As a baker, I love to experiment with traditional recipes and add a personal touch. One of my favorite twists on the classic tiramisu is this Raspberry Tiramisu. It’s a delicious blend of sweet mascarpone cream, tangy raspberries, and soft ladyfingers, perfect for a summer dessert or a special occasion. The vibrant raspberry flavor and creamy texture come together beautifully, making every bite a treat.
This dessert is surprisingly simple to make, but it does require some time for the layers to set in the fridge. Once it’s ready, you’ll be treated to a delicate, fruity, and luxurious dessert that will impress anyone who tries it.
The combination of fresh raspberries and lemon elevates the flavor profile, creating a fresh, light dessert that contrasts with the richness of the mascarpone cream. Whether you’re serving it after a hearty meal or bringing it to a gathering, this Raspberry Tiramisu will certainly stand out.
Ready to get started? Here’s how to create this delightful dessert from scratch.
Ingredients:
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2 cups fresh raspberries
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1 tablespoon sugar (for the raspberries)
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1 cup mascarpone cheese
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
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1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
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24-30 ladyfingers
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Fresh raspberries for garnish
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Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Raspberry Tiramisu:
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Prepare the Raspberry Layer: Start by preparing the raspberry mixture. In a small bowl, gently mash the raspberries with a tablespoon of sugar. This will release the juices and create a syrup-like consistency. Set it aside to let the flavors meld together.
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Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and thick. It should hold stiff peaks when you lift the whisk out of the bowl. This forms the creamy base for your tiramisu.
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Assemble the Layers: In a shallow dish or a 9×9-inch baking pan, combine the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using). Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy. Lay the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
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Add the Raspberry Layer: Once the ladyfingers are arranged, spread half of the mashed raspberry mixture over the ladyfingers, ensuring it covers evenly.
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Layer the Mascarpone Cream: Next, spread half of the mascarpone cream over the raspberry layer. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly across the raspberries.
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Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone cream. Then, spread the remaining raspberry mixture, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. The top layer should be the creamy mascarpone mixture.
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Chill and Set: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
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Serve and Garnish: Before serving, garnish the tiramisu with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for a pop of color. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful fruity twist on this classic dessert.
How Long to Bake:
Unlike traditional baked desserts, Raspberry Tiramisu doesn’t require baking. The key to its perfection lies in the chilling process. Allowing the dessert to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours is essential for the flavors to meld together and for the layers to firm up. Ideally, you should refrigerate the tiramisu overnight. This resting time ensures the dessert holds its shape when sliced and allows the flavors to fully develop.
How to Store Leftovers:
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store the Raspberry Tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s important to keep it well-covered so that it doesn’t absorb any fridge odors. If you plan to enjoy it later, the texture might slightly change as the layers continue to set, but it will still be just as delicious!
Tips for Perfect Raspberry Tiramisu:
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Don’t Soak the Ladyfingers Too Much: When dipping the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture, be careful not to let them soak for too long. You want them to be moist but not soggy. A quick dip is enough to ensure they absorb the flavors without losing their structure.
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Use Fresh Raspberries: For the best flavor, use fresh raspberries rather than frozen ones. Fresh raspberries add a vibrant taste and texture to the dessert that frozen berries cannot match. However, if fresh raspberries aren’t available, frozen raspberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture.
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Make Ahead for Better Flavor: While you can serve the Raspberry Tiramisu after a few hours of chilling, it tastes even better the next day! Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to mingle, resulting in a more intense raspberry flavor.
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Experiment with the Coffee: If you’re looking for a unique twist, try infusing your coffee with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla before dipping the ladyfingers. This will add an additional layer of flavor that complements the tangy raspberries beautifully.
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Garnishing Options: To elevate the presentation, garnish the tiramisu with shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder in addition to fresh raspberries and mint leaves. This adds a nice contrast and gives your tiramisu a professional look.
With these tips, your Raspberry Tiramisu will turn out perfectly every time! It’s a dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing a fruity, creamy delight to any gathering.
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Raspberry Tiramisu: A Fruity Twist on a Classic Dessert
- Total Time: Chill Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Raspberry Tiramisu are a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining layers of creamy mascarpone, vibrant raspberries, and soft ladyfingers. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this dessert is ideal for any occasion. Whether served as a light treat or an elegant finale to a dinner party, this fruity tiramisu is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh raspberries
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1 tablespoon sugar (for the raspberries)
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1 cup mascarpone cheese
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
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1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
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24–30 ladyfingers
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Fresh raspberries for garnish
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Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Raspberry Layer: Mash the raspberries with a tablespoon of sugar and set aside.
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Make the Mascarpone Cream: Whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and thick.
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Assemble the Layers: Dip ladyfingers quickly into the coffee mixture and layer them in a dish. Spread half of the mashed raspberries over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the mascarpone cream.
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Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then the remaining raspberries, followed by the rest of the mascarpone cream.
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Chill and Set: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. Serve chilled.
Notes
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For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds on top.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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You can substitute raspberries with strawberries or blueberries for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different fruit instead of raspberries? Yes, you can easily swap raspberries for other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change, but the overall dessert will still be delicious. If using strawberries, slice them thinly and layer them as you would with raspberries.
2. Can I make this recipe without coffee? If you prefer not to use coffee, you can substitute it with fruit juice or a non-caffeinated beverage like herbal tea. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor, but it can still work well with the creamy mascarpone and fruity layers.
3. Can I freeze Raspberry Tiramisu? While you can freeze Raspberry Tiramisu, it’s not recommended because the texture may change once thawed. The mascarpone cream might become slightly watery, and the ladyfingers could lose their soft texture. If you do choose to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
4. Is there a non-dairy version of Raspberry Tiramisu? Yes! To make a dairy-free version of this tiramisu, you can substitute the mascarpone cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or cashew cream. Use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream and ensure the ladyfingers are dairy-free (many brands make vegan ladyfingers). Be sure to adjust the sweetness to your preference as plant-based products may vary in flavor.