Imagine everything you love about classic tiramisu, but with a bright, summery twist that wakes up your taste buds with every bite — that’s Raspberry Tiramisu in a nutshell! This gorgeous layered dessert is bursting with fresh raspberry flavor, silky-smooth mascarpone cream, and pillowy ladyfingers that soak up a subtly boozy liqueur. Whether you’re looking for an easy yet elegant dinner party finale or searching for the perfect way to show off juicy berries, Raspberry Tiramisu is here to steal the spotlight and win your dessert-loving heart!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Raspberry Tiramisu comes together with a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that truly shine when layered together. Each one serves a delicious purpose, offering color, tang, sweet creaminess, or that classic tiramisu texture you crave.
- Fresh or frozen raspberries: Burst with sweet-tart flavor and create the vibrant raspberry sauce that sets this dessert apart.
- Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance both the sauce and the cream filling.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and makes the raspberry flavor pop in every spoonful.
- Heavy cream: Whips into a cloud-like texture, making the filling extra light and fluffy.
- Mascarpone cheese: The star of tiramisu — it’s rich, creamy, and absolutely essential for the classic texture.
- Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the cream for a perfectly smooth, sweet finish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, warm aroma that ties together the cream filling.
- Ladyfingers: These delicate cookies soften into tender, cake-like layers as they soak up the raspberry sauce or liqueur.
- Raspberry liqueur (optional): A splash brings sophistication and intensifies the raspberry note — or skip for a kid-friendly, fruit-forward flavor.
- Fresh raspberries for garnish: Jewels on top that make the finished dessert look irresistible.
- Mint leaves (optional) for garnish: Adds a little pop of fresh green and a subtle herby aroma.
How to Make Raspberry Tiramisu
Step 1: Make the Raspberry Sauce
Begin your Raspberry Tiramisu journey by simmering raspberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. This quick stove-top magic transforms the berries into a glossy, tangy sauce that soaks into every layer. Let it cool completely so it doesn’t melt the delicate mascarpone cream — and if you’re not a fan of seeds, go ahead and strain the sauce for extra silkiness!
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Filling
Next, whip up the dreamiest cream imaginable. Whip heavy cream until just shy of stiff peaks for a soft, billowy texture, then gently fold it into smooth mascarpone that’s sweetened with powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla. The result is a filling you’ll want to eat by the spoonful before it even hits the dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu
Here’s where everything comes together! Briefly dip those crisp ladyfingers in raspberry liqueur (or a mix of raspberry sauce and water if you prefer no alcohol). Arrange half in your dish, then lusciously spread on half the mascarpone cream, and drizzle half your raspberry sauce. Repeat with a second layer, finishing with swirls of cream and dramatic streaks of sauce. This easy assembly step gives Raspberry Tiramisu its signature stripes and layers.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Patience is the hardest part! Cover your dish and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight if you can. This chill time allows flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to turn beautifully cake-like. When you’re ready to serve, crown your Raspberry Tiramisu with fresh raspberries and a few mint leaves for a gorgeous finish.
How to Serve Raspberry Tiramisu
Garnishes
The final flourish is what transforms a homemade dessert into a showstopper! Scatter bright, plump raspberries and nestle in sprigs of mint for color contrast and freshness. A fine dusting of powdered sugar just before serving will give your Raspberry Tiramisu that bakery-worthy, snow-dusted look.
Side Dishes
Since Raspberry Tiramisu is rich and fruity, pair it simply! A cup of strong espresso or after-dinner coffee is classic, while delicate biscotti, lemon sorbet, or a crisp sparkling wine can all complement its flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, spoon individual portions into glasses for a dinner party, or layer them in mini jars for a picnic-ready treat. Serve on a large platter for a family-style dessert, or cut clean squares for a buffet spread — Raspberry Tiramisu adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a little extra Raspberry Tiramisu? Lucky you! Tightly covered and chilled, the dessert holds its lush texture and flavor for up to three days in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen with time, making your leftovers almost better than the first slice.
Freezing
While mascarpone-based desserts can sometimes lose a bit of texture in the freezer, Raspberry Tiramisu does freeze surprisingly well. Wrap your dish (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to one month. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge — just note that fresh berries used for garnish might get a little soft, so add those just before serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat — Raspberry Tiramisu is best served chilled straight from the fridge! If you froze your tiramisu, give it time to thaw slowly in the refrigerator for that dreamy, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Raspberry Tiramisu without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply dip your ladyfingers in raspberry sauce diluted with a little water instead of liqueur. The dessert turns out just as flavorful and is perfect for all ages.
Do I need to strain the raspberry sauce?
It’s up to you! If you prefer a smoother texture, pass the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Keeping the sauce unstrained adds rustic charm and a little extra fiber.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Frozen raspberries work perfectly for the sauce and are often more affordable out of season. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking for even cooking and bright flavor.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, a mix of cream cheese and a splash of heavy cream will mimic the rich, creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly tangier but still delicious in Raspberry Tiramisu.
How far in advance can I assemble Raspberry Tiramisu?
You can assemble the dessert up to 24 hours ahead (even 36 hours is okay). The longer chill allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to become perfectly cake-like, making it an ideal make-ahead treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a slice of Raspberry Tiramisu with friends or family — it never fails to brighten any occasion and starts conversations around the table. Give this berry-studded dessert a try, and I promise, it’ll quickly become your own go-to favorite for celebrations all year round!