Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu is the decadent, fruity twist on the classic Italian treat you never knew you needed. Imagine layers of soft, sweet strawberries, clouds of creamy cheesecake filling, and ladyfingers soaked in tangy pomegranate syrup, all nestled together in one gorgeous dish. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, blending the best of cheesecake and tiramisu for the ultimate showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself, this treat is a delight from the very first bite to the last dreamy spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, every element in this Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu serves a delicious purpose. Each one is carefully chosen to perfect the balance of creamy, fruity, and delicate flavors and textures.
- Pomegranate juice: Gives the ladyfingers an irresistibly tangy, jewel-toned soak, making every layer juicy and bright.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the pomegranate syrup and cheesecake filling for just the right amount of indulgence.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to airy peaks, it lightens the cream cheese filling for that signature fluffy tiramisu texture.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, bringing rich, velvety body and just the right amount of tang.
- Ladyfingers: Classic Italian sponge biscuits that soak up the syrup while holding the whole tiramisu together.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Adds alluring warmth and depth to the creamy filling; totally worth including if you have it.
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped for vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor in every single bite. Extra for garnish, too!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu
Step 1: Reduce the Pomegranate Syrup
Start by pouring your pomegranate juice into a small saucepan and bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble away until the juice has reduced by half, which should take about 6 to 10 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar until it melts completely, then pour the vibrant syrup into a shallow dish and set it aside to cool. This bold, tangy syrup will become the enchanting backbone of your Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until very stiff peaks form. You want it lofty and luxurious, almost like a cloud. Set it aside, resisting the urge to eat it all by the spoonful.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Grab a separate mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, the remaining half cup of sugar, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Start on low speed to combine, then ramp up to high and keep whipping until the mixture is light, fluffy, and oh-so-smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. This is the heart of your Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu!
Step 4: Fold Together the Filling
Gently blend the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate all that beautiful air you just whipped in. Mix just until everything is combined and velvety. This creamy filling is what dreams are made of!
Step 5: Assemble the Ladyfinger Layer
With your syrup cooled, quickly dip both sides of each ladyfinger into the pomegranate syrup, then nestle them side by side to create the first layer in your 9×9-inch baking dish. Work fast—the ladyfingers soak up liquid quickly and you want them moist but not mushy. Use half of the ladyfingers for this first layer.
Step 6: Add the Strawberries and Cream
Scatter half of your juicy, chopped strawberries across the ladyfinger layer to make a ruby-red blanket. Then, gently spread half of that creamy cheesecake mixture on top, smoothing it into every corner with a spatula to make an even layer of deliciousness.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Dip and layer the remaining ladyfingers just like before, then top with the rest of the strawberries and finally the remaining half of your cream cheese mixture. Each layer just makes the Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu even more irresistible.
Step 8: Chill and Garnish
Cover your assembled tiramisu tightly and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours. This resting time is what makes the flavors meld together magically. Just before serving, add even more fresh strawberries on top for a showstopping finish.
Step 9: Enjoy Within 24 Hours
For the very best texture, cut and serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu within 24 hours. The longer it sits, the juicier the strawberries get—and while that adds flavor, the ladyfingers will soften more over time.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu
Garnishes
Finish your Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu with a flourish of freshly sliced strawberries on top. If you’re feeling extra, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves for a burst of color and a hint of elegance. Even a light drizzle of leftover pomegranate syrup instantly elevates each serving.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a star on its own, but it pairs so well with a hot cup of coffee or espresso, echoing the tiramisu tradition. For a summer spread, serve it alongside a platter of fresh berries or some light lemon cookies. The bright flavors make every bite of Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual servings, layer the tiramisu in clear glasses or mason jars—the stripes of berries, cream, and ladyfingers look gorgeous on display. Or, use a trifle bowl if you want a grand center-of-the-table presentation. You can even use biscuit cutters to create adorable, layered rounds for a plated dessert that feels restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu tightly covered in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak texture, but it’ll keep for up to 2 days. Just note that the strawberries will start to release juices, softening the ladyfingers a bit more each day.
Freezing
While you can freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu for up to a month, the texture of the strawberries may change and the ladyfingers can become softer after thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap the dish tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so there’s no reheating necessary! Just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you want a slightly softer, creamier bite straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit in place of strawberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries make this Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu extra vibrant and sweet, you can swap in raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry medley for your own twist. Just keep in mind that the moisture level and sweetness may vary—taste as you go!
What can I substitute for pomegranate juice?
If you don’t have pomegranate juice, try using cranberry juice or cherry juice for a similar tartness and gorgeous color. You can even experiment with orange juice for a brighter citrus note.
Are store-bought ladyfingers fine to use?
Yes! Store-bought ladyfingers work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to dip them quickly, as they soak up liquid super fast and can get soggy if left too long in the syrup.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu up to one day in advance, which gives the flavors extra time to meld and the dessert to set beautifully. Just wait to garnish with fresh strawberries until right before serving for the prettiest presentation.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
For tidy slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This helps you glide through the creamy layers for those picture-perfect servings everyone will rave about.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that steals the show and surprises every guest, Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu is your new go-to. It’s creamy, fruity, slightly tangy, and completely irresistible, whether you serve it for a holiday or a casual get-together. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with every layer!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of classic tiramisu and creamy cheesecake with this Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu recipe. Layers of ladyfingers soaked in a pomegranate reduction, fresh strawberries, and a luscious cream cheese filling make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Pomegranate Reduction:
- 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice*
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Tiramisu Assembly:
- 32 ladyfingers
- 1 1/2 lbs chopped strawberries, stems removed, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pomegranate Reduction: Simmer pomegranate juice in a saucepan until reduced by half. Stir in 2 Tbsp sugar until dissolved. Cool completely.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Whip cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Combine Cream Layers: Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers in pomegranate reduction and layer in a dish. Add strawberries and cream mixture between layers.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with extra strawberries before serving.
Notes
- For best results, consume within 24 hours to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu, Tiramisu Recipe, Strawberry Dessert
