Strawberry Tiramisu

Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe - Authentic Italian Dessert

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 12

Introduction

Strawberry Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of creamy cheese mixture, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and fresh California strawberries. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat any day of the week.

History

Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert that originated in the Veneto region of Italy. Traditionally made with ladyfingers dipped in coffee and layered with a mascarpone cheese mixture, this dessert has been adapted in many ways over the years. The addition of strawberries in this recipe adds a fresh and fruity element to the classic dish.

Ingredients

2 packages (8 oz (227 g) each) neufchatel cheese, softened
0.75 cup powdered sugar
1 container (8 oz (227 g)) frozen light whipped topping, defrosted
1 cup strong coffee, at room temperature
3 tbsp coffee-flavored liqueur (optional)
1.5 pt (710 ml) baskets California strawberries (18 oz (510 g) total), stemmed and sliced
24 ladyfingers split in half
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

How to prepare

In a large mixer bowl, beat Neufchatel Cheese and powdered sugar until well blended.
Gradually fold in whipped topping to blend.
In a small bowl, combine coffee and liqueur, if desired.
Line an 8 x 8 inches glass baking dish with enough ladyfinger halves to cover the bottom, placing rounded sides down.
If necessary, cut ladyfingers to fit the dish.
Spoon 0.33 cup of the coffee mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
Top with one-third of the Cheese mixture (about one cup) and spread evenly.
Layer one-third of the strawberries (1 rounded cup) over the Cheese.
Repeat the layers two more times, ending with Cheese and reserving the remaining strawberries.
Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu and reserved strawberries for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
To serve, remove the cover and sift cocoa powder over the top.
Arrange the reserved strawberries over the cocoa.
Serve immediately.
Yield: Makes 12 servings.

Variations

Try using different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee-flavored liqueur and simply use strong coffee for soaking the ladyfingers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use strong coffee for soaking the ladyfingers to ensure a bold flavor in the dessert.

- Allow the tiramisu to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Sift cocoa powder over the top of the dessert just before serving for a decorative touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Tiramisu as a sweet ending to a dinner party or special occasion. Pair it with a cup of coffee or espresso for a classic Italian treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Strawberry Tiramisu is to layer the ingredients evenly and allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Neufchatel Cheese is not available, you can use regular cream cheese as a substitute in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Strawberry Tiramisu can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. This makes it a great dessert option for entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the reserved strawberries in a decorative pattern on top of the tiramisu before serving. Dust with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Strawberry Tiramisu with a glass of dessert wine, such as Moscato or Prosecco, for a delightful combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Tiramisu in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. Allow the dessert to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Tiramisu contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Tiramisu contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Tiramisu contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Tiramisu contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberry Tiramisu is a good source of Vitamin C, thanks to the fresh California strawberries used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (ladyfingers), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Strawberry Tiramisu is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of Vitamin C.

Summary

Strawberry Tiramisu is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert. With layers of creamy cheese mixture, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and fresh California strawberries, this dessert is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this sweet treat on its own or as a delightful ending to a special meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Strawberry Tiramisu. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious desserts, and that day she was busy preparing a special treat for us.

As I watched her work, I couldn't help but admire the way she moved around the kitchen with such grace and confidence. She had a way of making even the most complicated recipes seem simple and effortless. I asked her what she was making, and she smiled and said, "Strawberry Tiramisu."

I had never heard of such a dessert before, but as Maria explained the recipe to me, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. She started by showing me how to make the base of the tiramisu – a light and fluffy sponge cake soaked in coffee and layered with creamy mascarpone cheese.

Next, she taught me how to prepare the strawberries – slicing them thinly and macerating them in sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. Maria then showed me how to assemble the tiramisu, layering the sponge cake with the mascarpone mixture and the juicy strawberries.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Maria shared with me the story of how she had learned to make this recipe. She told me that she had first discovered it while traveling through Italy many years ago. She had stumbled upon a small café in Rome where the owner, a kind old man named Giuseppe, had taught her the secret to making the perfect tiramisu.

Maria had been so enchanted by the dessert that she had begged Giuseppe to share his recipe with her. He had agreed, on the condition that she promised to pass it on to someone else one day. And so, Maria had kept her promise by teaching me how to make the Strawberry Tiramisu that day in her kitchen.

As we sat down to enjoy our dessert, I couldn't help but marvel at the way food has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories. The Strawberry Tiramisu was a true masterpiece – the delicate flavors of the strawberries perfectly complementing the rich and creamy mascarpone.

Since that day, I have made Maria's recipe for Strawberry Tiramisu countless times, always thinking of her and the kindness of Giuseppe. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries and the laughter of good friends.

And so, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe – a treasure passed down through generations, connecting me to the culinary traditions of Italy and the cherished memories of my dear friend Maria. I will always be thankful for the day I learned to make the Strawberry Tiramisu, a dessert that holds a special place in my heart.