Berry-Licious Raspberry Tiramisu – A Must-Try Dessert!

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 29, 2025

Tiramisu, one of the most beloved Italian desserts, is traditionally made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. However, this Raspberry Tiramisu offers a refreshing and fruity variation, swapping out the bold flavors of espresso and cocoa for tangy raspberry sauce, soft mascarpone cream, and delicate ladyfingers.

This version is light, elegant, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, making it perfect for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, or special occasions. Whether you’re a die-hard tiramisu fan or looking for a unique dessert to impress guests, this no-bake raspberry tiramisu will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Tiramisu

1. A No-Bake Dessert That’s Easy to Make

Unlike many traditional desserts that require baking or extensive preparation, this raspberry tiramisu is completely no-bake. This makes it perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven but still crave something sweet and indulgent.

2. A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Tangy, and Creamy

The sweetness of the mascarpone cream pairs beautifully with the tangy raspberry sauce, creating a well-balanced dessert.
The ladyfingers absorb just the right amount of moisture, making each bite soft, yet structured.
A sprinkle of white chocolate shavings or extra raspberries on top adds an extra layer of elegance and flavor.

3. Make-Ahead Friendly

One of the best things about tiramisu is that it tastes even better the next day! The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious dessert.

4. Customizable for Any Occasion

Want to make it boozy? Add raspberry liqueur to the raspberry sauce.
Prefer a kid-friendly version? Swap out the liqueur for orange juice.
Looking for a healthier alternative? Substitute the mascarpone with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.

Ingredients

For the Raspberry Sauce:

Fresh raspberries – 2 cups (bright, tangy flavor)
Granulated sugar – ¼ cup (enhances natural sweetness)
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (adds freshness)
Water – ½ cup (helps blend the sauce)

For the Mascarpone Cream Layer:

Mascarpone cheese (room temperature) – 8 oz (rich and creamy)
Heavy whipping cream – 1 cup (creates a light, fluffy texture)
Powdered sugar – ¼ cup (sweetens the cream)
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (adds warmth and depth)

For Assembling the Tiramisu:

Ladyfingers – 20-24 (softens beautifully in the layers)
Raspberry liqueur (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version) – ½ cup (adds depth to the flavors)
Fresh raspberries (for layering) – 1 cup (extra burst of fruitiness)
White chocolate shavings (optional) – 2 tablespoons (adds a creamy, sweet contrast)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Raspberry Sauce

In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the mascarpone.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

Quickly dip ladyfingers into the raspberry sauce and arrange in a dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
Add a layer of fresh raspberries for texture.
Repeat layers and finish with mascarpone cream on top.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Before serving, sprinkle with white chocolate shavings and extra raspberries.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories – 280 kcal
Protein – 5g
Carbohydrates – 35g
Fat – 14g
Sugar – 22g

The Secret to a Perfect Raspberry Tiramisu

1. Use Fresh Raspberries for the Best Flavor

Fresh raspberries provide the brightest, juiciest flavor, making the raspberry sauce naturally sweet and tangy. However, if fresh raspberries aren’t available, frozen raspberries can be used—just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

2. Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers

Ladyfingers (or savoiardi biscuits) are light and airy, meaning they absorb liquid quickly. When dipping them into the raspberry sauce, a quick dip is enough—too much liquid will make them soggy and cause the tiramisu to lose structure.

3. Chill for at Least 4 Hours (Preferably Overnight)

Tiramisu needs time for the layers to set and the flavors to blend together. Chilling for at least 4 hours ensures that the mascarpone cream firms up and that the ladyfingers fully absorb the raspberry sauce without getting mushy.

4. Adjust the Sweetness to Your Preference

Raspberries can sometimes be naturally tart, so if you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the raspberry sauce or increase the powdered sugar in the mascarpone mixture.

5. Get Creative with Garnishes

White chocolate shavings – Adds a creamy, sweet contrast.
Fresh mint leaves – Brings a refreshing touch.
Powdered sugar dusting – Enhances the presentation.
A drizzle of raspberry sauce – For extra fruitiness.

Best Ways to Serve Raspberry Tiramisu

1. Classic Layered Tiramisu

Serve it directly from the dish, slicing into perfect squares or scooping out generous spoonfuls onto plates.

2. Individual Servings in Glasses

For an elegant presentation, assemble the tiramisu in glasses or dessert cups. This makes it easier to serve and looks beautiful at dinner parties.

3. Frozen Raspberry Tiramisu

For a summer treat, try freezing the tiramisu for a few hours before serving—it becomes a delicious semi-frozen dessert, almost like a raspberry ice cream cake.

4. As a Breakfast or Brunch Dessert

Since tiramisu has a light and creamy texture, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for a fancy brunch treat.

Popular Variations of Raspberry Tiramisu

1. Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu

Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the mascarpone layers.
Sprinkle cocoa powder on top instead of white chocolate.

2. Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu

Mix lemon zest into the mascarpone cream for a citrusy kick.
Replace raspberry liqueur with limoncello for a lemony depth.

3. Mixed Berry Tiramisu

Instead of just raspberries, use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
This version gives the dessert a more complex berry flavor.

4. Gluten-Free Raspberry Tiramisu

Use gluten-free ladyfingers or a light sponge cake to make the dessert completely gluten-free.

5. Vegan Raspberry Tiramisu

Replace mascarpone with coconut cream and use plant-based whipped topping.
Use vegan ladyfingers and a raspberry reduction sauce for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Raspberry Tiramisu Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, it’s better when made ahead. Preparing it the night before serving allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

2. Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before making the sauce.

3. How Long Does Raspberry Tiramisu Last in the Fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days.

4. Can I Freeze Raspberry Tiramisu?

It’s not recommended, as the mascarpone cream can become watery when thawed. However, if you want a semi-frozen dessert, you can freeze it for a few hours before serving.

5. What Can I Use Instead of Mascarpone?

You can substitute cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but the texture will be slightly different.

6. How Do I Make It Dairy-Free?

Use coconut cream instead of mascarpone and dairy-free whipped topping.

Final Thoughts: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Dessert

Raspberry Tiramisu is light, fruity, and incredibly satisfying—a perfect alternative to the traditional coffee-based version. Whether you’re making it for a summer party, brunch, or just as a personal indulgence, this no-bake dessert will impress everyone.

With its vibrant raspberry sauce, creamy mascarpone layers, and delicate ladyfingers, this tiramisu is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it a versatile dessert that can suit any occasion.

So why not give this refreshing, berry-filled tiramisu a try? Gather your ingredients, layer up the goodness, and enjoy a slice of creamy, fruity heaven!