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

Scale

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

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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.