Ingredients
Strawberry Gelatin Layer
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3/4 Tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries (if using frozen, defrost first)
Strawberry Puree for Ladyfingers
- 1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries (if using frozen, defrost first)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cold water
Mascarpone Cream Filling
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup half and half (half whole milk, half heavy whipping cream)
- 1 1/2 lbs mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Assembly
- 14 oz ladyfingers Italian cookies (savoiardi)
- 1 lb fresh strawberries (sliced for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Layer: Pour cold water into a large bowl and sprinkle unflavored gelatin over it. Let it soften and bloom while you puree 1 lb of strawberries with 1/3 – 1/2 cup sugar until smooth in a blender or food processor.
- Cook Strawberry Mixture: Heat the pureed strawberries in a saucepan until bubbles start to break the surface (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk into the softened gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Set Gelatin Layer: Pour this mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan and refrigerate until set, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare Strawberry Puree for Ladyfingers: Meanwhile, puree another 1 lb of strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup cold water. Pour into a shallow dish and set aside for dipping ladyfingers.
- Make Egg Mixture: Whisk the 6 egg yolks with 1/4 cup sugar in a heatproof bowl. Add half and half to the mixture.
- Cook Egg Mixture Over Simmering Water: Place the heatproof bowl over a saucepan with simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk continuously for about 10 minutes until the mixture is thickened and cooked through; then set aside to cool.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with 2-4 tablespoons of the remaining sugar until soft peaks form.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: Combine mascarpone cheese, the remaining sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix gently with a spatula or mixer until smooth without overbeating.
- Combine Components: Fold the cooled egg mixture into the mascarpone, then gently fold in the whipped cream to create a smooth filling.
- Assemble First Layer: Once the gelatin layer is set, dip the ladyfingers briefly (2-3 seconds each side) into the strawberry puree mixture, ensuring they remain mostly dry and crisp. Arrange a single layer over the gelatin base.
- Add Mascarpone Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Assemble Second Layer: Repeat dipping and layering with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, smoothing the top evenly.
- Chill Tiramisu: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, arrange thinly sliced fresh strawberries over the top layer, slightly overlapping for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use authentic Italian ladyfingers (savoiardi) which are crisp, not the soft variety found in some grocery stores, to avoid soggy texture.
- Allow enough time for the strawberry gelatin layer to fully set before assembling the tiramisu.
- Do not over soak the ladyfingers; brief dips keep them crisp while allowing them to soften pleasantly after chilling.
- If using frozen strawberries, defrost them completely before using to ensure smooth purees and accurate texture.
- The dessert is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian