This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a light and fruity twist on the classic dessert! With layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, it’s simply delicious!
The sweet raspberries add a burst of flavor that makes this treat feel special. I like to top it with extra berries for a pretty finish—because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Raspberries: These bring a bright flavor to the tiramisu. If you can’t find fresh, frozen raspberries could work too, but thaw them first.
Mascarpone Cheese: Essential for that creamy texture. If it’s unavailable, cream cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream is a great alternative.
Heavy Cream: This adds lightness to the dessert. If you prefer a lighter option, try using whipped coconut cream instead.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a tangy kick. You can substitute it with lime juice, but adjust to taste as it’s a bit stronger.
Ladyfinger Cookies: These are perfect for layering. If you can’t find them, sponge cake cut into strips works well. Just remember, they should soak up the liquid.
How Do I Whip the Cream Without Over-Beat?
Getting the perfect whipped cream is key for a light dessert. Start with cold heavy cream for the best results. Using a mixer, whip on medium speed until it gets frothy, then increase to high speed. Keep an eye on it and stop as soon as you see stiff peaks form. Over-beating can turn it grainy, so it’s better to err on the side of caution!
- Start mixing on medium to prevent splatter.
- When it holds peaks but isn’t dry, you’ve got it!
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
For the Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ladyfingers:
- 1 cup ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge. If you can, chilling it overnight will give it the best flavor and texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Raspberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh raspberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Cook, stirring gently, until the raspberries break down and create a nice sauce—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
2. Whip Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful to stop as soon as you reach this stage—over-beating can make the cream grainy.
3. Mix Mascarpone:
In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now it’s time to bring the two mixtures together! Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be gentle; you want to keep the air in the cream for a light texture.
5. Prepare Ladyfingers:
In a shallow bowl, mix the water with a splash of lemon juice if you’d like an extra citrus kick. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture for just a couple of seconds—don’t let them soak, or they’ll get too soggy!
6. Layer Tiramisu:
In a rectangular dish, start with a layer of the dipped ladyfingers at the bottom. Then spread half of the mascarpone mixture over them, followed by half of the raspberry sauce. Yum!
7. Repeat Layers:
Next, add another layer of dipped ladyfingers. Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top, and finish with the rest of the raspberry sauce. This gives it a lovely, colorful top!
8. Chill:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully!
9. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take it out of the fridge. Garnish with a few extra fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest if you like. Dive in and savor your amazing homemade Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen raspberries can work, but keep in mind they may release more liquid, which can affect the consistency of the sauce. Simply thaw them in a strainer to drain excess moisture before cooking. You might also want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly to account for the extra sweetness from frozen berries.
How Can I Make This Tiramisu Without Alcohol?
This recipe is already alcohol-free, making it perfect for all ages! If you’d like to enhance the flavor, you can substitute water with a splash of lemon juice for dipping the ladyfingers or add a bit of almond extract to the mascarpone mixture for a delightful twist.
Can I Make This Tiramisu Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Tiramisu actually tastes better after chilling because the flavors meld together. You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Just ensure it’s properly covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Leftover tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that it’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within this timeframe for the best texture and flavor!