Tropical Tiramisu

Tropical Tiramisu Recipe from Italy with Cream Cheese and Mango

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tropical Tiramisu is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert, incorporating tropical flavors like mango, pineapple, and macadamia nuts. This dessert is perfect for a summer gathering or a special occasion.

History

Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert that traditionally consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese. The addition of tropical fruits and nuts in this recipe gives it a unique and refreshing twist.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz (227 g)) package of cream cheese
0.25 cup of honey
2 tbsp of pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
3 cups of leftover cake, cubed
0.5 cup of mango nectar
0.5 tsp of rum flavored extract
0.25 cup of chopped crystallized ginger
0.25 cup of chopped macadamia nuts
0.5 cup of sliced fresh mango, for garnish

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, honey, and pineapple juice concentrate until they become light and fluffy. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the mango nectar and rum extract. Set aside.
Place half of the cake cubes in a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) glass bowl.
Drizzle half of the mango/rum mixture over the cake, then spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cake.
Sprinkle half of the ginger and nuts on top.
Repeat the layers.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Garnish each serving with fresh mango slices and pineapple.

Variations

Substitute the mango nectar with passion fruit juice for a different tropical flavor.
Use coconut rum instead of rum extract for a more intense coconut flavor.

Notes

You can make this with white, yellow, coconut, lemon, butter, or banana cake. The macadamia nuts can be replaced with sliced almonds.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the cream cheese, honey, and pineapple juice concentrate until they are light and fluffy to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Drizzle the mango nectar and rum extract mixture evenly over the cake cubes to ensure that each bite is infused with tropical flavors.

- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and for the dessert to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tropical Tiramisu chilled with a garnish of fresh mango slices and pineapple for a refreshing and tropical presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the cake cubes, cream cheese mixture, and tropical fruit and nut toppings is the key technique in making this dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a more traditional tiramisu flavor.

- Use almonds or pecans instead of macadamia nuts for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Tropical Tiramisu can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tropical Tiramisu in individual glasses for a more elegant presentation, garnished with a sprig of mint.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a tropical fruit salad or a glass of sparkling wine for a perfect ending to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Tropical Tiramisu in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of Vitamin C from the mango and pineapple.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cream cheese) and nuts (macadamia nuts).

Summary

Tropical Tiramisu is a decadent dessert that is high in fat and carbohydrates, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tropical Tiramisu is a delightful and tropical twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for a special occasion or a summer gathering. With layers of cake, cream cheese, and tropical fruits and nuts, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village on the coast of Italy. I had always loved cooking, and I spent many hours in the kitchen with my mother, learning the traditional recipes that had been passed down through generations.

One day, a family friend from a distant land came to visit us. She was a vibrant and exotic woman, with a smile that lit up the room. She brought with her a taste of the tropics, in the form of a dessert that she called Tropical Tiramisu.

I had never tasted anything like it before. The flavors were so unique and refreshing, a delightful combination of creamy mascarpone cheese, sweet pineapple, and tangy passion fruit. The lady shared the recipe with my mother, who in turn passed it on to me.

I remember spending hours in the kitchen, carefully following the instructions and creating this delicious dessert. It quickly became a favorite among my family and friends, and I soon found myself making it for every special occasion.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. The Tropical Tiramisu became a staple in my repertoire, a dessert that brought joy and happiness to all who tasted it.

I fondly remember the warm summer evenings when I would serve this dessert to my loved ones, the taste of the tropics transporting us to faraway lands. The laughter and chatter around the table, the clinking of glasses and the sounds of contentment - these are the memories that I hold dear.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with many others, passing on the tradition of Tropical Tiramisu to new generations. It is a dish that never fails to impress, a taste of paradise in every bite.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the warmth and love of my family, I am filled with gratitude for the memories that this recipe has given me. The joy of discovery, the pleasure of creation, and the bond that food has the power to forge between us.

And so, I continue to cook and create, drawing inspiration from the places and people that have touched my life. The recipe for Tropical Tiramisu will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic that can be found in the simple act of sharing a meal with those we love.