Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe – A Refreshing No-Bake Summer Dessert

Hello food lovers, Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com 👨‍🍳. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my family’s absolute favorite desserts: raspberry tiramisu.

I still remember the first time I made this on a warm July afternoon—fresh raspberries from the local farmer’s market, chilled mascarpone cream, and layers of soft ladyfingers that practically melt in your mouth. Unlike the classic Italian tiramisu with coffee and cocoa, this fruity twist is light, refreshing, and the perfect no-bake treat for summer gatherings.

What makes raspberry tiramisu so special is its versatility. You can prepare it in advance for a BBQ, pack it as a cool dessert for a picnic, or serve it in elegant glasses for a dinner party. Plus, it’s a fun way to get kids to eat more fruit while still indulging in something creamy and satisfying.

If you love exploring different Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. I recommend checking out fruity cousins of this recipe like Mango Tiramisu or Blueberry Tiramisu for more inspiration.

👉 Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this no-bake raspberry tiramisu recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this easy raspberry tiramisu deserves a spot on your table:

• No-Bake Convenience – No oven required, just layer and chill. Perfect for hot summer days.
• Fresh & Fruity – The natural sweetness of ripe raspberries balances beautifully with creamy mascarpone.
• Family-Friendly – Make it alcohol-free and let kids enjoy it too.
• Make-Ahead Dessert – Actually tastes better when prepared the night before.
• Versatile Presentation – Serve in a trifle bowl, individual glasses, or a traditional pan.
• Perfect for Entertaining – Light yet indulgent, ideal for summer BBQs, birthdays, and holidays.

This raspberry tiramisu dessert is not only gorgeous to look at but also a crowd-pleaser every single time.

💬 Tell me in the comments: Would you serve this raspberry tiramisu at a summer picnic, or save it for a fancy dinner party?

Ingredients Needed

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s look at what you’ll need to make the best raspberry tiramisu recipe.

• Fresh Raspberries (2–3 cups) – Sweet, tart, and juicy. If raspberries are out of season, frozen ones (thawed and drained) work well too. I often grab mine at Trader Joe’s or Costco.
• Mascarpone Cheese (16 oz) – The heart of any tiramisu. Creamy, rich, and slightly tangy. If mascarpone isn’t available, cream cheese can be used for a twist (raspberry tiramisu with cream cheese).
• Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups) – For whipping and folding into the mascarpone. Adds that irresistible airy texture.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Balances the tartness of raspberries. Can swap with honey or agave for a lighter version.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor and aroma.
• Ladyfingers (about 24–28 pieces) – The base of the dessert. You can also use sponge cake or shortbread for a softer version.
• Raspberry Syrup or Juice (½ cup) – To soak the ladyfingers. Use raspberry liqueur for adults, or fruit juice for a raspberry tiramisu without alcohol.
• Powdered Sugar & Extra Raspberries (for garnish) – Optional, but makes the presentation stunning.

👉 Pro Tip from Chef James: For an extra burst of flavor, mash a handful of raspberries with a spoonful of sugar to create a quick raspberry compote for layering. It makes this fresh raspberry tiramisu unforgettable.

How to Cook (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making this raspberry tiramisu recipe is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a creamy, fruity, and perfectly chilled dessert.

1. Prepare the Raspberry Layer
   • In a bowl, mash 1 cup of fresh raspberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This creates a quick compote for layering.
   • Optional: Add 1–2 tablespoons of raspberry liqueur for adults, or keep it alcohol-free for a raspberry tiramisu no alcohol version.
2. Whip the Mascarpone Cream
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
   • Beat until smooth and fluffy. This forms the base of your raspberry mascarpone tiramisu.
3. Soak the Ladyfingers
   • Briefly dip each ladyfinger into raspberry juice, syrup, or cooled tea.
   • For an even fruitier twist, you can spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on the biscuits for a raspberry tiramisu with jam.
4. Layer the Dessert
   • In a trifle dish or rectangular pan, arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers.
   • Spread half of the mascarpone cream on top, followed by fresh raspberries and compote.
   • Repeat the layers until you reach the top.
   • If you want a festive centerpiece, make it as a raspberry tiramisu trifle in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers.
5. Chill and Set
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
   • This allows the flavors to meld and gives that perfect soft-yet-firm tiramisu texture.

👉 Chef James’s Tip: If you want to go egg-free, simply whip mascarpone with cream and sugar—no raw eggs required. This makes an easy raspberry tiramisu no eggs recipe that’s safe for kids and pregnant guests.

Recipe Tips & Variations

This dessert is versatile and fun to customize. Here are some of my favorite variations:

• Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu 🍋 – Add a splash of lemon zest to the mascarpone cream for a tangy twist. Perfect for spring and summer.
• White Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu 🍫 – Melt white chocolate and fold into the cream for a decadent, sweet variation.
• Raspberry Tiramisu with Pound Cake 🍰 – Instead of ladyfingers, use slices of pound cake for a softer, richer base.

👉 Chef James’s Suggestion: For the 4th of July, try layering raspberries and blueberries together. You’ll get a red, white, and blue tiramisu that’s festive and patriotic!

Part 6. Storage & Reheating

One of the best things about this fresh raspberry tiramisu is that it can be prepared ahead of time.

• Refrigerator – Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as it chills.
• Freezer – Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating – Not necessary since this is a no-bake chilled dessert.

👉 Pro Tip: If freezing, sprinkle extra powdered sugar or add fresh raspberries before serving to refresh the look and taste.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Here are some common questions about making raspberry tiramisu:

What to Serve With This Raspberry Tiramisu

This raspberry tiramisu is already a showstopper, but pairing it with the right drinks or side desserts can make your table unforgettable.

• Coffee Creations – Since tiramisu and coffee are a match made in heaven, serve it alongside a creamy Tiramisu Latte. The coffee notes balance perfectly with the tartness of raspberries.
• Elegant Cocktails – For an adult gathering, pair your fruity tiramisu with a smooth Tiramisu Martini. It’s a fun twist that brings together classic Italian flavors with modern flair.
• Fruity Variations – If you’re hosting a dessert buffet, combine this dish with other fruity options like Mango Tiramisu. The combination of tropical mango and refreshing raspberry makes a colorful and delicious spread.

👉 Chef James’s Tip: For summer BBQs, serve your fresh raspberry tiramisu chilled in individual cups with iced coffee. It makes dessert time fun and mess-free!

Recipe Card

🍓 Raspberry Tiramisu Recipe

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this raspberry tiramisu recipe, then you’ll fall in love with these other creative tiramisu ideas from our kitchen:

• Blueberry Tiramisu – A refreshing twist with blueberries and cream, perfect for brunches.
• Ube Tiramisu – A Filipino-inspired purple yam version that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
• Mango Tiramisu – A tropical dessert with layers of juicy mango and mascarpone cream.
• Tiramisu Latte – Not a dessert but a drinkable version of tiramisu—smooth, creamy, and indulgent.

For even more inspiration, don’t forget to explore our complete collection of Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try

Conclusion

And there you have it—my favorite way to enjoy a fruity twist on the Italian classic: raspberry tiramisu. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for summer celebrations or special occasions. Whether you make it as a raspberry tiramisu trifle for a party or keep it simple with pound cake for a family dinner, this dessert never disappoints.

If you want more fruity inspiration, don’t miss our collection of Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try. You can also check out delicious ideas like Blueberry Tiramisu, Mango Tiramisu, and even fun drinks like the Tiramisu Latte.

As always, I recommend following safe food handling practices from the USDA Food Safety Guidelines when storing mascarpone and cream-based desserts. For additional inspiration, I also love checking resources from Serious Eats, where pastry chefs explore creative twists on Italian classics.

👉 Now it’s your turn: make this fresh raspberry tiramisu recipe, share it with family and friends, and let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you try the white chocolate version? Or maybe the lemon raspberry twist? I can’t wait to hear your ideas.