If you're looking for a sweet ending to a light dinner or a quick treat to share with family, this Strawberry Tiramisu might be just what you need. It puts a fruity spin on the classic Italian favorite—layering juicy strawberries, creamy mascarpone, and soft ladyfingers soaked in a unique blend of brewed coffee, fresh strawberry juice, and a splash of strawberry liqueur. The result? A perfectly balanced dessert that’s light yet indulgent, rich yet refreshing. It’s a no-bake recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes—ideal for family dinners, simple entertaining, or anytime you want a bit of comfort food with a fresh, summery twist. Whether you're after easy recipes, quick dessert ideas, or something a little different for your next gathering, this one checks all the boxes.
- Macerate the Strawberries
Carefully slice the strawberries into even pieces. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and strawberry liqueur. Let the strawberries sit for 10–15 minutes to release their juices and absorb the alcohol. This fruity syrup will help soak the ladyfingers later.
- Whip the Cream Cloud
First, I whip the cold heavy cream with the remaining sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form — light and airy. In a separate bowl, I take the room-temperature mascarpone and gently mash it with a fork until smooth and creamy — this helps prevent lumps. Then, I fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in batches using a spatula, moving gently to keep the volume.
- Assemble the Layers
- Drain the syrup from the macerated strawberries and mix it with the cooled brewed coffee — this will be your dipping sauce.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream into the bottom of each serving glass.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the strawberry-coffee sauce (about 1 second per side), then arrange in a single layer over the cream.
- Add a spoonful of the juicy strawberries on top.
Repeat the layers — cream, dipped ladyfingers, strawberries — until the glasses are full.
- Chill and Serve
Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours to set, preferably overnight. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and decorate with a strawberry.
- Calories:404 kcal
- Protein:4.6 g
- Carbohydrates:42 g
- Sugar:28 g
- Fat:27.5 g
- Salt:0.2 g
- Energy:404 kJ
Tips & Variations
Let’s be honest—one of the best things about this easy dessert recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you’re making it for a crowd, prepping a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself after a long Tuesday, there are so many ways to make it your own.
Make it kid-friendly (but still delicious)
If you’re serving this at a family gathering or weeknight dinner, you might want to skip the strawberry liqueur. No worries—it still works beautifully without it. Just let the sliced strawberries sit a little longer to release their natural juices, or mix them with a splash of orange juice. You’ll still get that juicy, fruity sweetness kids love, and it becomes a family-friendly dessert that feels fancy but is secretly super simple.
Serve it in cute individual jars
Want to impress without the stress? Layer your strawberry tiramisu in small mason jars or clear dessert cups. It’s a clever way to make it look like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s super convenient for picnics, potlucks, or when you just want to grab one from the fridge and sneak off to the couch. These individual no bake desserts are perfect for parties and look amazing on social media too (we see you, #brunchgoals).
Give it your own twist
Not a big strawberry person? Try raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different spin. Add fresh mint between layers for a burst of color and a hint of coolness. A touch of dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers adds a little crunch that takes this from good to unforgettable. This is what makes it a go-to for fans of comfort food with a twist.
Make it ahead—your future self will thank you
This dessert actually gets better as it sits. The flavors deepen, the ladyfingers soften, and the creaminess becomes even dreamier. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert for holidays, birthdays, or just when you know tomorrow will be hectic. Whip it up the night before, and enjoy that amazing “I already made dessert” feeling.
Lighten it up without losing flavor
Craving something a little lighter after dinner? Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a blend of light whipped topping and mascarpone. The result is a bit tangier, still creamy, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s a smart option for anyone looking for healthy dessert ideas that don’t feel like a compromise.
The best part? It’s almost impossible to mess up.
This isn’t one of those fussy desserts where every step must be perfect. It’s forgiving, flexible, and foolproof. That’s why it’s one of our favorite simple recipes for busy nights, date nights, and everything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make strawberry tiramisu without coffee?
Absolutely! While the combination of coffee and strawberry juice adds a rich, unexpected depth, you can totally skip the coffee if it’s not your thing. Try soaking the ladyfingers in just strawberry juice (or juice + a bit of lemon for brightness). It becomes more of a strawberry trifle, but still delivers that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture people love. Bonus: it makes the dessert even more kid-friendly.
How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
This is one of those glorious make-ahead desserts that actually tastes better the next day. The flavors need time to mingle and get cozy together. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and serve chilled. It’s ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or when you just want to cross dessert off your to-do list early.
Can I make this dessert without mascarpone?
Mascarpone is traditional in tiramisu, but not mandatory. You can use a mix of cream cheese and whipped cream to mimic the texture. Add a little vanilla extract and powdered sugar to balance the tang. It’s a great swap if you’re short on ingredients but still want a creamy, easy dessert recipe that hits the spot.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes, especially if you leave out the liqueur and coffee. The fresh strawberries, fluffy cream, and soft cookies are a guaranteed hit with little ones. It’s also a fun recipe to make with kids—they can help layer ingredients, taste-test strawberries, or sneak a ladyfinger or two.
Can I freeze strawberry tiramisu?
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Freezing can mess with the creamy texture and make the layers watery after thawing. This dessert is best served fresh and chilled. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and enjoy within 2–3 days (though let’s be honest—it probably won’t last that long).
What makes this different from regular tiramisu?
The magic here is the mix of coffee, strawberry juice, and just a touch of strawberry liqueur. Instead of a bold, bitter espresso flavor, you get a subtle fruitiness balanced with richness. It’s still layered and creamy like the classic, but feels lighter, fresher, and perfect for spring and summer. A true comfort food with a twist.
