Raspberry Tiramisu

By Willow • February 5, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

Tip: save now, cook later.

Serves 4–6

Raspberry Tiramisu is a fresh twist on the classic Italian dessert, mixing creamy mascarpone, light ladyfingers, and bright, juicy raspberries. The tartness of the raspberries cuts perfectly through the rich, sweet layers, making every bite feel light and delightful. It’s a dessert that looks as lovely as it tastes, with pretty pink and red hues that invite you to dig in.

I love making Raspberry Tiramisu when I want something special but not too heavy. It’s fun to layer the creamy filling with raspberries and a hint of coffee or raspberry liqueur for a little extra flavor. One tip I always follow is to let it chill in the fridge overnight—this gives the flavors time to blend beautifully, and the texture becomes silky and smooth.

Serving this dessert is always a treat because it feels both fancy and approachable. I like topping it with a few extra fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate. It’s a sweet way to end a meal or celebrate any occasion, and I find that everyone always asks for seconds! Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy fruit in your dessert without it feeling too heavy.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Raspberries: Fresh raspberries give this dessert a nice tart balance to the sweet cream. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen raspberries work well too—just thaw and drain any extra juice.

Mascarpone Cheese: This gives tiramisu its creamy texture. If you can’t find mascarpone, try mixing cream cheese with a little heavy cream to get a similar feel.

Ladyfingers: These light cookies absorb liquid without falling apart. If you can’t find ladyfingers, sponge cake or pound cake cut into strips can be a good substitute.

Raspberry Juice or Liqueur: This adds flavor when dipping ladyfingers. You can use plain raspberry juice, or if you prefer non-alcoholic, a mix of raspberry syrup and water works well.

How Do You Make the Raspberry Sauce Thick and Flavorful?

Cooking the raspberries with sugar and lemon juice gently thickens the sauce and brightens flavors. Follow these steps for the best results:

Use medium heat so the raspberries break down slowly without burning.
Stir often to prevent sticking and to mash the berries evenly.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly but is still pourable.
Let it cool fully before layering to avoid melting the cream.

Making the sauce with care means you’ll have bold, fresh fruit flavor in every bite without it being too runny or watery.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – you’ll need a few for whisking cream and mixing mascarpone smoothly.
Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes whipping cream quick and easy for fluffy texture.
Small saucepan – perfect for gently cooking raspberries into a sauce without burning.
Spatula – helps you fold cream into mascarpone without losing airiness.
Rectangular or square serving dish – great for layering tiramisu evenly and looking pretty.
Sieve or fine mesh strainer (optional) – to strain raspberry sauce if you want it very smooth.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Swap raspberries for strawberries or mixed berries – these add different fruity tones but keep it fresh.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or Grand Marnier to the ladyfinger soak for a citrus twist.
Mix in a little lemon zest to the mascarpone cream to brighten flavors and add zing.
Top with dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a subtle bitter contrast to the sweet fruit.

How to Make Raspberry Tiramisu?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For Raspberry Sauce:

1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Mascarpone Cream:

1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

24-30 ladyfinger cookies
½ cup raspberry juice or raspberry liqueur (optional, for dipping)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 4 hours or ideally overnight in the refrigerator for the flavors to blend and the tiramisu to set beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Raspberry Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of raspberries with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the raspberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream together with half of the powdered sugar (about 2 tablespoons) and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with the remaining powdered sugar. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and combined.

3. Dip and Layer Ladyfingers:

Dip each ladyfinger quickly into raspberry juice or liqueur if using, making sure they don’t get too soggy. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in your serving dish.

4. Assemble the Layers:

Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spoon half of the cooled raspberry sauce evenly on top. Repeat layering with the remaining ladyfingers, cream, and raspberry sauce.

5. Chill and Serve:

Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the dessert set. Before serving, garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. Optionally, dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes! Just thaw frozen raspberries completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking the sauce. This helps prevent the tiramisu from becoming too watery.

How Long Can I Store Raspberry Tiramisu?

Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it within the first 24-48 hours.

Can I Make Raspberry Tiramisu Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Tiramisu actually tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What If I Don’t Have Raspberry Liqueur or Juice?

No worries! You can dip the ladyfingers in plain water or brewed tea, or simply skip dipping them to keep the dessert lighter and fruit-focused.

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