Strawberry Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, substituting the traditional coffee flavor with the light, sweet tang of strawberries and the aromatic warmth of ginger and chamomile. This version is perfect for those who prefer a fruitier, less caffeinated alternative to the classic tiramisu, making it an excellent choice for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 4 bags chamomile tea
- 4 large egg yolks, cold
- 16 ounces mascarpone, cold
- ½ cup heavy cream, cold
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Aperol (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 24 ladyfingers (a 7-ounce package)
- ½ cup, plus 3 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water, ½ cup honey, and fresh ginger slices. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add the chamomile tea bags, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. After steeping, strain out the ginger and discard the tea bags.
Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the egg yolks, mascarpone, ¼ cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup honey, Aperol (if using), vanilla extract, and ground ginger until combined and lightly whipped, about 2 minutes max.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, whip the remaining ¼ cup of heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it.
Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the ginger syrup, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy. Arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Dollop ½ cup of strawberry jam over the cream, then layer with sliced strawberries.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top to create an even layer.
Step 5: Chill and Set
- Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to firm up.
Step 6: Serve
- Just before serving, top the tiramisu with the remaining 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry jam and fresh sliced strawberries. Optionally, add crumbled freeze-dried raspberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Strawberry Tiramisu chilled, cut into squares or scooped into bowls, ideally with a side of extra fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips:
- Ensure the ladyfingers are dipped quickly in the syrup to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- The Aperol adds a unique flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
Prep Time:
- 30 minutes
Cooking Time:
- No cook time, but requires at least 2 hours to chill
Total Time:
- About 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
While specific nutritional details depend on the ingredients used, this dessert is rich in dairy and sugar, providing a good source of calcium and energy.
Strawberry Tiramisu offers a refreshing and fruity alternative to the coffee-laden classic, with layers of creamy mascarpone, sweet strawberries, and soft ladyfingers soaked in ginger-chamomile syrup. It's a perfect dessert for those who love the creamy texture of tiramisu but prefer a lighter, fruit-forward flavor profile.
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