Strawberry Tiramisu: A Delicious No-Bake Classic Italian Dessert

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that screams summer but doesn’t require turning on the oven? Strawberry Tiramisu is your answer. This fruity twist on the traditional Italian favorite swaps the bold espresso and cocoa for layers of honey-soaked ladyfingers, whipped mascarpone cream, and juicy strawberries. It’s light, elegant, and perfect for warm-weather entertaining.

Unlike the classic version, this no-bake treat leans into fresh seasonal flavors—think ripe strawberries, chamomile-infused ginger syrup, and a touch of Aperol for those who want a little grown-up flair. If you love effortless, make-ahead desserts that still feel gourmet, this is a must-try. Don’t miss our chessman banana pudding dessert for another creamy layered favorite.

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Why Strawberry Tiramisu Is the Ultimate Summer Dessert

The origins of tiramisu and its modern twist

Traditional tiramisu dates back to the 1960s in Italy. It was originally a rich blend of espresso-dipped ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa. While the original is deeply beloved, modern cooks have been putting creative spins on it—none more refreshing than the strawberry tiramisu.

This fruity take replaces the coffee and cocoa with vibrant, seasonal strawberries and a floral, lightly spiced syrup. The result? A dreamy dessert that’s lighter, brighter, and perfect for sunny days.

Strawberries: A seasonal highlight

What makes strawberries the star here? Their natural sweetness and juicy texture pair beautifully with mascarpone. At peak ripeness, they offer a burst of flavor that no other berry can quite replicate.

Here’s how to pick the best ones:

Quality Marker	What to Look For
Color	Deep red with no white tips
Aroma	Sweet and fragrant
Texture	Firm but not hard
Size	Medium-sized berries are ideal

Pro tip: Avoid berries that are mushy, dull, or leaking juice. You want them vibrant and firm for layering and presentation.

What makes strawberry tiramisu different (and better!)

So, why swap the coffee for berries?

• It’s perfect for kids and adults alike—no caffeine involved
• The ginger-chamomile syrup adds depth without overpowering
• It brings brightness to the rich mascarpone layers
• You can serve it at brunch, BBQs, or even bridal showers

What really sets this version apart is its versatility. Whether you skip the Aperol or use a different jam altogether, the core remains a creamy, fruit-forward delight.

Craving more creative no-bake treats? Check out our no-bake pecan pie cheesecake or lemon blueberry cheesecake dessert.

How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu Step by Step

Ingredients you’ll need

Before you dive into assembling this dreamy dessert, gather your ingredients. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture.

For the syrup:

• ½ cup honey
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
• 4 bags chamomile tea (optional, but highly recommended)

For the mascarpone cream:

• 4 large egg yolks (cold)
• 16 oz mascarpone cheese (cold)
• ½ cup heavy cream (cold)
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Aperol (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

For assembly:

• 24 ladyfingers (about one 7-oz package)
• ½ cup + 3 tbsp strawberry jam
• 1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
• Freeze-dried raspberries for garnish (optional)

These ingredients come together for a no-bake strawberry mascarpone dessert that feels elegant but is surprisingly easy.

Want another layered dessert with a fruity twist? Try our apple bread pudding recipe that’s warm, cozy, and just as comforting.

Making the honey-ginger chamomile syrup

This syrup adds floral and spicy notes that elevate the strawberries.

Here’s how:

1. In a small pot, bring ½ cup water, the honey, and sliced ginger to a gentle boil.
2. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Add the chamomile tea bags and steep for 15 minutes.
4. Strain out the ginger and tea, then let the syrup cool.

The result? A golden, aromatic syrup that balances the sweetness of the jam and cream beautifully.

Preparing the mascarpone cream

The heart of this strawberry tiramisu is its rich, velvety cream layer.

Follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, mascarpone, ¼ cup of cream, honey, Aperol, vanilla, and ground ginger.
2. Beat until light and smooth—no more than 2 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the remaining ¼ cup cream until soft peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

Tip: Don’t over-mix or the cream could break down and become too runny.

Looking for another luscious dessert? Don’t miss our chocolate bourbon pecan pie recipe—a rich holiday classic with a twist.

Layering your tiramisu like a pro

This is where the magic happens. You’ll layer syrup-dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, jam, and fresh strawberries.

Instructions:

1. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the syrup—don’t soak them!
2. Arrange a single layer in a 9×9-inch square dish.
3. Spoon half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
4. Dollop ½ cup strawberry jam across the cream.
5. Add a layer of sliced strawberries.

Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining cream.

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you want the flavors to really meld.

Chilling and serving tips

For best results, give your tiramisu ample time to set. This allows the ladyfingers to soak up the syrup and the cream to firm up.

Serving ideas:

• Top with extra jam and fresh strawberries before serving.
• Garnish with crushed freeze-dried raspberries for texture and color.
• Serve with mint leaves for a bright, fresh finish.

And if you love elegant chilled treats, check out our homemade jelly donuts recipe—they’re just as delightful and indulgent.

Tips, Variations, and Common Questions About Strawberry Tiramisu

Expert tips to perfect your strawberry tiramisu

Getting this dessert just right comes down to a few key techniques. Here are some simple tips that make a big difference:

• Use cold ingredients: Mascarpone and cream should be straight from the fridge. Warm ingredients will lead to a runny texture.
• Whip with care: Only mix until smooth. Over-beating breaks down the cream and makes it unstable.
• Quick dip the ladyfingers: Too long in the syrup and they’ll turn to mush. Dip and move fast.
• Chill well: The longer it rests (at least 2 hours, ideally overnight), the better it sets and flavors meld.

Even better? It’s easy to prep ahead, so you’re stress-free when guests arrive.

Variations to try for a new spin

Want to change things up? Here are some delicious variations on this strawberry layered dessert:

• Alcohol-free version: Skip the Aperol—use orange juice or more vanilla extract instead.
• Try different jams: Raspberry, peach, or even cherry jam brings new flavor profiles.
• Go citrusy: Add lemon zest to the mascarpone cream for a tangy note.
• Make it egg-free: Swap out egg yolks for extra whipped cream if you prefer an eggless tiramisu.
• Use a different tea: Can’t have chamomile? Earl grey or lavender tea offers beautiful depth.

This no-bake dessert leaves room for creativity while staying completely fuss-free.

Looking for inspiration? Try our cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins recipe for another seasonal treat that bakes up in a flash.

Strawberry Tiramisu FAQs

Conclusion

Strawberry Tiramisu is everything a summer dessert should be—light, luscious, and full of flavor. With its refreshing twist on the classic, it brings a burst of berry goodness to any table. Whether you’re serving it at a party or saving it all for yourself (no judgment!), this fruity no-bake tiramisu is guaranteed to be a hit.

Looking for more inspiration for easy layered treats? Check out our nutter butter trifle dessert recipe for another creamy creation that’s just as impressive.

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