The dessert name “tiramisu” comes from “tireme su” in the Treviso Italian dialect, which translates to “pick me up” or “cheer me up” in English. Our twist on the coffee-flavored classic is a strawberry tiramisu made with white chocolate and fresh strawberries, bringing cheer to anyone tasting it. It’s light, refreshing and wonderful for a summer picnic. Though it looks elegant and complex, it’s quite simple to make. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Strawberry Tiramisu 
- Heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream transforms into a fluffy, delicious recipe component that shows up several ways in this recipe.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese teams up with the mascarpone cheese for a delicious filling.
- Mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone is an Italian version of cream cheese that contains more milkfat than American cream cheese. The combined cheeses are a key part of this delicious dessert.
- White baking chocolate: Melted white chocolate flavors the cream-cheese portion of the strawberry tiramisu for a delectable treat.
- Confectioners’ sugar: This light, powdery sugar dissolves easily without high temperatures, so it’s an excellent sweetener for the creamy portions of this tiramisu.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla imparts a lovely aroma and hint of flavor to the cream in this dessert.
- Ladyfingers: Ladyfingers serve as the primary structure of tiramisu; they develop a wonderful cakelike consistency in this strawberry tiramisu.
- Orange juice: Orange juice gives a slight citrusy note to the strawberries in this tasty dessert.
- Fresh strawberries: Fresh, sweet strawberries give this version of tiramisu a flavor similar to a strawberry cassata cake or a strawberry shortcake.
- Chocolate syrup (optional): A little chocolate drizzle brings out the flavors of everything in this tiramisu recipe. Chocolate makes everything better!
Directions 
Step 1: Prepare the creamy ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the cooled melted white chocolate, 1/2 cup of the confectioners’ sugar and the vanilla. Fold in 2 cups of the whipped cream.
Step 2: Prepare the ladyfingers layers
Brush half of the ladyfingers with half of the orange juice; arrange them in the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish. Spread 2 cups of the cream cheese mixture over the ladyfingers, then top that with half of the strawberries. Brush the remaining ladyfingers with the remaining orange juice; arrange them over the strawberries.
Editor’s tip: Avoid drenching the ladyfingers in orange juice or they’ll become a bit too soggy in the tiramisu.Â
Step 3: Finish preparing the tiramisu
Gently stir the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar into the remaining cream cheese mixture, then fold that into the remaining whipped cream. Spread the new mixture over the ladyfingers, then top them with the rest of the strawberries. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least six hours before serving. If desired, drizzle the tiramisu with chocolate syrup before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Use semisweet chocolate: Replace the white chocolate with semisweet chocolate baking chips for a chocolatey flavor. Note: this will add a dark color to portions of the dessert.
- Top with sliced almonds: Thin almond slices will add a little crunch to the dessert for a playful texture variation.
- Use mixed berries: Replace the strawberries with a blend of mixed berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Whatever berries are in season will taste great in this dish.
How to Store Strawberry Tiramisu
Store strawberry tiramisu in the refrigerator immediately after serving, including any leftovers. Place it in an airtight container and it will keep in the refrigerator for three or four days.
Can you make strawberry tiramisu ahead of time?Â
Yes, this strawberry tiramisu dessert is the perfect make-ahead treat because the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more flavorful it becomes. Make it a day or two ahead of when you plan to eat it for the best flavors.
Strawberry Tiramisu Tips
Do I have to leave it in the refrigerator for so long before serving?
Yes, any version of tiramisu needs plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator; this allows the ingredients to firm up, and for the dessert’s flavors to fully develop. It’s well worth the wait!
Is heavy cream the same as heavy whipping cream?
Though these two products have different names, they’re the same thing in terms of milkfat, so feel free to use heavy cream in this recipe instead of heavy whipping cream. Regular whipping cream could work in a pinch. Here’s a deeper dive into the difference between heavy cream and whipping cream.
What other types of tiramisu can I make?
For a special holiday treat, whip up some cranberry-orange tiramisu, which features cranberries, Marsala wine and orange liqueur for a very special treat. Our limoncello tiramisu boasts a homemade lemon curd filling, plus candied lemon slices on top. Delicious! For a unique creation that combines the flavors of two dessert all-stars into one treat, try our tiramisu brownies.
