Description
This Mixed Berry Tiramisu is a delightful departure from the traditional coffee-flavored dessert! I love how it takes the classic layered concept of tiramisu. But replaces the coffee with a vibrant mix of fresh berries and orange juice
Ingredients
Scale
Original Recipe:
- 3 cups fresh raspberries
- 3 cups fresh blackberries
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
- 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 packages (7 ounces each) crisp ladyfinger cookies
- Additional fresh berries, optional
Variation Ideas:
Fruit Variations:
- Single Berry: Use only one type of berry (e.g., all strawberries, all raspberries) for a more focused flavor.
- Tropical: Substitute some or all of the berries with chopped mango, pineapple, or kiwi.
- Stone Fruit: Use sliced peaches, plums, or nectarines in the summer.
- Citrus: Add segments of oranges, mandarins, or grapefruit.
Liquid Variations (for soaking the ladyfingers):
- Fruit Juice: Instead of orange juice, use apple juice, cranberry juice, or pomegranate juice.
- Liqueur: Add a splash of Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Chambord, or limoncello to the fruit juice.
- Wine: Use a sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato d’Asti or Sauternes.
Mascarpone Cream Variations:
- Lemon: Add lemon zest and a touch of lemon juice to the mascarpone cream.
- Chocolate: Fold in melted white chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Nutella: Swirl in some Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
- Ricotta: Use part ricotta and part mascarpone.
Ladyfinger Variations:
- Chocolate Ladyfingers: Use chocolate-flavored ladyfingers for a chocolate twist.
- Other Cookies: Experiment with other types of cookies, such as shortbread or biscotti (broken into pieces). Note: You may need to adjust the soaking time.
“Extra” Layer Ideas:
- Crushed Cookies: Add a layer of crushed graham crackers, Oreos, or amaretti cookies.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts between the layers.
- Chocolate Shavings: Add a layer of dark chocolate or white chocolate shavings.
- Lemon Curd: Add a layer of lemon curd for extra tanginess.
Instructions
Classic Method (as per the original recipe):
- Macerate the Berries: Place all the berries in a large bowl. Mix ⅓ cup sugar, orange zest, and orange juice; toss gently with the berries. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes. This allows the berries to release their juices and become even more flavorful.
- Whip the Cream: Beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1 cup of sugar until smooth.
- Combine Creams: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, a third at a time, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drain Berries: Drain the berries over a shallow bowl, reserving the juices.
- Assemble: Dip ladyfingers in the reserved berry juices, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange the ladyfingers in a single layer on the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish.
- Layer: Layer with half the berries and half the mascarpone mixture. Repeat layers, starting with ladyfingers.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, top with additional fresh berries before serving.
Simplified Method (No Draining):
- Macerate Berries: Combine berries, sugar, zest, and juice as above. Refrigerate.
- Prepare Creams: Whip cream and prepare mascarpone mixture as above.
- Assemble: Dip ladyfingers directly into the combined berry and juice mixture. Layer with ladyfingers, un-drained berries, and mascarpone cream, repeating layers. Note: This method will result in a slightly softer, juicier tiramisu.
- Chill and Serve: As above.
“Deconstructed” Variation (Individual Servings):
- Prepare Components: Prepare the macerated berries, whipped cream, and mascarpone cream as above.
- Assemble in Glasses: In individual glasses or dessert cups, layer: a few broken ladyfingers (dipped in juice or not, depending on preference), a spoonful of berries, a dollop of mascarpone cream, and a swirl of whipped cream. Repeat layers as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
No matter which method you choose, the key is to allow the tiramisu to chill for at least several hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften.