This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a twist on the classic dessert! Layers of soft ladyfingers soak up coffee while being topped with a creamy mascarpone filling and tart raspberries.
Honestly, who can resist that mix of sweet and tangy? I love serving this chilled on warm days—perfect for impressing guests or just enjoying a sweet treat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are the star here, giving a bright flavor. If you can’t find them, consider using strawberries or blueberries for a different twist, though the taste will change.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese is key for a rich texture. If unavailable, you could mix cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream as a substitute, but it alters the flavor slightly.
Heavy Cream: For that fluffy whipped texture, heavy cream is essential. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use whipped coconut cream. It gives a nice flavor, too!
Ladyfinger Biscuits: Classic for tiramisu, these can be found at grocery stores. If needed, use sponge cake cut into strips or even graham crackers in a pinch.
Espresso/Coffee: Brewed espresso provides a strong coffee flavor. For caffeine sensitivity, you can use decaf coffee or even a strong herbal tea for a unique twist.
How Do You Ensure Your Layers Are Perfectly Prepared?
The layered structure of this tiramisu is key to its appeal. When dipping ladyfingers, do so quickly in the espresso to avoid over-soaking; you want them soft, not mushy. Arrange them neatly in your dish to build a good foundation.
- Soak each ladyfinger for just 1-2 seconds.
- Layer carefully – start with ladyfingers, then half your mascarpone mix, and half the raspberry mixture.
- Repeat the layers, ensuring an even distribution of flavors in each serving.
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ladyfingers:
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits
For Garnishing:
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh raspberries
- Extra lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor). So, total time considering chilling is around 4 hours and 20 minutes—perfect for making ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Raspberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, add the fresh raspberries and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the raspberries soften and break down, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar together until soft peaks form. Then, add in the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream until it’s completely blended together—be careful not to deflate the cream!
3. Soak the Ladyfingers:
Take your cooled espresso or strong coffee and dip each ladyfinger in it quickly. Make sure they are soaked, but avoid making them too soggy! Just a quick dip is perfect.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu:
In a serving dish, start by arranging a layer of the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Then, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Next, layer half of the raspberry mixture on top of the cream.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat all the layers with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and raspberry mixture until everything is used up. The top layer should be the raspberry mixture.
6. Chill and Set:
Cover your assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the tiramisu out of the fridge. Garnish it with chocolate shavings, additional fresh raspberries, and lemon slices on top for a lovely presentation.
8. Enjoy!
Slice into your chilled tiramisu and enjoy the refreshing taste of raspberry goodness! Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just remember to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent your tiramisu from becoming too soggy. You can gently heat them in a saucepan to speed up the thawing process.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’d prefer a lighter option, you can use whipped coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly, but it can be a delicious alternative!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Leftover tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. The flavors may continue to develop over time, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Make This Tiramisu Without Coffee?
Definitely! If you want to skip the coffee, you can substitute it with an equal amount of flavored syrup or a fruit juice like raspberry juice or lemonade for a fruity twist. Just ensure the liquid isn’t too sweet to maintain balance in your dessert!
