Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu for Your Valentine

Ah, love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate it than with a dessert that’s as sweet and delightful as a box of chocolates? I’m talking about Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu—an indulgent twist on both the classic tiramisu and the beloved strawberry shortcake! This recipe has become one of my go-to desserts for Valentine’s Day, family gatherings, or whenever I’m in need of a sweet pick-me-up.

The first time I whipped this up was a couple of years ago for my partner on Valentine’s Day. I wanted to create something special that would impress them without spending the entire day in the kitchen. With layers of fluffy mascarpone, fresh strawberries, and the lightest sponge cake, I was floating on cloud nine with each bite! It’s the perfect combination of creamy and fruity that feels light but indulgent at the same time. Trust me, once you serve this layered beauty, you’ll be showered with love and compliments!

What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu?

Let’s take a closer look at the delicious ingredients that come together to create this heavenly dessert:

Ladyfingers: These light and airy cookies are essential for the classic tiramisu texture. They soak up the flavors beautifully without falling apart. I prefer to use im-mersed or high-quality ones to ensure the best results.

Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy foundation of tiramisu! Mascarpone is rich and decadent, giving the dessert its luscious texture. I like to use authentic Italian mascarpone whenever possible; it makes a world of difference.

Whipped Cream: For the lovely fluffy layers – who doesn’t love whipped cream? You can make your own or opt for a store-bought version if you’re short on time, but homemade is always worth the extra effort!

Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are key for the fruity layer. Choose bright red, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to substitute with raspberries or other berries.

Sugar: To sweeten the mascarpone mixture—you can tweak the amount depending on your taste. If you want to make it extra special, consider using vanilla sugar.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds depth and enhances the flavor of the mascarpone.

Espresso or Coffee Liqueur: Traditional tiramisu calls for coffee, and for good reason! It adds a rich depth of flavor. Covering the ladyfingers in a bit of espresso makes them the perfect spongy vessel for everything else.

Is Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu Good for You?

While I wouldn’t say this dessert is health food by any means, there are a few redeeming qualities to consider:

Strawberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, strawberries bring bright flavor and some nutritional benefits to this dessert. They offer Vitamin C and dietary fiber, which can be a positive addition to your treat.

Mascarpone: This creamy cheese is high in fat, so best enjoy it in moderation. That said, it contains calcium and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed mindfully.

Homemade Options: By making your own whipped cream, you control the sweetness and add less sugar than store-bought varieties, which can often be laden with preservatives.

It’s all about balance—enjoying dessert as a treat is what makes life delicious!

Ingredients List

– Ladyfingers (about 24)
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
– 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
– 1 cup mascarpone cheese
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

This serves about 6-8 delightful portions.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu?

Here’s how to bring this beauty to life:

1. **Prepare the Coffee Mixture:** Start by brewing your coffee or espresso and let it cool. If using, stir in the coffee liqueur. Set aside.

2. **Make the Mascarpone Mixture:** In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

3. **Whip the Cream:** In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream!

4. **Layer the Dessert:** Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, making sure not to soak them too long (they will fall apart!). Place a layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish.

5. **Add Layer of Strawberries:** Spread half of the sliced strawberries over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the mascarpone mixture. Smooth it out gently with a spatula.

6. **Repeat Layers:** Repeat the layering process by dipping ladyfingers, adding another layer of strawberries, and topping with the remaining mascarpone mixture.

7. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Before serving, you can top with a few additional strawberries for garnish and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, if desired.

Sweet Tips for Your Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu

– If you want to add a little zesty kick, a bit of lemon zest in the mascarpone mixture can work wonders!
– You can swap strawberries for other berries like raspberries or peaches based on your preference and seasonality.
– This dessert can be prepped a day ahead, making it a perfect treat for busy celebrations or get-togethers.

Pull out your cutest dessert dish, or even surprise your loved one with a lovely jar for an adorable touch! I’m so excited for you to give this recipe a go, and I can’t wait to hear how your Valentine—and maybe even you—falls head over heels for this dessert. Share your sweet stories, and happy baking!