If you love the classic flavors of tiramisu but want something lighter, fruitier, and ideal for spring or summer, this Strawberry Tiramisu Roll is for you. Combining mascarpone cream, fresh strawberries, and syrup-soaked ladyfingers, it rolls up into a beautiful swirl of creamy layers that slice like a dream.
Perfect for make-ahead entertaining, this dessert is as impressive on a plate as it is delicious. You’ll love the delicate sweetness of strawberries paired with whipped mascarpone and just a hint of vanilla. Serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing treat on warm days or as a vibrant finale to a dinner party.
Full Recipe:
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1 1/4 pounds fresh strawberries, divided
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1/3 cup water
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1/4 cup white sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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8 ounces mascarpone cheese
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1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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24 ladyfingers
Directions:
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For the strawberry syrup, combine sliced strawberries (reserve some for garnish) and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Use a potato masher or fork to crush the berries.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing to extract juice. Discard solids.
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Return juice to the pan, add white sugar and lemon juice, bring to a boil again, and simmer until slightly thickened (10–15 minutes). Let cool completely (about 1 hour).
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In a bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
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In another bowl, beat mascarpone, confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of the cooled strawberry syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
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Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture. Reserve 1 cup for topping, chill.
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Dice enough strawberries to yield 3/4 cup, fold into the remaining mascarpone cream.
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Line a 15×10-inch baking pan with plastic wrap, allowing overhang.
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Dip 12 ladyfingers in strawberry syrup and arrange side by side across one long side of the pan. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers on the other half.
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Spread the strawberry mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
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Using the plastic wrap, roll the dessert into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Unwrap and place the roll on a serving plate. Coat with reserved mascarpone cream and garnish with sliced strawberries.
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Slice and serve with remaining strawberry syrup.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: ~285 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 slices
A Sweet Twist on a Classic: Exploring the Strawberry Tiramisu Roll
Tiramisu is one of those timeless Italian desserts that evokes instant recognition—rich, creamy layers of mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa. But what happens when this beloved classic gets a fruity makeover? The result is a refreshing, summery take on tiramisu that retains all the indulgence of the original while offering a light, berry-infused twist: the Strawberry Tiramisu Roll.
The Strawberry Tiramisu Roll is more than just a reinterpretation; it’s a delightful transformation that swaps coffee for a homemade strawberry syrup, infuses the mascarpone filling with real fruit, and presents it all in a visually stunning rolled format. It’s perfect for those who want to celebrate the bright flavors of fresh strawberries while still enjoying a luxurious dessert experience.
The Charm of the Roll Cake Format
One of the most eye-catching aspects of the Strawberry Tiramisu Roll is its shape. Unlike traditional tiramisu, which is served in square portions from a pan, this dessert is rolled up like a jelly roll cake. Once sliced, it reveals elegant spirals of cream and cake that look just as good as they taste.
This rolled presentation makes it ideal for celebrations. Whether it’s a spring brunch, a summer picnic, a bridal shower, or a holiday dinner, the dessert stands out beautifully on a serving platter. The roll also makes it easy to portion, serve, and store. Each slice feels like a work of art—an inviting swirl of red and cream that feels festive and fancy without being overly complicated.
The Role of Strawberries: Flavor, Color, and Freshness
Fresh strawberries are undoubtedly the star of this dessert. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness balance the richness of mascarpone cream, making each bite light yet satisfying. Unlike the deep flavors of coffee and cocoa found in classic tiramisu, strawberries bring brightness and a hint of acidity that refreshes the palate.
Ripe strawberries are transformed into a homemade syrup, which is used to soak the ladyfingers—just as espresso would be used in a classic tiramisu. This syrup not only imparts moisture and flavor but also enhances the vibrant red color, making the dish pop with visual appeal. Additional chopped strawberries folded into the mascarpone filling bring texture and bursts of juicy flavor that elevate the entire experience.
Mascarpone Cream: The Heart of Tiramisu
Even though this is a fruit-forward dessert, it remains grounded in the soul of tiramisu: the mascarpone cream. Soft, rich, and delicately sweetened, mascarpone is the foundation of the filling. When combined with whipped cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of strawberry syrup, the result is a silky, cloud-like cream that’s both luxurious and light.
This filling isn’t too sweet—another trait that nods to tiramisu’s traditional sensibilities. Instead, it plays a supporting role, letting the fresh strawberries shine while still providing that signature melt-in-your-mouth richness that tiramisu fans crave.
Ladyfingers: Light, Airy, and the Perfect Sponge
The use of ladyfingers is another element that connects this dessert to its classic Italian counterpart. These light, dry biscuits are like a blank canvas—perfect for soaking up flavors without becoming mushy or dense. In this recipe, they are dipped in the strawberry syrup, which gives them a beautiful pink hue and infuses them with fruity flavor.
Because the ladyfingers are laid out in rows and then rolled with the cream, they form a soft sponge-like layer once chilled, which holds the entire dessert together. Their slightly chewy texture, after absorbing the syrup and chilling, offers a satisfying contrast to the smooth mascarpone cream.
Make-Ahead Magic: A Perfect Dessert for Entertaining
One of the most convenient aspects of this Strawberry Tiramisu Roll is its make-ahead nature. The roll needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (and preferably overnight) to fully set and develop flavor. This makes it the perfect dessert for dinner parties or gatherings, as it can be prepared entirely in advance, leaving you stress-free on the day of your event.
The chilling process also ensures that the flavors meld beautifully and that the roll slices cleanly when it’s time to serve. If you’ve ever had trouble slicing desserts and having them fall apart, this one will be a welcome relief—clean edges, neat spirals, and minimal mess.
Visual Appeal and Versatile Decoration
Let’s not overlook the visual elegance of the finished Strawberry Tiramisu Roll. The exterior is coated in a layer of reserved mascarpone cream, creating a smooth canvas for decoration. Sliced strawberries, mint leaves, or even a dusting of powdered sugar or white chocolate shavings can be added for flair.
This visual appeal isn’t just for show—it invites your guests to enjoy the dessert before they even take a bite. In fact, many home bakers find that this dish earns a lot of compliments simply because of its aesthetic, even before anyone has tasted it.
Variations and Customizations
Another reason this dessert is so beloved is its adaptability. While the strawberry version is perfect for spring and summer, you could easily swap the fruit to create a seasonal variation. Think raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Each fruit brings a unique flavor profile and color to the dish.
Additionally, you can experiment with the syrup. Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or limoncello to enhance the sophistication, or try an herbal infusion like basil or mint for a refreshing twist. The mascarpone cream can also be flavored subtly with lemon zest, almond extract, or orange blossom water.
You can even make the dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free ladyfingers or dairy-free by swapping the mascarpone and whipped cream for suitable plant-based alternatives.
Who Will Love This Dessert?
The Strawberry Tiramisu Roll is ideal for:
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Fruit lovers who enjoy light and fresh desserts
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Tiramisu fans seeking a fun variation
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Home bakers who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen
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Parents and party hosts looking for a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing dessert
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Anyone new to baking—the recipe is beginner-friendly yet elegant
Because it avoids coffee and alcohol (unless you add them), this version is also more accessible to kids and people with specific dietary preferences.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic in the Making
The Strawberry Tiramisu Roll brings together the best of both worlds—classic Italian tradition and modern, fruity innovation. It maintains the luxurious texture and balanced sweetness of tiramisu while brightening it up with vibrant strawberries and an eye-catching presentation.
This dessert is proof that you don’t need to stray far from tradition to create something new and exciting. With its beautiful swirl, refreshing flavor, and foolproof preparation, the Strawberry Tiramisu Roll is destined to become a staple in the kitchen of anyone who loves to bake with elegance and ease.
So the next time you’re looking for a dessert that delivers both beauty and flavor, reach for the strawberries, whip up some mascarpone cream, and roll your way into dessert bliss.