Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is a light and fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. It combines the creamy layers of mascarpone and whipped cream with juicy, fresh raspberries, and soft, espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Every bite is a balance of sweet, tangy, and smooth textures that feel like a perfect summer treat.
I love making this dessert when raspberries are in season because their bright, fresh flavor makes the tiramisu feel so refreshing. Instead of just sticking to the usual coffee notes, the raspberries add a lovely pop that surprises everyone at the table. I usually sprinkle a few extra berries on top for a pretty, colorful finish.
My favorite way to enjoy Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu is with a cup of your favorite tea or a light sparkling drink. It makes for such a wonderful ending to any meal, especially when you want something that’s sweet but not too heavy. I find it’s a dish that never lasts long, and I’m always asked to make it again soon!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Raspberries: Using fresh raspberries adds natural sweetness and a bit of tartness. If raspberries aren’t available, you can use strawberries or blueberries instead. Frozen berries work well too, just thaw and drain excess liquid.
Mascarpone Cheese: This gives tiramisu its creamy texture. If you don’t have mascarpone, try a mix of cream cheese and a little heavy cream for a similar effect. Just soften the cream cheese well before mixing.
Ladyfinger Cookies: These are key for soaking up the coffee and holding the layers. If you can’t find ladyfingers, sponge cake or pound cake slices make a good alternative, cut into matching sizes.
Coffee or Espresso: Strong brewed coffee works best for dipping. If you prefer to skip caffeine, try using strong brewed decaf coffee or even chilled black tea with a hint of vanilla.
How Do I Keep My Ladyfingers from Getting Too Soggy?
One tough part of making tiramisu is getting the ladyfingers soaked just right. Too long, and they get mushy; too short, and they’re dry.
- Pour your coffee or espresso into a shallow dish to dip.
- Dip each ladyfinger quickly — about 1 second per side, just enough to get a thin layer of moisture.
- Place them right into your dish without stacking too tightly to avoid squashing.
- Work quickly to keep the texture firm but moist, so the dessert holds its shape while still softening nicely in the fridge.
Patience here makes the result so much better — the perfect balance between crisp and soft will impress everyone!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use different sizes for whipping cream and folding in mascarpone to make assembly easy.
- Electric mixer or whisk – helps whip the cream to stiff peaks quickly and easily.
- Small bowl – perfect for macerating the raspberries with sugar and lemon juice.
- Shallow dish – for dipping ladyfingers quickly without over-saturating them.
- Serving dish or individual cups – depending on how you want to present the tiramisu.
- Fine sieve or sifter – for dusting cocoa powder neatly on top for a professional look.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Different Berries: Swap raspberries for blueberries or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
- Chocolate Accents: Mix cocoa powder or shaved chocolate into the mascarpone or sprinkle on top for a rich flavor boost.
- Alcohol Kick: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or Grand Marnier to the coffee soak for an adult version.
- Nut Crunch: Top with chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor depth.
Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Raspberry Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (from the ¼ cup, divided)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cream Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator to let the flavors come together and the tiramisu to set well. Overnight chilling works wonderfully too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the fresh raspberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and lemon juice. Gently mash some of the berries with the back of a spoon to release their juices but keep many whole for a nice texture. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to macerate and get juicy.
2. Make the Cream Filling:
In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. In a larger bowl, soften the mascarpone cheese by gently folding it. Slowly fold in half of the whipped cream to make a smooth cream. Then, carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, making sure the mixture stays light and airy.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee for about one second each side, just enough to soak but not become soggy. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spoon half of the raspberry mixture evenly on top.
4. Layer and Finish:
Repeat the process by adding another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Decorate the top neatly with fresh whole raspberries. Dust lightly with cocoa powder and a bit of powdered sugar for an extra pretty touch.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the tiramisu and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Just before serving, you can add a little extra cocoa powder and some fresh raspberries on the side to make it look even more inviting.
Enjoy the fresh, creamy, and fruity delight of this raspberry tiramisu — a lovely twist on the classic that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid making the tiramisu too watery.
How Long Should I Soak the Ladyfingers?
Dip the ladyfingers quickly—about 1 second per side—to ensure they absorb enough coffee without becoming soggy. This keeps the layers light and maintains texture.
Can I Make Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and the dessert set perfectly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat or serve chilled based on your preference, but tiramisu is typically enjoyed cold.