This Berry Infused Tiramisu puts a fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. It's a refreshing, berry-filled delight perfect for any season, mixing elegance with a touch of playfulness. The combination of creamy mascarpone and fresh berries will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Heavy cream is whipped to give the tiramisu its fluffy texture. The powdered sugar adds sweetness without graininess. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth and depth. Mascarpone cheese is the heart of the tiramisu, providing a rich and creamy base. The mixed fresh berries bring a burst of freshness, color, and natural sweetness. Brewed espresso is the classic soaking liquid for the ladyfingers, offering a robust coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the berries. Berry liqueur is optional but gives an extra layer of flavor depth. Ladyfinger cookies provide the structure, soaking up the flavors and holding the dessert together. Berry jam adds a concentrated burst of berry flavor. Finally, unsweetened cocoa powder provides a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
This tiramisu shines on its own, but if you're looking to impress, serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Pairing it with a glass of Prosecco or a light dessert wine can elevate the experience for a dinner party. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled berry iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.
Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This might seem trivial, but it really helps the cream whip up nicely. Once chilled, pour in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip these together until you see soft peaks forming. You want it to hold shape but still be smooth.
Next, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese. Be careful here; you don't want to deflate all that air you've just whipped in. Mix until it's smooth and well combined without overworking it.
Now for the soaking liquid: in a separate bowl, mix your cooled espresso with the berry liqueur. If you're skipping the liqueur, the espresso alone will still taste amazing. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture. Don't let them soak; a quick dip will do. Layer them neatly at the bottom of a 9x9 inch serving dish.
Spread a thin layer of berry jam over the ladyfingers. This not only adds flavor but also acts as a moisture barrier, keeping the layers distinct. Then, spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the jam-coated ladyfingers. Smooth it out with a spatula.
Evenly distribute half of your mixed berries over the mascarpone layer. This is where the magic happens, as the fresh berries will burst with flavor in each bite. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, jam, mascarpone mixture, and berries.
Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better. The flavors meld together beautifully the longer it sits.
When you're ready to serve, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. It adds a lovely contrast both visually and flavor-wise.