Easy Strawberry Tiramisu

3 Shares

This Easy Strawberry Tiramisu is a no-bake summer spin on the classic Italian dessert. Layered with ladyfingers dipped in honey-ginger syrup, luscious whipped mascarpone cream, sweet strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries, it’s a vibrant and refreshing treat. With a touch of Aperol and vanilla, this tiramisu is fruity, floral, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. It’s also make-ahead friendly and ideal for brunch, parties, or just a little indulgence.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Tiramisu:

  • 4 large egg yolks (cold)

  • 16 oz mascarpone (cold)

  • ½ cup heavy cream, divided

  • ⅓ cup honey

  • 2 tbsp Aperol (optional)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp ground ginger

  • 24 ladyfingers (about 7 oz package)

  • ½ cup + 3 tbsp strawberry jam

  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

  • Optional topping: freeze-dried raspberries (crushed)

For the Ginger Syrup:

  • ½ cup water

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • Sliced fresh ginger (to taste)

  • 2–3 chamomile tea bags (optional)

Directions

  1. Make the Ginger Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water, honey, and ginger. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, add chamomile tea bags, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: In a bowl, mix egg yolks, mascarpone, ¼ cup cream, honey, Aperol, vanilla, and ginger until just combined and lightly whipped (no more than 2 minutes).

  3. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip remaining ¼ cup cream to soft peaks. Gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.

  4. Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the ginger syrup (don’t soak), then arrange a single layer in a 9×9″ baking dish.

  5. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

  6. Spoon ½ cup of strawberry jam in dollops over the cream, then top with a layer of sliced strawberries.

  7. Repeat: dip and layer the remaining ladyfingers, spread the rest of the cream on top, and smooth.

  8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  9. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top with 2–3 tbsp jam, fresh strawberries, and crushed freeze-dried raspberries if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 423

  • Fat: ~27g

  • Saturated Fat: ~15g

  • Carbohydrates: ~35g

  • Sugar: ~22g

  • Protein: ~6g

  • Sodium: ~85mg

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tiramisu

There’s a lot to adore about this beautiful twist on tiramisu:

  • No-bake and make-ahead friendly—ideal for busy hosts and summer heat

  • Fruity and floral flavors replace coffee for a refreshing, uplifting spin

  • Balanced sweetness thanks to honey, strawberries, and light mascarpone

  • Silky, creamy texture paired with juicy berries and syrup-soaked ladyfingers

  • Elevated with hints of ginger, Aperol, and vanilla for added complexity

  • Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to sophisticated brunches

Plus, the color alone—layers of ivory mascarpone, ruby jam, and fresh strawberries—makes it a stunning addition to any dessert table.

Flavor and Texture Profile

This strawberry tiramisu delivers a symphony of textures and nuanced flavors:

  • Mascarpone cream is smooth and luxurious, with a light honeyed sweetness and floral undertones

  • Ladyfingers softened in ginger-honey syrup provide structure and mild spice

  • Strawberry jam and fresh slices add juicy bursts of sweetness and bright acidity

  • Aperol and chamomile (optional) bring bitter-orange and herbal depth, elevating the whole dessert

  • Freeze-dried raspberries (if used) provide tangy crunch and vibrant garnish

The balance of rich creaminess, gentle sweetness, and fruity brightness makes this tiramisu feel both indulgent and refreshing.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Tiramisu

To get the most flavor and ideal texture, keep these tips in mind:

  • Don’t soak ladyfingers—a quick dip in the ginger syrup is enough to soften them without making them mushy

  • Use cold mascarpone and eggs to keep the cream mixture from becoming too loose

  • Fold whipped cream gently to maintain airiness in the mascarpone layer

  • For added depth, steep chamomile in the syrup, but remove before assembling to keep flavors subtle

  • Let the tiramisu chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for best set and flavor development

A decorative top layer with strawberries and crushed freeze-dried fruit makes this tiramisu pop with color and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is best served chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for summer evenings. Serve it:

  • In a 9×9″ glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers

  • As individual trifles in glasses or jars for a modern presentation

  • With extra whipped cream or mascarpone on the side for a plated dessert feel

  • Paired with a glass of sparkling rosé or iced chamomile tea to complement the flavors

It’s equally at home on an elegant brunch buffet or as the grand finale to a garden dinner party.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This tiramisu is a dream for planning ahead:

  • Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored, covered, in the fridge

  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

  • Do not freeze—cream-based desserts lose their smooth texture when thawed

  • Garnish just before serving to preserve the visual appeal and freshness of the fruit

If preparing for a party, layer it in a disposable tray with a lid for easy transport and serving.

Creative Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable. Try these ideas:

Lemon Berry Tiramisu
– Replace lime juice with lemon and use lemon zest in the syrup
– Swap strawberries with blueberries and raspberries

Tropical Tiramisu
– Use mango puree instead of jam
– Dip ladyfingers in coconut milk with ginger and vanilla

Boozy Brunch Tiramisu
– Add more Aperol or a splash of Limoncello to the syrup
– Garnish with candied orange peel

Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu
– Add crumbled shortbread cookies between layers
– Drizzle fresh strawberry compote over the top before serving

Vegan or Dairy-Free Version
– Use coconut cream and dairy-free mascarpone
– Swap ladyfingers for vegan sponge cake slices

These variations let you adapt the dessert for different seasons, flavor preferences, or dietary needs.

Health and Nutritional Notes

This dessert, while indulgent, is composed of simple, whole ingredients:

  • Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants

  • Mascarpone and cream offer calcium and protein

  • Sweetened with natural honey instead of refined sugar

  • Each serving contains approximately:
    – 423 calories
    – 27g fat (15g saturated)
    – 35g carbohydrates
    – 6g protein

To lighten it up, use:

  • Reduced-fat mascarpone or substitute half with Greek yogurt

  • Less jam or use fresh macerated strawberries instead

  • Sugar-free or reduced-sugar ladyfingers

Conclusion

This Easy Strawberry Tiramisu captures the essence of summer in every luscious bite. With vibrant berries, fragrant ginger syrup, and a mascarpone cream that melts in your mouth, it’s a no-bake dessert that feels effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, picnic, or evening celebration, it’s sure to turn heads and delight taste buds.

Its balance of creamy, fruity, and floral notes make it a standout among summer desserts—and once you’ve tasted it, it just might replace your go-to tiramisu for good.

3 Shares

Leave a Comment