ladyfingers and enhancing strawberry flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy hero that makes the tiramisu irresistibly smooth and rich.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture gently without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cream mixture.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for airiness and lightness that elevates the dessert.
- Ladyfingers: Classic tiramisu sponge fingers that soak up the strawberry pie filling without becoming soggy.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by combining your fresh sliced strawberries with white sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir everything gently and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes—this step allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, creating a fragrant syrup that’s the soul of this dessert.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Pie Filling Mixture
Mix the strawberry pie filling with a few tablespoons of the syrup from your macerated strawberries. This blend should be slightly thin; add a splash of water or lemon juice if needed. This luscious mixture is what you’ll quickly dip your ladyfingers into, soaking them in that quintessential strawberry flavor.
Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a separate bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This creates the decadent base for your creamy layers.
Step 4: Whip the Heavy Cream
Whip the heavy cream using a hand or stand mixer until you see stiff peaks forming. This fluffy texture is critical for lightening the mascarpone and making the tiramisu so delightfully airy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, keeping as much volume as possible.
Step 5: Dip the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into your strawberry pie filling mixture. The goal is to get each piece lightly coated without soaking them soggy, which keeps a wonderful texture throughout the dessert.
Step 6: Layer the Strawberry Tiramisu
Arrange a single layer of your dipped ladyfingers on the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. This foundation supports the creamy and fruity layers that follow.
Step 7: Add the Mascarpone Cream and Strawberries
Spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Then, sprinkle a layer of your macerated strawberries atop the cream, distributing them evenly for bursts of fresh flavor in every bite.
Step 8: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering with ladyfingers dipped in strawberry pie filling, mascarpone cream, and macerated strawberries, finishing with a final smooth layer of mascarpone cream on top. This layering technique creates a stunning dessert with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 9: Chill and Garnish
Cover your tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This chilling time lets all the flavors meld and the dessert set properly. Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar for that final touch of elegance.
How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe

Garnishes
Garnishing your Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is where you can get creative. Fresh strawberry slices on top not only add color but enhance that juicy freshness with every bite. A delicate dusting of powdered sugar finishes it with a touch of sweetness and visual charm, making it impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands on its own brilliantly, but if you want to add a little extra, consider serving it alongside a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a light lemon sorbet. Both provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint that complements the tiramisu’s creamy and fruity profile.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try assembling individual servings in pretty glass cups or stemmed dessert glasses. Layer the ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries visibly for a show-stopping effect. You can also add a sprig of mint or a thin slice of strawberry on top of each serving for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer servings to airtight containers to preserve the creamy texture and keep the strawberries fresh.
Freezing
While freezing tiramisu is possible, the fresh strawberries may lose some of their texture upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap the dish tightly and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to maintain the best quality.
Reheating
Because this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is served chilled, reheating is not recommended. The dish is at its best fresh and cold, where the flavors and textures are at their peak.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid that could make the dessert soggy.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary?
Mascarpone cheese is key to achieving that authentic creamy texture and rich flavor in tiramisu. You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with heavy cream in a pinch, but the results will differ slightly from the original lusciously smooth finish.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creaminess, but you could experiment with vegan mascarpone and coconut cream alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary, so choose quality dairy-free products for the best outcome.
How long should the tiramisu chill before serving?
Allow at least 4 hours for chilling, but overnight chilling is best. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the layers firm up perfectly, resulting in a beautifully textured dessert.
What’s the best way to slice and serve this tiramisu?
Use a sharp knife dipped briefly in hot water and wiped dry between slices for clean cuts that preserve the beautiful layers. Serve chilled with garnishes for maximum impact.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an inviting blend of creamy, fruity, and light that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find it turns into your most requested treat!
Print
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic tiramisu, this Strawberry Tiramisu layers fresh macerated strawberries, mascarpone cream, and strawberry-soaked ladyfingers for a refreshing, no-bake dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Strawberry Maceration
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling
Mascarpone Cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 lemon, zested
Assembly
- 1 package ladyfingers (about 24 pieces)
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries: Combine the sliced strawberries, white sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir and let sit for 20-30 minutes to release the juices and develop a sweet, tangy syrup.
- Prepare Strawberry Pie Filling Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the strawberry pie filling with 2-3 tablespoons of the syrup from the macerated strawberries. Add a splash of water or lemon juice if needed to thin the mixture slightly for easy dipping.
- Make Mascarpone Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest together until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In another large bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a light and fluffy cream.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the strawberry pie filling mixture, ensuring they are lightly coated but not soaked to avoid sogginess.
- Layer Ladyfingers: Arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form the base.
- Layer Cream and Strawberries: Spread a layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then add a layer of macerated strawberries over the cream.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process—ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and macerated strawberries—until the dish is full. Finish with a final layer of mascarpone cream on top. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Slice into 8 or 8.8 portions, serve chilled, and enjoy the fresh, fruity tiramisu.
Notes
- For best results, do not soak ladyfingers too long in the strawberry filling; a quick dip is sufficient to keep them from becoming mushy.
- Refrigerating overnight enhances flavor melding and texture.
- You can substitute strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberry puree if preferred.
- This recipe is a no-bake dessert, making it convenient for warm weather or when oven use is not desired.
- Maceration time for strawberries can be extended up to 1 hour for juicier berries.

