Raspberry Tiramisu Layers

This raspberry tiramisu blends the classic Italian dessert with a bright, fruity twist that lightens the traditional richness. Layers of lady finger cookies soaked in vibrant raspberry syrup alternate with creamy mascarpone filling and raspberry preserves. It is perfect for special occasions or when you want a dessert that feels both elegant and refreshingly delicious.

I first made this on a warm spring weekend and was amazed how the raspberries gave the dessert a fresh lift. Now it’s a favorite for celebrations in our family.

Ingredients

• Water for the raspberry syrup: to create the perfect soaking liquid
• Fresh raspberries: add natural flavor and a burst of color, choose ripe and bright berries for best results
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the syrup and filling evenly without overpowering the fruit
• Heavy whipping cream: very cold to whip up fluffy texture, cold cream whips better and faster
• Mascarpone cheese: room temperature for smooth blending into the cream without lumps
• Vanilla extract: brings warmth and depth to the mascarpone filling
• Lady finger cookies: must be fresh and slightly firm to soak syrup without falling apart easily
• Seedless raspberry preserves: spread evenly to avoid seeds while delivering rich raspberry flavor
• White chocolate bar: grated to fine shavings for a delicate sweet garnish, try quality brands like Lindt
• Fresh raspberries for garnish: choose uniform size for beautiful layering on top

Instructions

Make the raspberry syrup:

Add water, fresh raspberries and sugar to a medium saucepan and stir to combine then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling reduce heat to medium and simmer for three to four minutes until the raspberries break down and sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to strain out seeds then discard the seeds and allow the syrup to cool.

Whip the cream:

Beat the very cold heavy whipping cream in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer on low speed then gradually increase to high speed. Continue beating for three to four minutes until stiff peaks form and set aside.

Prepare the mascarpone filling:

In a separate bowl add room temperature mascarpone cheese, sugar and vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed for one to two minutes until light and fluffy.

Fold the cream and mascarpone:

Fold half a cup of the whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture at a time until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling light and airy.

Assemble the tiramisu:

Begin by briefly dipping each lady finger cookie into the cooled raspberry syrup to coat and place a single layer in the bottom of a nine by thirteen inch dish. Break cookies as needed to fill the entire surface evenly.

Add raspberry preserves:

Spread one cup of seedless raspberry preserves evenly over the lady fingers.

Layer mascarpone filling:

Use a spatula to spread half of the mascarpone filling evenly over the preserves, taking care not to mix the layers.

Add second layer:

Add the second layer of dipped lady fingers evenly over the mascarpone then spread the remaining cup of raspberry preserves followed by the remaining mascarpone filling evenly on top.

Garnish:

Sprinkle the grated white chocolate shavings over the surface.

Chill:

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least eight hours preferably overnight to allow cookies to soften and flavors to meld.

Serve:

When ready to serve remove from the fridge and arrange fresh raspberries in rows on top then garnish with additional white chocolate shavings if desired.

My favorite part is the fresh raspberry syrup that brings the whole tiramisu to life with its vibrant color and natural tartness. It reminds me of sharing this dessert at a family gathering where everyone was mesmerized by how the simple addition of raspberries transformed the classic into something extraordinary.

Storage Tips

Keep tightly covered in the refrigerator and consume within two days for best texture and flavor. Lady fingers may become too soggy if left too long. If you need to store it longer freeze in an airtight container for up to one month then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen raspberries if fresh are not available but thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid watering down the syrup. Mascarpone cheese can be substituted with cream cheese mixed with heavy cream but the texture will be slightly less silky. For a dairy free version try coconut cream whipped similarly and a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scattering of fresh mint leaves for a fragrant touch. A side of espresso or black tea complements the creamy layers. For an extra decadent presentation drizzle with raspberry coulis on each plate.

Cultural Historical Context

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert dating back to the 1960s known for layers of coffee-soaked lady fingers with mascarpone cream. This raspberry interpretation swaps coffee for fruit syrup honoring the tradition of soaking cookies while bringing a fresh modern twist that’s been embraced worldwide.

This tiramisu’s bright raspberry flavor and creamy layers make it a dessert you’ll want to prepare again and again.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How is the raspberry syrup prepared?

Fresh raspberries, sugar, and water are boiled and simmered to extract flavor, then strained to remove seeds, creating a smooth syrup.

→ What makes the mascarpone filling light and fluffy?

Whipped heavy cream is gently folded into mascarpone cheese, ensuring a smooth and airy texture without overmixing.

→ How do lady fingers contribute to the texture?

Lady fingers soak up the raspberry syrup while maintaining structure, providing a tender but stable base for the layers.

→ Can the dessert be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, chilling it overnight allows flavors to meld and lady fingers to soften, enhancing the overall texture.

→ What is the purpose of white chocolate shavings?

They add a delicate sweetness and decorative touch, enhancing both flavor and presentation.