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If you adore the classic charm of strawberry shortcake but also crave the luscious creaminess of an Italian dessert, this Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It masterfully blends tender ladyfingers soaked in bright orange juice with layers of fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream filling, all crowned with sweet, syrupy strawberries. The result? A stunning, rich, yet refreshingly light dessert that’s perfect for warm days or any occasion that calls for a show-stopper treat. Trust me, once you make this, it will find a permanent place in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things simple, because the magic of this Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe shines through with just a handful of carefully chosen, fresh ingredients. Each component adds something beautiful to the dish—from the vibrant berries that bring freshness and color, to the creaminess of the cheese and whipped cream that builds the perfect texture contrast.
- Fresh Strawberries (1 pint): Use ripe and juicy berries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant red color.
- Granulated Sugar (3 tablespoons): Helps macerate the strawberries and intensifies their flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides a rich, velvety base for the filling—full-fat is best for creaminess.
- Strawberry Preserves (2 teaspoons, melted): Gives an extra burst of strawberry flavor within the cream layers.
- Whipped Cream (1 ½ cups): Homemade and chilled whipped cream adds lightness and airy texture.
- Ladyfingers (1 package, approx. 24): These delicate cookies soak up the orange juice perfectly to create moist layers without sogginess.
- Orange Juice (¼ cup): Adds a citrusy punch to the ladyfingers, making each bite refreshing.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the whipped cream with a warm, fragrant note.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Begin by tossing your sliced strawberries with sugar and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let them sit uncovered for about 10 minutes; this resting time is essential. It allows the strawberries to soften and release their amazing juices, turning into a naturally sweet syrup that will soak into the tiramisu layers and elevate every bite with fresh berry goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Next, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed! Then, whisk the chilled whipped cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to maintain that airy texture. This creamy filling is the heart of your tiramisu, providing lightness and silkiness that complements the strawberries and soaked ladyfingers beautifully.
Step 3: Dip the Ladyfingers
Pour the orange juice into a shallow dish for easy dipping. Quickly immerse each ladyfinger for only one to two seconds per side—just enough to moisten without making them soggy. This step is crucial; the orange juice lends a citrus brightness that contrasts so well with the sweet layers and keeps the texture just right. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers promptly in your serving dish.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Start layering by placing a close-fitting row of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your dish. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream filling over the cookies, then top with a layer of the macerated strawberries and their syrup. Repeat these layers—ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries—until you run out of ingredients, pressing gently to keep everything snug and cohesive. This careful layering creates that romantic, luscious texture that makes this strawberry shortcake tiramisu recipe so unforgettable.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Once assembled, cover your tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least six hours, but overnight is ideal. This downtime is essential for melding the flavors and allowing the dessert to firm up, making those gorgeous slices hold perfectly when served. For convenience, it can also be frozen for up to one month—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar work wonders on the top to add an inviting burst of color and sweetness when you serve the tiramisu. If you want to get fancy, a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of strawberry syrup can make your presentation even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a light, chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a fruity iced tea. If you want a little savory balance, small cheese plates with mild cheeses complement the sweet creaminess wonderfully without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic presentation, try assembling individual portions in pretty glass jars or stemmed glasses—this adds a charming, personal touch perfect for gatherings. You can also layer it in trifle bowls for a dramatic centerpiece or use chocolate shavings between layers for an extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe should be kept covered and refrigerated. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days as the flavors continue to deepen. Just use a sharp knife to portion gently so you keep those pretty layers intact.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the entire dessert tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since tiramisu is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen leftovers to thaw fully in the fridge to preserve the creamy texture and fruity freshness that make this strawberry shortcake tiramisu recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for this Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe, you can use frozen berries if needed. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid from making the tiramisu soggy.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Cream cheese gives the dessert its creamy richness, but if you prefer, mascarpone cheese or a blend of ricotta and mascarpone can be excellent alternatives that maintain a smooth texture.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers?
Dip ladyfingers quickly—one to two seconds per side—to keep them moist yet intact. Over-soaking can cause them to fall apart and create a mushy texture rather than the desired delicate layers.
Is homemade whipped cream necessary?
Homemade whipped cream is preferred for its fresh flavor and perfect texture, but you can use high-quality store-bought whipped cream if you’re short on time. Just check that it holds stiff peaks well for folding into the cream cheese mixture.
Can this dessert be made ahead for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, the Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe improves with time. Make it the day before your event and refrigerate overnight to let the layers meld perfectly and impress your guests with ease.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe enough—it’s one of those desserts that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light, perfect for sharing with loved ones. This recipe’s vibrant flavors and creamy texture will quickly make it a favorite in your dessert lineup. So grab your strawberries and get ready to wow your friends and family with this unforgettable treat!
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Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 6h 25m
- Cook Time: 0m
- Total Time: 6h 25m
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu is a delightful no-bake layered dessert combining juicy macerated strawberries, creamy whipped cream and cream cheese filling, tender ladyfingers soaked in orange juice, and a touch of vanilla. Perfectly chilled and served cold, this dessert offers a refreshing twist on classic tiramisu with a summery strawberry flavor that’s light, fluffy, and indulgent.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 1 pint (approximately 2 cups or 300 g) sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened, full-fat recommended
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) strawberry preserves, melted
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whipped cream, homemade preferred
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 1 package (approx. 24 ladyfingers or 200 g) ladyfingers
- ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare Macerated Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to mix and let sit uncovered for about 10 minutes to allow juices to release and soften the berries, creating a natural syrup that enhances their flavor.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and lump-free. In a separate bowl, whip the cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light, fluffy, and airy texture throughout.
- Soak the Ladyfingers: Pour orange juice into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger for one to two seconds per side—just enough to moisten but not soggy. Immediately lay the soaked ladyfingers in the serving dish to start building the layers.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Lay a tight layer of soaked ladyfingers evenly on the dish bottom. Spread a layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream filling over the ladyfingers. Top with macerated strawberries and their syrup. Repeat the layering of ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries until all ingredients are used, ensuring layers are packed snugly for structure and an even texture.
- Chill to Set: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up for easy slicing. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped for up to one month, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm ladyfingers to avoid overly soggy layers.
- Homemade whipped cream yields the best texture but store-bought is acceptable.
- Chilling time is essential to develop flavor and texture; do not rush it.
- The dessert can be frozen and thawed with minimal texture change.
- Adjust sugar in strawberry maceration to your sweetness preference.
- This dessert is best served chilled and should be stored in the refrigerator if not consumed immediately.
