Berry Tiramisu Recipe
This Berry Tiramisu is a fresh, fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of sugar-coated mixed berries, creamy mascarpone filling, and delicate ladyfingers soaked in a sweet berry and amaretto juice. Chilled and topped with whipped cream and optional freeze-dried berry powder, this dessert is perfect for berry lovers looking for a light yet indulgent treat.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes plus 2-3 hours chilling for berries
- Cook Time: 10 minutes for custard preparation
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling times)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Berries and Juice Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and chopped
- 12 ounces fresh blueberries, washed and dried
- 12 ounces raspberries, washed and dried
- 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) amaretto liqueur, optional
- 3/4 to 1 cup (180-240ml) water
Mascarpone Cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (285g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 3/4 cups (420ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (17.5 ounce) package ladyfingers
- Freeze dried berries, optional
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold (for topping)
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Make Berries and Juice Mixture: Combine the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and 3/4 cup sugar in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat the fruit in sugar, cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the berries to release their juices.
- Collect Juice: Drain the juices from the macerated berries into a measuring cup, aiming to have at least 1 cup of juice. If the amount is less, let the fruit sit longer and check again.
- Prepare Berry Juice Liquid: Stir in the amaretto liqueur, if using, to the berry juice. Add water to reach a total of 2 cups of liquid. If amaretto is omitted, add water accordingly.
- Make Mascarpone Cream Base: In a double boiler or bowl over simmering water, whisk together egg yolks and 1 cup sugar. Continue whisking for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens, doubles in volume, becomes pale yellow, and reaches 160°F. The mixture may be slightly grainy but will smooth out later. Remove and let cool to slightly above room temperature.
- Whip Cream: While the egg mixture cools, whip 1 3/4 cups cold heavy whipping cream in a large bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Mascarpone and Egg Mixture: Gently fold mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg yolk mixture until smooth and combined.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone and egg mixture in two additions until fully incorporated. Set this mascarpone filling aside.
- Assemble the Tiramisu – Layer One: Quickly dip ladyfingers one at a time into the berry juice mixture for about 3 seconds each, then arrange them in three rows (about 8 ladyfingers per row) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan.
- Add First Berry and Cream Layers: Spread half of the mixed berries evenly over the ladyfingers, then top with half of the mascarpone cream layer, blending the berries softly into the cream.
- Assemble the Tiramisu – Layer Two: Repeat the dipping and layering of ladyfingers soaked in berry juice, followed by the remaining mixed berries, and then cover with the remainder of the mascarpone cream.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 3-4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Prepare Decoration: If using freeze-dried berries, pulse them in a food processor to a powder and immediately sprinkle over the top to avoid clumping.
- Make Whipped Cream Topping: Whip together 1 1/4 cups cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate: Use the whipped cream to decorate the top of the tiramisu either by spreading or piping with a decorative tip, such as Ateco tip 847, to create swirls or borders.
- Serve and Store: Serve chilled. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and consume within 24-48 hours for best texture and flavor. After this time, the tiramisu may become too soft and lose its appeal.
Notes
- Use of amaretto is optional but adds a nice almond flavor to the berry juice soak.
- The recipe uses raw egg yolks gently cooked to 160°F to ensure safety; do not skip this step for food safety.
- Chilling overnight enhances the melding of flavors and texture.
- Freeze-dried berry powder adds a beautiful color contrast and intense berry flavor for garnish.
- The tiramisu is best enjoyed within 2 days as the ladyfingers will become increasingly soggy over time.
Keywords: berry tiramisu, mascarpone dessert, berry dessert, no bake tiramisu, berry trifle, Italian dessert, fresh fruit dessert