Raspberry Tiramisu is a delightful, fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. This version swaps the traditional coffee and cocoa flavors for the bright and tangy taste of fresh raspberries, creating a lighter, yet equally indulgent, treat. Layers of mascarpone cream, fresh raspberries, and ladyfingers soaked in raspberry syrup make this dessert irresistibly creamy and refreshing. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, Raspberry Tiramisu is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Raspberry Tiramisu offers a fun and flavorful twist on the classic tiramisu. The richness of mascarpone cheese paired with the tartness of fresh raspberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The ladyfingers, typically soaked in coffee, are instead drenched in a raspberry syrup, infusing the dessert with a fruity burst of flavor. It’s a simple, no-bake dessert that comes together quickly but tastes like a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Raspberry Syrup:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Tiramisu:

• 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 package ladyfingers (about 24)

• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (for garnish)

• Extra raspberry syrup (for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Raspberry Syrup:

• In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, water, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

• Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, pressing the mixture with the back of a spoon to extract all the juice.

• Stir in the lemon juice (optional) for added brightness, and let the raspberry syrup cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. The mixture should form soft peaks.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu:

• Lightly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled raspberry syrup for just a second or two, making sure not to soak them too much.

• Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9×9-inch or similar-sized serving dish.

• Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it into an even layer.

• Add a layer of fresh raspberries on top of the cream.

• Repeat the process by dipping the remaining ladyfingers in the raspberry syrup and layering them on top of the cream. Finish with the remaining mascarpone cream and smooth the top.

4. Chill:

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will meld together.

5. Serve:

• Just before serving, garnish with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of raspberry syrup for an extra burst of flavor. Optionally, you can sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top for a little sweetness and elegance.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (for the raspberry syrup)

• Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)

• Total Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

• Other Berries: Swap out the raspberries for other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different berry-flavored tiramisu.

• Alcoholic Version: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) or a splash of rum to the raspberry syrup for added depth of flavor.

• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based mascarpone (made from nuts or coconut) and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan tiramisu. You can also use vegan ladyfingers or make your own.

• Chocolate Version: Add a layer of grated chocolate or cocoa powder between the layers of mascarpone cream to incorporate a chocolatey element.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Raspberry Tiramisu in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2-3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled.

• Freezing: Tiramisu does not freeze well due to its creamy texture. However, you can freeze the layers of ladyfingers and mascarpone cream separately before assembly and then assemble when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I make Raspberry Tiramisu without mascarpone cheese?

While mascarpone is the traditional ingredient for tiramisu, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Add a little heavy cream to make it smoother if necessary.

2. Can I use frozen raspberries for the syrup?

Yes! Frozen raspberries work perfectly fine for making the syrup. Just thaw them before cooking.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to make Raspberry Tiramisu the night before you plan to serve it. This gives the flavors time to meld, and the dessert will have a better texture.

4. How do I prevent the ladyfingers from becoming too soggy?

Be sure to dip the ladyfingers into the raspberry syrup quickly—just a brief dip, not a soak. This helps them absorb the syrup without becoming too mushy.

5. Can I use store-bought raspberry syrup?

Yes, you can use store-bought raspberry syrup or raspberry preserves as a substitute for homemade raspberry syrup. Just thin it out with a little water if it’s too thick.

6. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Yes! A drizzle of melted chocolate or a layer of cocoa powder would complement the raspberry flavor nicely. Add a layer of chocolate ganache or shaved chocolate between the layers for a rich chocolatey contrast.

7. How do I make the tiramisu less sweet?

If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the mascarpone cream, or skip the maple syrup in the raspberry syrup and let the natural sweetness of the raspberries shine through.

8. Can I make individual servings of this dessert?

Yes, you can make individual servings of Raspberry Tiramisu in small glasses or jars. Layer the ingredients as you would in a large dish, and refrigerate them separately for easy serving.

9. Can I substitute the mascarpone with whipped cream?

Whipped cream can be used as a lighter substitute for mascarpone, but it will change the texture and flavor of the dessert. For best results, use whipped mascarpone (whip the mascarpone cheese with some cream) if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Raspberry Tiramisu is a refreshing and delightful variation of the classic tiramisu, featuring the bright flavors of fresh raspberries combined with creamy mascarpone and crisp ladyfingers. This dessert is easy to prepare, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or just as a special treat, Raspberry Tiramisu is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the luxurious layers of flavor and texture that this fruity twist on tiramisu brings!