Description
Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu is a delightful layered dessert combining juicy macerated strawberries, soft ladyfingers soaked in orange juice, and a light, fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream filling. Chilled for several hours, this no-bake treat marries the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the creamy, delicate texture of tiramisu, perfect for warm days or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 1 pint (approximately 2 cups or 300 g) sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
Cream Filling
- 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened, full-fat recommended
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) strawberry preserves, melted
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whipped cream, homemade preferred
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
Assembly
- 1 package (approx. 24 ladyfingers or 200 g) ladyfingers
- ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
Instructions
- Macerate Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to mix. Let the mixture sit uncovered for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release juice and become juicy and slightly softened, creating a natural syrup.
- Prepare Cream Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate the powdered sugar until no lumps remain. In a separate chilled bowl, whisk the whipped cream with pure vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Pour orange juice into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the juice for one to two seconds per side to moisturize them without sogginess. Use fresh, dry ladyfingers for best results and immediately lay them in the serving dish.
- Layer Dessert: Arrange a snug layer of the soaked ladyfingers on the bottom of the serving dish. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream filling over the ladyfingers. Top with a layer of the macerated strawberries, including some of the syrup. Repeat layering with remaining ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries, ensuring each layer is tight and evenly distributed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh and dry ladyfingers for optimal texture; avoid stale or overly moist ladyfingers.
- Make homemade whipped cream if possible for best flavor and texture.
- The dessert tastes better after chilling overnight as flavors develop and layers firm up.
- Can be frozen and stored up to one month; thaw in refrigerator before serving.
- Be careful not to over-soak ladyfingers to prevent a mushy dessert.
