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Sharing the joy of dessert with you, this Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite. Imagine luscious layers of fluffy cream cheese filling, juicy macerated strawberries, and tender ladyfingers soaked in bright orange juice—all coming together to create a sweet, refreshing, and irresistibly creamy treat. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or when you want to impress loved ones with something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation, guaranteed to bring smiles at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting familiar with the ingredients shows you just how simple but essential each component is. From the brightness of fresh strawberries to the richness of cream cheese, each item plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in the final dessert.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pint): Use juicy, ripe berries for vibrant flavor and a natural burst of sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Balances the tartness of the strawberries and helps create a delicious syrup.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of brightness that lifts the fruit’s flavor beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides a rich and creamy base for the filling; full-fat is best for that silky texture.
- Strawberry preserves (2 teaspoons, melted): Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Whipped cream (1 ½ cups): Homemade whipped cream is preferred for freshness and lightness in the filling.
- Ladyfingers (1 package): These delicate cookies absorb the orange juice and form the structure of the tiramisu.
- Orange juice (¼ cup): Infuses the ladyfingers with a fresh, citrus note that complements the strawberries.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, comforting depth to the creamy layers.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Begin by combining sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently to mix, then let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes uncovered. This resting period allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, forming a light syrup that intensifies their flavor and softens the berries slightly, setting the stage for a juicy and vibrant layer in our tiramisu.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Next, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then slowly fold in powdered sugar until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain a light, fluffy texture. This luscious filling brings a creamy, velvety contrast to the fruity, syrupy strawberries.
Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers
Pour the orange juice into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger—about one to two seconds per side—to moisten without sogginess. Fresh and dry ladyfingers will soak just enough to soften without falling apart. This citrusy soak adds a delightful zing and keeps every bite refreshing.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Start by arranging a tight layer of soaked ladyfingers at the base of your serving dish. Spread a layer of the creamy filling over the cookies, followed by a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries and syrup. Repeat these layers—ladyfingers, cream, strawberries, and cream—until all components are used up. Packing the layers with care ensures the tiramisu holds together beautifully and delivers a stunning presentation.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Cover your assembled masterpiece with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the creamy layers to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. For an alternative, you can freeze the tiramisu for up to a month—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying it in all its glory.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
A perfect presentation elevates this dessert. Garnish with fresh whole strawberries or thin slices to showcase the star ingredient. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a touch of elegance, making it even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This tiramisu pairs beautifully with a light, crisp glass of sparkling wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a little extra, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream to complement the creamy layers without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by layering the tiramisu in individual glasses or mason jars for a charming, personalized touch. You can even serve it in mini parfait cups at parties, making it easy for guests to enjoy while admiring the vibrant layers from the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe tasting fresh, store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay creamy and flavorful for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor every bite even the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is an excellent option if you want to prepare ahead or save extras. Wrap the tiramisu securely with plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing for up to one month. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled. Reheating is not recommended since it may alter the delicate texture of the whipped cream and cream cheese filling. Instead, serve it straight from the refrigerator or after thawing from frozen for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries deliver the best texture and flavor for the Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture making the dessert soggy.
Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese?
Using full-fat cream cheese contributes richness and creaminess that low-fat alternatives lack. This ensures the filling remains silky and luscious, which is essential for this decadent tiramisu variation.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the ladyfingers with gluten-free ladyfinger cookies or a similar gluten-free sponge to keep the layers intact while accommodating dietary needs.
How long can I prepare the tiramisu in advance?
You can assemble the Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate it overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly, saving you time on the day of serving.
What’s the best way to serve this tiramisu?
Serve chilled, ideally straight from the fridge after the minimum 6-hour rest. This brings out the layered textures and ensures every bite bursts with fresh strawberry and creamy goodness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with this Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe just as much as I have. It’s a bright, creamy, and utterly comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and watch this beautiful dish become a crowd favorite in your kitchen!
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Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu combines the classic Italian dessert technique with fresh, fruity flavors reminiscent of strawberry shortcake. Layers of orange juice-soaked ladyfingers alternate with a light, fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream filling, accented by macerated fresh strawberries that provide natural sweetness and refreshing juiciness. The dessert is chilled for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld into a creamy, luscious treat perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Strawberries Mixture
- 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 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
Other Ingredients
- 1 package (approx. 24 ladyfingers or 200 g) ladyfingers
- ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to mix. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes uncovered, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and develop a sweet syrup. This process softens the berries and intensifies their flavor.
- Prepare the Cream Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free by adding powdered sugar (amount typically ½ cup but not specified, estimate for sweetness). In a separate chilled bowl, whisk the homemade whipped cream together with pure vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream gently and gradually into the cream cheese mixture to maintain lightness and create a fluffy, silky filling.
- Soak the Ladyfingers: Pour the orange juice into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the orange juice for about one to two seconds per side to moisten without making them soggy. Use fresh, dry ladyfingers for the best texture and immediately place them into your serving dish to prevent over-soaking.
- Assemble the Layers: Lay a snug layer of the soaked ladyfingers evenly on the bottom of the dish. Spread a layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream filling on top. Add a layer of macerated strawberries, including some of the syrup for moisture and flavor. Repeat these layers—ladyfingers, cream filling, strawberries, and cream—until all ingredients are used, packing layers tightly for good structure and an attractive presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the layered tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up for easier slicing. For longer preservation, freeze tightly wrapped for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- For the best texture, use fresh, dry ladyfingers and avoid soaking them too long in the orange juice.
- Homemade whipped cream yields the best flavor and texture but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
- Chilling the dessert for the full recommended time improves flavor melding and firmness.
- The dessert can be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- You can adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar added to the strawberries and cream cheese mixture.
