Are you ready for a dessert that will make your heart skip a beat? Valentine’s Day Strawberry Tiramisu is here to steal the show with its layers of dreamy, creamy mascarpone, fresh strawberries, and a hint of coffee-soaked ladyfingers. This romantic twist on the classic tiramisu is so light and refreshing, it’s the perfect way to treat someone special (or yourself!). With its sweet, tangy layers and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Valentine’s Day Strawberry Tiramisu
Light & Luscious: This dessert is perfectly balanced—creamy, fruity, and oh-so-satisfying. The strawberries add a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich mascarpone, creating a light yet indulgent treat.
Romantic & Festive: With its gorgeous red berries and creamy layers, this dessert is made for Valentine’s Day. It’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for a romantic dinner or gathering with loved ones.
No-Bake: That’s right—this is a no-bake dessert! It’s super easy to assemble, and once it’s in the fridge, it does all the work for you. No oven required—just chill and enjoy!
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add a dash of liqueur like Grand Marnier, or swap in different berries if you want to mix things up. It’s a versatile recipe that you can make your own.
Impressive Yet Easy: While it looks fancy, this tiramisu is surprisingly simple to make. You’ll look like a pro, but without all the effort!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Tiramisu:
Fresh Strawberries:
The star of the show. Fresh, juicy strawberries add that perfect sweet-tart flavor and vibrant red color. They’ll steal the spotlight in every bite.
Ladyfingers:
These delicate cookies are the base of the tiramisu, soaking up the coffee and giving the dessert its classic structure.
Mascarpone Cheese:
Creamy, dreamy, and essential. Mascarpone brings a rich, smooth texture to the filling that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
Heavy Cream:
Whipped to soft peaks, the heavy cream helps give the mascarpone filling its fluffy, cloud-like texture.
Powdered Sugar:
For a touch of sweetness in the mascarpone filling.
Vanilla Extract:
A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the filling and brings all the flavors together.
Coffee:
For soaking the ladyfingers. The coffee adds depth and richness to the dessert. If you want a twist, you can add a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Kahlúa or Bailey’s.
Cocoa Powder (for dusting):
Just a light dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a beautiful, bittersweet touch to the dessert.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to the good part! Here’s how to make this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Tiramisu:
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Slice them into thin slices, about ¼-inch thick. Set them aside—these will be layered throughout the tiramisu.
Step 2: Whisk the Mascarpone Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers
Pour the coffee into a shallow dish. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee (don’t soak them too long—just a quick dip) and lay them in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or individual serving cups.
Step 4: Layer the Tiramisu
Start by placing a layer of soaked ladyfingers on the bottom of the dish. Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula. Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the mascarpone. Repeat the process, layering ladyfingers, mascarpone, and strawberries, until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a layer of mascarpone cream on top.
Step 5: Chill & Set
Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, dust the top with a light coating of cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look. Garnish with any leftover strawberry slices, and get ready for a crowd of admirers!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (depending on portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or overnight)
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Strawberry Tiramisu
Here are a few ideas for serving this delightful dessert:
As a Showstopper: Serve in a beautiful glass dish to show off those vibrant strawberry layers, or assemble individual servings in mason jars or small cups for a personal touch.
With a Sweet Drink: Pair this dessert with a light, refreshing drink like a sparkling rosé, a chilled lemonade, or even a classic cappuccino.
For a Romantic Dinner: Serve after a delicious dinner with your special someone—it’s the perfect end to a cozy, intimate meal.
For a Party: Make individual portions for guests, or bring a large, family-style tiramisu to your Valentine’s Day gathering. Either way, it’ll be the highlight of the dessert table!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can make this tiramisu a day in advance, which gives it more time to set and lets the flavors develop.
Swap the Fruit: If strawberries aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries for a fun twist.
Alcohol Option: If you want to add a little extra depth, you can mix a splash of liqueur (like Kahlúa or Amaretto) with the coffee to soak the ladyfingers.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free mascarpone and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version of this dessert.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?
A1: Yes, in fact, it’s best to make this the day before you plan to serve it. Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
Q2: Can I use a different fruit besides strawberries?
A2: Absolutely! You can use raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of your favorite berries. Just make sure to use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor.
Q3: Can I make this without coffee?
A3: Yes! If you’re not a coffee fan, you can substitute the coffee with warm milk or fruit juice (like orange juice) for soaking the ladyfingers.
Q4: Can I make this recipe in individual servings?
A4: Yes! You can make individual portions in small cups or mason jars for a cute presentation and easy serving.
Q5: How long can I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q6: Can I freeze this tiramisu?
A6: It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze the assembled tiramisu before adding the cocoa powder topping. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Q7: Can I add alcohol to the tiramisu?
A7: Absolutely! A splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or a fruity liqueur (like Grand Marnier) would add an extra depth of flavor. Just mix it into the coffee before soaking the ladyfingers.
Q8: How do I prevent the ladyfingers from getting too soggy?
A8: Be sure to dip the ladyfingers in the coffee briefly—just a quick dip is all you need. If they sit too long, they can become too soggy.
Q9: Can I make this tiramisu gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can find gluten-free ladyfingers at most specialty grocery stores or online. Just make sure all the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q10: Can I make this dessert without mascarpone?
A10: If you don’t have mascarpone, you can substitute it with cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Tiramisu is everything you want in a Valentine’s Day dessert—creamy, dreamy, fruity, and oh-so-lovable. With its vibrant layers of strawberries and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, it’s a sweet, refreshing twist on the classic tiramisu that’s perfect for the occasion. Make it for your special someone, share it with friends, or indulge on your own—it’s bound to make this Valentine’s Day extra sweet. Enjoy!
PrintValentine’s Day Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Valentine’s Day, indulge in a twist on the classic tiramisu with fresh strawberries! A creamy, dreamy dessert that combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, sweet mascarpone filling, and fresh strawberries, perfect for a romantic celebration.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of strawberries)
For the Tiramisu Cream:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (optional, for creaminess)
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Assembly:
- 24–30 ladyfingers (depending on the size of your pan)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
- In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar (if using). Toss to coat and set aside to macerate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Tiramisu Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, forming soft peaks.
- Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese for an extra creamy texture if desired.
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled brewed coffee, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (don’t soak them) and arrange them in the bottom of a 9×9-inch serving dish or a trifle bowl.
- Spread half of the tiramisu cream mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers.
- Add a layer of macerated strawberries over the cream.
- Repeat the process by layering the remaining ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries.
- Finish with a final layer of cream on top.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
Notes
- You can omit the coffee liqueur if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Make sure not to soak the ladyfingers for too long in the coffee mixture, as they should remain firm enough to hold the layers together.
- The tiramisu can be made up to 2 days in advance for best results.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg