As the summer sun begins to fade, it leaves behind a bounty of fresh fruits that beckon to be turned into luscious desserts. One such standout is the vibrant fresh raspberry tiramisu— a dessert that not only draws upon the rich, creamy flavors of traditional tiramisu but also incorporates the bright tartness of ripe raspberries. This recipe found its way into my kitchen during a blissful summer afternoon spent at a local berry farm. With baskets overflowing with glistening raspberries, I was compelled to create something special that would highlight their flavor and freshness.
There’s something magical about layering flavors, and in this recipe, we do just that. The luscious mascarpone blended with whipping cream gives the tiramisu its signature creamy texture, while the coffee-soaked ladyfingers provide that classic Italian dessert foundation. Topped off with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, this dish becomes a visual delight as well. After just one bite, you’ll understand why these layers of flavor and color come together to create a sensational summer indulgence.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 30 minutes
- Active Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Portion Size: Serves 8
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: ~340
- Protein: 5g per serving
- Carbs: 30g per serving
- Fats: 22g per serving
- Fiber: 1g per serving
- Sugars: 12g per serving
- Sodium: 40mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Imagine sitting outside on a warm evening, served on a lovely plate, with layers of luscious mascarpone, fresh berries, and crunchy ladyfingers just waiting to be devoured. This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious harmony of creamy, fruity, and aromatic flavors. The balance of coffee and tart raspberries provides a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert that everyone will love. Perfect for summer picnics or a cozy dinner party, it’s a dessert that impresses without keeping you in the kitchen all day.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Method:
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture that makes tiramisu so delightful.
Step 2: Mix the Mascarpone
In another bowl, mix together the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Take your time here—getting the mixture smooth and creamy sets the stage for a truly decadent dessert.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Be careful to maintain the volume of the whipped cream; this will give the tiramisu its wonderful fluffiness!
Step 4: Prepare the Ladyfingers
Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed espresso briefly. The goal is to soak them just enough to soften but not so much that they fall apart—balance is key here!
Step 5: Start Layering
Layer half of the dipped ladyfingers in a serving dish, followed by half of the mascarpone mixture and half of the raspberries. This colorful layering is not just for looks; it creates a delightful combo for your taste buds.
Step 6: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Each bite should offer creaminess, coffee, and bursts of fresh raspberries.
Step 7: Chill to Perfection
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if possible). This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8: Finish with Cocoa
Before serving, dust the tiramisu with cocoa powder and garnish with additional raspberries. This final touch elevates the dish and provides that finishing flair.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu chilled with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a sophisticated touch. For an additional burst of flavor, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh mint leaves can also elevate your dessert presentation!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
This tiramisu holds up beautifully in the refrigerator. Store it covered for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated; the flavors keep developing, and it will still be incredibly delicious!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your cream and mascarpone are cold; this helps them to whip up nicely.
- Take care not to oversoak the ladyfingers in the espresso—just a quick dip will do.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with other berries like blueberries or strawberries for a delightful twist!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to switch up the berries based on what you have on hand! You could use a mix of berries or even add a splash of liqueur to the espresso for an adult-version of this dessert. For a healthier twist, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mascarpone.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use frozen raspberries? Yes! Just ensure they are thawed and drained.
- Is there a non-dairy alternative? To make it dairy-free, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free mascarpone.
- What if I don’t have ladyfingers? You can use sponge cake or make your own cookies with a basic sponge recipe.
- How can I make it less sweet? Reduce the sugar in the mascarpone mixture; the raspberries add natural sweetness too.
- Can I prepare this the night before? Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Wrapping Up
This Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and a reminder of sunny days spent savoring the small joys in life. It’s easy to make and a surefire crowd-pleaser, turning any gathering into something special. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner Italian pastry chef, and dive into creating this luscious treat. Your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert featuring layers of mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and fresh raspberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, mix together the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed espresso briefly.
- Layer half of the dipped ladyfingers in a serving dish, followed by half of the mascarpone mixture and half of the raspberries.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Before serving, dust the tiramisu with cocoa powder and garnish with additional raspberries.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be made a day in advance for improved flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
