Dessert

Raspberry Tiramisu is the No-Cook Summer Dessert of Our Dreams

It’s a snap to make, too.

By Camille Styles
Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert

My first-ever tiramisu experience was at Macaroni Grill, circa 1992. I was eight, and completely enchanted by the fresh out of the oven foccacia dipped into that herby olive oil, the waiters who would occasionally break into operatic renditions of Happy Birthday, and the white paper tablecloths that you could color on? Forget about it. But it was that first bite of tiramisu that really got me—I’d never tasted anything quite like those layers of sponge-y ladyfingers soaked in bitter espresso combined with the creamiest mascarpone filling and chocolate shavings. It was a perfect flavor combination, and for years afterward, it became my regular birthday dinner request.

I’ve had many versions of tiramisu since then, and (sorry, but I have to say it) most have surpassed that initial MG moment. I love making the classic version at home, too, usually Jonathan Waxman’s recipe from The Barbuto Cookbook. I’ve been craving it lately, so in honor of summer, decided to put a fruit-forward twist on the recipe by adding fresh raspberries to the filling. Since chocolate is such a naturally perfect complement to raspberries, I knew it had to be good… and my instincts were right. Scroll on for a step-by-step guide to making my raspberry tiramisu (recipe card is at the bottom of this post.)

Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert

A No-Cook Summer Dessert

I’m always on the lookout for unexpected no-cook desserts for summer—by June, it’s so hot here in Texas that any recipe that doesn’t require me to turn on my oven gets major bonus points. Plus, the fact that this raspberry tiramisu can be made up to a day in advance and just hang out in the fridge, ready to go, makes it pretty near perfect for any summer party you’ve got on the books.

Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert

Double the Raspberries, Double the Fun

I wanted to really make this a raspberry tiramisu, so to amp up the flavor, I used raspberries in two ways: fresh berries between the layers, plus raspberry liqueur (Chambord) in the soaking liquid. I love the dark fruity quality that it adds, especially combined with the chocolate, cream, and espresso flavors.

Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert
Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert

How to make raspberry tiramisu (it’s easy!)

I love the process of making this raspberry tiramisu, because it almost feels more like an art project than a recipe. Here’s the basic step-by-step method:

  • Dissolve your espresso powder and chambord in water.
  • Beat together the mascarpone, vanilla, sugar, and cream until it’s thick.
  • Dip ladyfingers quickly into espresso liquid, then layer in the pan with mascarpone, and raspberries. Repeat.
  • Chill until set.

Easy! Something about the process of dipping and layering, dipping and layering is actually meditative, and the end result is so satisfying.

Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert

You must make this raspberry tiramisu and report back—I know you’re going to love it as much as we do! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment, and tag us on Instagram so we can see yours. Also, if you have any Macaroni Grill memories to share, drop those in the comments too… tell me I’m not the only one!

Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert
Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert
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Easy Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe, summer dessert

Raspberry Tiramisu


  • Author: Camille Styles

Description

No oven, no problem. This no-bake tiramisu is the answer to your summer sweet tooth. Filled with fruit flavors and a coffee kick. 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups brewed espresso (I make mine with espresso powder mixed with hot water, according to package directions)
  • 1/2 cup Chambord (or feel free to sub another liqueur)
  • 1 cup mascarpone
  • Seeds of vanilla bean, or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • 24 ladyfingers
  • 2 pints raspberries
  • bittersweet chocolate shavings


Instructions

  1. Mix espresso and Chambord in a bowl.
  2. Put mascarpone, vanilla bean seeds, and sugar in electric mixer with a whisk attachment. Add half of the cream and mix until just smooth–scrape down the sides, then add the remaining cream and salt. Beat until thick and soft peaks form. 
  3. Dip half of the ladyfingers quickly into espresso liquid, then place in bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish. When bottom of dish is covered, spread half the mascarpone mixture over. Top with a layer of raspberries, then repeat with remaining ladyfingers and cream. 
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Shave bittersweet chocolate over top and cut into squares. Eat!

Raspberry Tiramisu

Serves 12

Raspberry Tiramisu is an easy no-cook summer dessert that's perfect for an Italian dinner party. Just layer and chill, no oven required.

By Camille Styles
Prep

20 minutes

Categories


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups brewed espresso (I make mine with espresso powder mixed with hot water, according to package directions)
  • 1/2 cup chambord (or feel free to sub another liqueur)
  • 1 cup mascarpone
  • Seeds of vanilla bean, or ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • 24 ladyfingers
  • 2 pints raspberries
  • bittersweet chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Mix espresso and chambord in a bowl.
  2. Put mascarpone, vanilla bean seeds, and sugar in electric mixer with whisk attachment. Add half of cream and mix until just smooth–scrape down sides, then add remaining cream and salt. Beat until thick and soft peaks form. 
  3. Dip half of ladyfingers quickly into espresso liquid, then place in bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish. When bottom of dish is covered, spread half the mascarpone mixture over. Top with a layer of raspberries, then repeat with remaining ladyfingers and cream. 
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Shave bittersweet chocolate over top and cut into squares. Eat!

Comments (21)

  1. Dawn Bowe says:

    How much water? A cup, teaspoons, tablespoons? Everything wise is clear with the exception of how much water.

    1. Camille Styles says:

      Sorry about that, just updated the recipe card!

  2. Lynda says:

    The instructions say espresso powder but then it says 1 1/2 cups espresso in ingredients. Can you clarify?

    1. Camille Styles says:

      I make the espresso using espresso powder. 🙂 Sorry about the confusion, just updated the recipe.

  3. Trish says:

    This looks so good!
    I have never made a tiramisu recipe that doesn’t include egg yolks. How does this differ in taste or texture?
    I can’t wait to try it!

    1. Camille Styles says:

      It’s a little lighter–more whip cream than custard. I love them all, but I personally prefer the no egg yolk version!

  4. Chelsea says:

    I love tiramisu! And such a great idea to add raspberries! Gah! I’m drooling! What espresso do you use?

    1. Camille Styles says:

      Any instant espresso powder from the grocery store is great! I switch brands based on whatever is available.

  5. Alene says:

    Regrettably, I will have to use gluten free ladyfingers. They are not the same, but I am sure they will work. Sounds yummy! Thank you!

    1. Camille Styles says:

      Great call, I haven’t used them but glad to know they exist!

  6. maureen levacic says:

    Looks delicious.
    But is there a substitute l can use rather
    Than the espresso coffee.
    Also, what is mascarphoe
    Cant wait you make it.

    Thank you !

    1. Mattie Duthie says:

      I’m also want to make it without the coffee. Can you suggest something else?

    2. Mattie Duthie says:

      Marscapone is an Italian cream cheese. Delicious

  7. Susan A Smith says:

    Rasberries yummy

  8. Erma says:

    Tiramisu is one of those things my brain thinks is a complicated recipe so I’ve never attempted one! You make it sound easy and the addition of raspberry honestly seals the deal. Thank you!

    1. Camille Styles says:

      It’s honestly the MOST fun recipe to make–feels more like a craft project than a recipe!

  9. Michael says:

    how much water?

  10. Karen says:

    What would be the best non-alcohol substitute for the chambord?

    1. Isabelle Eyman says:

      Raspberry extract is a great option. You’ll get a similar fruit-forward flavor minus the alcohol. Can’t wait for you to try this recipe—let us know what you think!

  11. Chris says:

    I’m going to make this…sounds lovely….do you whip the heavy cream first?

    1. Isabelle Eyman says:

      It’s one of our favorite recipes this summer—can’t wait for you to try it! No need to whip the heavy cream first—simply mix with the mascarpone, vanilla bean seeds, and sugar in an electric mixer as directed in the second step.

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