This raspberry tiramisu is a fruity, refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert. It layers delicate ladyfingers soaked in raspberry syrup with a creamy mascarpone filling and fresh raspberries for a light, elegant treat that’s perfect for spring, summer, or anytime I want something a little different from traditional tiramisu. No coffee, no cocoa—just bright, tangy flavor and luscious texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this raspberry tiramisu keeps all the indulgent, creamy elements of the original but adds a fresh and fruity vibe. The raspberries bring a natural tartness that balances the sweetness, while the mascarpone filling stays light and smooth. It’s no-bake, easy to assemble, and even better when made ahead—making it ideal for gatherings or when I just want to prep dessert in advance. And visually, it’s always a stunner on the table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
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Fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
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Raspberry preserves or raspberry syrup
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Mascarpone cheese
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Heavy whipping cream
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Granulated sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
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Water or raspberry liqueur (for thinning the preserves)
Directions
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I start by making the raspberry soak: I mix raspberry preserves with a bit of warm water or raspberry liqueur until it’s thin enough to dip the ladyfingers in.
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In a large bowl, I whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
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In another bowl, I mix the mascarpone until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined and fluffy.
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I quickly dip each ladyfinger into the raspberry syrup—just a second or two—then arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish.
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I spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers and sprinkle with fresh raspberries.
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I repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the cream, and a final topping of raspberries.
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I cover and chill the tiramisu in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. It takes 20 minutes to assemble, and I let it chill for at least 4 hours before serving. That wait is worth it—the flavors blend beautifully, and the texture becomes silky and sliceable.
Variations
Sometimes I mix strawberries or blueberries in with the raspberries for a mixed-berry version. When I want more tartness, I add lemon zest to the mascarpone layer. For a lighter version, I swap part of the mascarpone with Greek yogurt or use low-fat whipped topping. If I want it extra indulgent, I drizzle melted white chocolate between the layers or on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tightly. The texture stays smooth and the flavors continue to meld. I don’t freeze this tiramisu—the creamy filling doesn’t hold up well after thawing. Since it’s a chilled dessert, I serve it straight from the fridge—no reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes, and I actually prefer to. I usually make it the day before and let it chill overnight. That gives the ladyfingers time to absorb the raspberry syrup and the layers to set perfectly.
Do I have to use mascarpone?
Mascarpone gives the most authentic and creamy result, but if I can’t find it, I use a mix of cream cheese and a few tablespoons of sour cream for a similar texture.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, I thaw and drain them first. They’re great for the sauce layer or even mixed into the filling, but I stick with fresh raspberries for the garnish so it looks nice.
Can I make this alcohol-free?
Absolutely. I just use water or lemon juice to thin the preserves instead of liqueur. The flavor still turns out delicious and fresh.
What size dish should I use?
I use an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar. A trifle dish also works beautifully for presentation if I want to show off the layers.
Conclusion
This raspberry tiramisu is a fruity, fresh take on a beloved classic, and I can’t get enough of it. With its balance of sweet, tart, and creamy layers, it’s the kind of dessert that feels light but still totally satisfying. Whether I’m making it for a special occasion or just to treat myself, it always brings rave reviews—and it’s so easy, I keep coming back to it all year round.
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This raspberry tiramisu is a bright, fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of ladyfingers soaked in raspberry syrup are paired with a creamy mascarpone filling and fresh raspberries for a light, elegant no‑bake treat.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No‑Bake
- Cuisine: Italian‑Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves or syrup
- 2 tablespoons water or raspberry liqueur (to thin preserves)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together raspberry preserves and water (or raspberry liqueur) until loosened into a pourable syrup.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, smooth the mascarpone with a spatula, then gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the raspberry syrup (1–2 seconds each) and arrange a single layer in an 8×8‑inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers and sprinkle with fresh raspberries.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone mixture, and a final topping of raspberries.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so the layers set and flavors meld.
Notes
- Use thawed, drained frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t available.
- Add lemon zest to the mascarpone for extra brightness.
- Serve in a trifle dish for a beautiful layered presentation.
- Make the night before to let the ladyfingers soften perfectly.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate between layers for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
