Picture this: you’re craving something elegant but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter strawberry rose tiramisu – the dreamy dessert that’s been taking over Pinterest feeds and dinner party tables everywhere. It’s got all that romantic, floral magic that makes people stop mid-bite and ask for the recipe.
This gorgeous layered dessert combines juicy strawberries, delicate rosewater, and creamy mascarpone for something that tastes way fancier than it actually is. Think classic tiramisu’s sophisticated cousin who went to Paris for the weekend. No baking required, just simple assembly and a little patience while it chills. Full details in the blog!
I started experimenting with this beauty after my usual coffee tiramisu felt too heavy for spring gatherings. After testing different rose syrup ratios and strawberry prep methods, I finally nailed the perfect balance. My family couldn’t stop raving about the delicate floral notes. Trust me, I tested it thoroughly – you’ll love the secret!
Strawberry Rose Tiramisu: Easy Irresistible Delight
Ingredients
Method
- Slice half of the strawberries into quarters and mix them gently with balsamic vinegar and sugar in a bowl. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator.
- Prepare strong espresso by brewing coffee and letting it cool slightly.
- Combine the cooled espresso with sugar, vanilla, and rum flavoring in a bowl and set aside.
- Whisk mascarpone cheese together with half of the espresso mixture using a stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Place a single tort wafer on a serving plate and spread Nutella evenly over it to the edges.
- Top with another wafer and press down firmly to set.
- Spread rose preserves on the next wafer, then add it atop the Nutella layer and press down gently.
- Add another wafer and evenly spread the mascarpone filling all over it.
- Arrange the quartered strawberries from the vinegar mixture on top of the mascarpone in a circular layout.
- Carefully place the last wafer over the strawberries and press lightly to avoid squishing the fruit.
- Brush the final wafer layer with the remaining espresso mixture to soak it lightly.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least four hours to allow it to set and develop flavor.
- Before serving, whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.
- Pipe whipped cream along the edges of the top wafer and place whole strawberries in the center.
- Pipe additional whipped cream over the strawberries creating an elegant pattern.
- Dust the entire top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.
- Slice carefully using a sharp knife or scissors to serve individual portions, resembling large wafer cookie slices.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the tiramisu into slices without squashing the delicate layers. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or light rosé wine.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rose Tiramisu
This dessert feels like pure magic without any of the stress. You’re simply layering beautiful ingredientsno temperamental custards or tricky techniques to worry about. The wafer cookies provide all the structure while you focus on making it look stunning.
The rose preserves bring a subtle floral note that will make people think you’re a dessert genius. And the best part: it actually improves after sitting in the fridge, so you can make it a day ahead for parties. Less last-minute scrambling means more time to enjoy your guests.
Plus, it’s forgiving! If your layers aren’t perfectly even or some filling spills out the sides, it just adds to the rustic, homemade charm. Sometimes the slightly messy ones taste the best anyway.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s talk about what makes this dessert shine. The tort wafers are large, sturdy cookies that won’t get soggythey’re your sturdy foundation. You can find them in the international aisle or online, and they’re definitely worth tracking down.
The rose preserves serve double duty, adding both sweetness and a romantic floral flavor. If you can only find rose jam, don’t worrythat works just as well. The mascarpone and Nutella create rich, creamy layers that perfectly balance the bright strawberries.
| Ingredient | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Rose preserves | Strawberry jam + 1 drop rose water |
| Tort wafers | Large graham crackers (break to fit) |
| Rum flavoring | Vanilla extract or skip it |
| Mascarpone | Cream cheese (softened) + 2 tbsp heavy cream |
Essential tools: You’ll need a stand mixer for whipped cream, a pastry brush for the coffee mixture, and a piping bag with a star tip for that elegant finish. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a snipped corner works perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by prepping your strawberriestoss the quartered berries with balsamic vinegar and sugar. It might sound unusual, but the vinegar really makes the strawberry flavor pop. Let them chill in the fridge while you prepare everything else.
Your coffee mixture is key. Make it strong and sweet, then cool it completelyhot coffee will melt your layers. While it cools, whisk your mascarpone with half the coffee mixture until smooth. This prevents lumps and makes spreading much easier.
Now for the fun part: assembling your dessert. Imagine building a delicious tower. Spread Nutella first (right to the edges), then add another wafer, followed by rose preserves, a second wafer, then a mascarpone layer topped with those beautiful macerated strawberries arranged in circles.
Pro tip: Press each layer gently but firmlyyou want everything to stick together without squishing the berries. Brush the top wafer with the remaining coffee mixture, then refrigerate for at least four hours.
Pro Tips & Variations
The magic happens during chillingflavors meld and the wafers soften just enough while staying sturdy. If you’re preparing this for a special occasion, make it the day before. It really shines after an overnight rest.
- Create mini versions in individual glasses for a fancy dinner party look.
- Swap Nutella for white chocolate spread if you prefer something lighter.
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the rose preserves for extra sophistication.
- Try mixed berriesraspberries and strawberries together are stunning.
Troubleshooting note: If your layers start sliding, you probably didn’t press firmly enough or your coffee mixture was still too warm. Simply chill it for an extra hour to firm it up.
Serving, Storage & Reheating
When serving, the final whipped cream topping takes this from “pretty good” to “absolutely stunning.” Pipe rosettes around the edge, pile fresh berries in the center, and dust everything with cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu touch.
Use a sharp knife to cut clean sliceswipe the blade between cuts for the best presentation. This recipe serves about 12 generously or 8 for those who love dessert (no judgment here).
| Storage Method | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (covered) | 3-4 days | Add whipped cream just before serving |
| Make-ahead (no cream) | 2 days | Perfect for party prep |
| Individual portions | Same timeline | Easier serving for gatherings |
Storage tip: Cover tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it doesn’t touch the surface to prevent darkening of the cocoa powder. The cocoa will darken slightly over time, adding to the authentic look. This dessert is best served coldno need to reheat!
Expert Insight: The Art of Floral Desserts
According to pastry chef Julia Moskin of The New York Times, rose water elevates classic desserts into sophisticated creations:
“When working with rose water in desserts like strawberry rose tiramisu, less is always more. The floral notes should whisper, not shout, allowing the fruit’s natural sweetness to shine through.”
The New York Times: Cooking with Rose Water
The secret is balancing elegance and indulgence in every bite.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
My Personal Story
I’ll admit, this Strawberry Rose Tiramisu started as a happy accident when I ran out of cocoa powder for regular tiramisu. My daughter suggested we try strawberries instead, and honestly, it turned out even more elegant than the original. Now it’s our go-to dessert for Mother’s Day and spring gatheringsno baking required, which makes this busy mom very happy!
FAQs ( Strawberry Rose Tiramisu )
Can I make this recipe without coffee?
Yes, you can substitute the coffee with rose syrup mixed with water or milk. Use the same amount of liquid to properly soak the ladyfingers. This creates a more floral flavor profile while maintaining the dessert’s signature moistness.
How long does this dessert need to chill?
This no bake strawberry rose ladyfinger dessert needs at least 4 hours to set properly, but overnight is ideal. The extended chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up beautifully for clean slicing.
What type of strawberries work best?
Fresh, ripe strawberries with deep red color and natural sweetness work best. Avoid overripe or mushy berries as they release too much moisture. Pat strawberries dry after slicing to prevent watery layers in your dessert.
Can I use homemade mascarpone instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade mascarpone works wonderfully and often has a fresher taste. Just ensure it’s completely cooled and has the right creamy consistency before folding into your mixture. The texture should be smooth and spreadable.
How should I store leftover portions?
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The dessert actually improves after the first day as flavors develop. Don’t freeze as the cream layers will separate and become grainy when thawed.
Conclusion
Your strawberry rose tiramisu will be absolutely stunninglayers of creamy sweetness with a romantic floral touch that makes everyone feel special. I love how it turns simple ingredients into something that looks like it came from a fancy bakery. The best part? It gets even more delicious as it chills overnight.
Try swapping strawberries for raspberries next time, or add a splash of limoncello to the coffee mixture for extra elegance. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three daysthough honestly, it never lasts that long in my house! One trick I’ve learned: make individual portions in mason jars for the prettiest party presentation.
I’d love to see your beautiful creations! Tag me in your photosthere’s something so heartwarming about seeing families gather around homemade desserts. Did you grow up making layered desserts with your mom or grandma? Save this recipe for your next celebration, and don’t forget to share it with someone who deserves a sweet surprise.
