Name: Strawberry Tiramisu – No-Bake, Coffee-Free Summer Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced; 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi); 8 oz mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree (optional); 1/2 cup orange juice or strawberry juice (for dipping ladyfingers)

Strawberry Tiramisu – No-Bake, Coffee-Free Summer Dessert

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Strawberry Tiramisu is a fresh, fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert—perfect for warm days when I don’t want to turn on the oven. It’s light, creamy, and layered with juicy strawberries and soft ladyfingers soaked in a simple syrup or juice instead of coffee. I love how it feels indulgent but still refreshing, with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s no-bake, easy to assemble, and doesn’t require any coffee or alcohol—making it kid-friendly and ideal for summer gatherings. The mascarpone cream is smooth and fluffy, and the layers of fresh strawberries make every bite burst with flavor. I can prep it ahead of time, and it only gets better as it chills. Strawberry Tiramisu – No-Bake, Coffee-Free Summer Dessert

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
Mascarpone cheese
Heavy cream (or whipping cream)
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice
Strawberry jam or puree (optional, for layering)
Orange juice or strawberry juice (for dipping ladyfingers)

Directions

I start by washing and slicing the strawberries, setting aside a handful for the top layer.
In a large bowl, I whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
In another bowl, I gently mix the mascarpone until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream to create a fluffy mascarpone mixture.
I dip each ladyfinger quickly into orange or strawberry juice—just enough to soften without getting soggy.
I layer the bottom of my dish with dipped ladyfingers, spread on a layer of mascarpone cream, and add sliced strawberries or a thin layer of jam/puree.
I repeat the layers until I run out of ingredients, finishing with mascarpone cream on top.
I chill the tiramisu in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best), then top it with fresh strawberries before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
Total time: Around 5 hours (mostly chill time)

Variations

Sometimes I add a touch of lemon zest to the mascarpone mixture for extra brightness. I’ve also made a mixed berry version with raspberries and blueberries. If I want a sweeter version, I swirl in strawberry jam between the layers. For a dairy-free option, I use coconut cream and dairy-free whipped topping.

storage/reheating

I store the tiramisu covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but the ladyfingers may soften more over time. Since it’s a chilled dessert, I don’t reheat it—just slice and serve cold. I avoid freezing it, as the texture doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert a day ahead?

Yes, I always do. The flavors blend beautifully overnight, and the texture sets perfectly for slicing the next day.

What can I use instead of mascarpone?

I sometimes mix softened cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream for a similar result, though it will be tangier and slightly denser.

Are ladyfingers the same as sponge cake?

Not quite. Ladyfingers are firmer and hold their shape better when dipped. I wouldn’t substitute sponge cake unless I layer it very carefully.

How do I keep the tiramisu from getting soggy?

I dip the ladyfingers quickly and don’t oversoak. A quick dunk in juice is enough to soften without making them fall apart.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh works best for layering and topping, but I’ve used thawed frozen strawberries blended into a puree or jam layer with good results.

Conclusion

Strawberry Tiramisu is one of my favorite summer desserts—no baking, no coffee, just layers of creamy, fruity deliciousness. It’s light, elegant, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether I’m making it for a party or just for myself, it always feels like a sweet, refreshing treat.