Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a show-stopping, no-bake dessert, Raspberry Tiramisu is exactly the treat you need in your life. This luscious Italian-inspired delight swaps out coffee for vibrant raspberries, marrying creamy mascarpone with jewel-toned berries and pillowy ladyfingers, all layered into a chilled confection that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Your taste buds are in for a creamy, tart, and sweet adventure that’s soothing to assemble and extraordinary to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Raspberry Tiramisu lies in its straightforward yet essential cast of ingredients. Each one brings something delightful—pillowy texture, vibrant color, or that unmistakable rich creaminess—creating layers of flavor in every dreamy bite.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces, softened): The heart of any tiramisu, mascarpone lends an incredibly rich, creamy base that balances the tartness of raspberries perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): This dissolves into the mascarpone for pure sweetness, with a silky-smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash enhances all the creamy and fruity notes.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to fluffy peaks, it’s the secret to an airy, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
- Raspberry jam or preserves (1 cup): Stirred into the soaking syrup, this gives the ladyfingers their signature burst of berry flavor and beautiful blush color.
- Raspberry liqueur or raspberry juice (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite—for adult flair, liqueur adds a floral roundness; for a family-friendly version, juice is perfect.
- Ladyfinger cookies (24–30): These light, crisp cookies soak up the raspberry syrup and transform into soft, cake-like layers.
- Fresh raspberries (2 cups): Jewel-like and juicy, they add a tart, fresh pop to every layer and make for a gorgeous topping.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A snowy finish that elevates each square to patisserie-level elegance.
How to Make Raspberry Tiramisu
Step 1: Make the Mascarpone Cream
Start by beating together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Aim for a creamy, dreamy consistency with no lumps—the sweeter, smoother this base, the more indulgent your Raspberry Tiramisu will be!
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl (bonus points if it’s chilled!), whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This little act of patience transforms your dessert, adding lightness and a cloud-like texture to every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Creams
Now gently fold the whipped cream into your mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and a slow hand, so you keep all that airiness and end up with a filling that’s silky and plush—just like the classic tiramisu but with a fruity twist.
Step 4: Create the Raspberry Soak
In a shallow dish, stir together the raspberry jam (or preserves) with the raspberry liqueur or juice. Blend until it’s silky and pourable; this vivid syrup will bathe your ladyfingers in tart-sweet raspberry flavor and a pop of pink color.
Step 5: Assemble the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the raspberry mixture—just a short dunk on each side so they don’t go soggy. Lay them out in a snug single layer in a 9×9-inch dish, covering the bottom but not over-soaking. This is the pillowy foundation of your Raspberry Tiramisu.
Step 6: Layer the Cream and Berries
Spread half your mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing it to the edges. Scatter half of your fresh raspberries on top; not only will you get bursts of color, but every bite will have tart, juicy surprises nestled within.
Step 7: Repeat and Finish
Repeat the dipping and layering: another arrangement of raspberry-dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone cream, and your final bounty of fresh raspberries. For a true showpiece, press a few berries gently into the cream. Cover with plastic and let your masterpiece rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or overnight, if you can wait—so all the flavors come together perfectly.
Step 8: Dust and Serve
Right before serving, add that finishing flourish of powdered sugar. It’s the lightest, prettiest finale to your Raspberry Tiramisu, making each slice look irresistible and ready for celebration!
How to Serve Raspberry Tiramisu
Garnishes
The simplest touch—fresh raspberries and a cloud of powdered sugar—makes each piece look like it jumped off the pages of a dessert magazine. For extra flair, try a few mint leaves or even a twist of lemon zest on top; both add a fresh color contrast and fragrant aroma. Don’t hold back on the berries—Raspberry Tiramisu loves to be adorned!
Side Dishes
This dessert already plays the starring role, but you can accentuate its charms with side dishes like a fruit salad of mixed berries, a crisp almond biscotti, or even a small glass of chilled raspberry liqueur. Lemon sorbet can be a refreshing counterpoint for warm weather gatherings, balancing the creaminess with a zesty chill.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to play with presentation! Spoon Raspberry Tiramisu into individual glasses or mason jars for a portable party version. Try trifle bowls for a dramatic layered effect, or use a heart-shaped cutter for special occasions. Top with a few edible flowers or crushed freeze-dried raspberries if you’re feeling whimsical—every serving becomes a work of art.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Raspberry Tiramisu stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or tuck leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to three days—sometimes even tasting better as the flavors meld together!
Freezing
If you want to make Raspberry Tiramisu ahead for a future occasion, you can freeze it before adding any delicate garnishes. Wrap tightly and store for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight; the texture might be a touch softer, but the flavor is still heavenly.
Reheating
No reheating needed here—this dessert is best enjoyed chilled! Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer a slightly silkier bite. If frozen, let it defrost fully in the fridge for optimal taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Raspberry Tiramisu without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the raspberry liqueur with raspberry juice, and you’ll keep all that vivid berry flavor, making it family-friendly and just as delicious.
Can I use other berries in this dessert?
Yes, you can mix in strawberries or even blackberries for a custom berry blend. The tartness and color from raspberries are classic, but feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal fruit.
What if I can’t find mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is tricky to locate, you can use cream cheese for a similar effect, though the flavor will be tangier. Or try the lighter version by mixing in part-skim ricotta as suggested—it keeps the dessert creamy and luscious.
How long should I chill Raspberry Tiramisu before serving?
At least 4 hours is ideal, but overnight is even better. The resting time allows the ladyfingers to soak up all the wonderful raspberry flavors and lets the dessert set to sliceable perfection.
Can I make this dessert a day ahead of time?
Definitely! Raspberry Tiramisu is actually better when made ahead, as the chilling deepens the flavors and the texture becomes more unified—so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Raspberry Tiramisu enough—it’s fun to make, stunning to serve, and each creamy, berry-filled bite is pure bliss. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but is totally doable at home, give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Raspberry Tiramisu, a no-bake Italian-inspired dessert that combines the richness of mascarpone with the freshness of raspberries.
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For Assembly:
- 1 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup raspberry liqueur or raspberry juice
- 24–30 ladyfinger cookies
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
- Prepare Raspberry Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine raspberry jam with raspberry liqueur or juice, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the raspberry mixture (do not soak) and arrange in a 9×9-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Top with half of the fresh raspberries. Repeat layering.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim ricotta for half of the mascarpone.
- This dessert also works well with a mix of raspberries and strawberries.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
