Description
A delightful twist on the classic tiramisu, this Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu layers luscious macerated strawberries, creamy strawberry-flavored cream cheese filling, whipped vanilla cream, and orange juice-soaked ladyfingers into a refreshing, no-bake dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sifted powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons strawberry preserves, melted
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
- ½ cup whipped cream (reserved from topping)
Assembly
- 1 package ladyfingers
- ¼ cup orange juice
Instructions
- Macerate Strawberries: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon or lime juice. Toss gently to coat and set aside for the strawberries to release their natural juices, enhancing their flavor and softness.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create a light, airy topping. Set aside.
- Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted strawberry preserves using an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Optionally, add red food coloring to tint the mixture pink. Gently fold in half a cup of the whipped cream to lighten the filling. Set aside.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Place ladyfingers in a small bowl and drizzle evenly with orange juice to moisten but not saturate them.
- Assemble Layers: In a 9×9 inch glass baking dish, lay a layer of the orange juice-soaked ladyfingers as the base. Spread half of the pink cream cheese filling over the ladyfingers, then add half of the macerated strawberries on top, followed by half of the remaining whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining ladyfingers, the rest of the cream cheese filling, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream to finish the dessert.
- Chill to Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up. Alternatively, freeze for one hour to help firm the berries before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor.
- Adjust sugar levels in the strawberry maceration based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- The red food coloring is optional and used only for a pink hue in the filling.
- Ensure ladyfingers are soaked lightly with orange juice to avoid sogginess.
- Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor integration.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: No-Bake Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
