Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of creamy mascarpone, soft ladyfingers, and juicy, tart raspberries. The bright red berries add a fresh burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color that makes this tiramisu feel light and refreshing. It’s a perfect balance between sweet, creamy, and fruity that’s hard to resist.
I love making this dessert when I want something special but not too heavy. The raspberries add a natural splash of freshness that brightens up the whole dish, making it feel less rich compared to traditional tiramisu. Plus, assembling it is so easy and forgiving—it’s one of those recipes I’m happy to experiment with by adding a little lemon zest or swapping out some of the berries for fresh strawberries.
One of my favorite ways to serve Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is in individual glasses or small mason jars. It’s a crowd-pleaser at dinners, and everyone loves how the raspberries break through the creamy layers. If you have leftover raspberries, scatter a few on top just before serving for a pretty and tasty finishing touch. I always look forward to the smiles this dessert brings around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Raspberries: These give the tiramisu its bright and fresh flavor. If raspberries are not available, strawberries or blueberries work well too. I sometimes mix berries for a colorful twist.
Mascarpone Cheese: Its creamy texture is key to tiramisu’s richness. You can substitute cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream if mascarpone isn’t on hand, though the taste will be slightly different.
Ladyfingers: These soft, sponge-like cookies soak up the coffee nicely. If unavailable, sponge cake slices can be used as a substitute, keeping that soft texture.
Coffee & Coffee Liqueur: Brewed coffee or espresso gives tiramisu its classic flavor depth. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the liqueur or add a splash of vanilla extract instead.
How Can I Prevent Ladyfingers from Getting Too Soggy?
One common challenge is soggy ladyfingers, which can make the tiramisu heavy and mushy. Here’s how to keep them just right:
- Quickly dip ladyfingers in the coffee mixture—less than a second per side works well.
- Don’t soak them; they should absorb a little liquid but remain intact.
- If your coffee is very strong or dark, consider diluting it slightly with water to avoid overpowering flavors and sogginess.
- Use chilled coffee to help set the layers faster and keep ladyfingers firmer.
Following these tips helps keep the layers distinct and makes each bite a perfect balance of cream, berry, and coffee-soaked cookie.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I find these handy for whipping cream and mixing mascarpone easily.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes whipping the cream smooth and fluffy without extra effort.
- Shallow dish or plate – perfect for quickly dipping ladyfingers without soaking too long.
- Serving dish or baking dish – a rectangular or square dish works well for layering the tiramisu.
- Grater or fine sieve – useful for dusting cocoa powder evenly on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap berries: Use sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a mix to add different fruity flavors.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier, Amaretto, or Chambord for a special touch.
- Spice it up: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mascarpone for warm notes.
- Go dairy-free: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free cookies to make a vegan version.
Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tiramisu:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies (about 24 ladyfingers)
- 1/2 cup cold brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Time You’ll Need:
Plan about 20 minutes for preparation. After assembling, refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to let all the flavors come together and the dessert to set perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whip the Cream:
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape but is still smooth. Set it aside for now.
2. Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:
In another bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once ready, gently fold in the whipped cream. Mixing gently keeps the texture light and fluffy.
3. Soak the Ladyfingers:
Mix the cooled brewed coffee and optional coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture — just a quick dip per side so they soak up flavor without becoming too soggy.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Place a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then sprinkle half of the fresh raspberries evenly on top.
Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Finish by arranging the rest of the fresh raspberries neatly on top.
5. Finishing Touches and Chilling:
Lightly dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for a final touch. Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time helps the dessert set and the flavors to meld.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serving chilled, garnish with extra fresh raspberries if you like. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, fruity, and rich flavors of this lovely raspberry twist on classic tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the tiramisu soggy. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel before layering.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to keep the ladyfingers from getting too soft.
Can I Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Mascarpone Cheese?
If mascarpone is hard to find, you can use a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream (about 2 parts cream cheese to 1 part cream) to mimic the texture and flavor. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
