Fresh Raspberry Italian Dessert (Print Version)
Layers of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and fresh raspberries create a light, fruity Italian dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Cream Layer
01 - 8.8 oz mascarpone cheese
02 - 0.85 cup heavy cream, cold
03 - 0.67 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Raspberry Layer
05 - 10.6 oz fresh raspberries
06 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
07 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
→ Ladyfingers & Soaking
08 - 5.3 oz ladyfingers (savoiardi)
09 - 0.42 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
10 - 2 tbsp raspberry liqueur (optional)
→ Garnish
11 - 1.8 oz fresh raspberries
12 - 1 tbsp powdered sugar
13 - Fresh mint leaves (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Gently mash 10.6 oz raspberries with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a medium bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to macerate, allowing the berries to release their natural juices.
02 - Beat the cold heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold together until completely smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix.
03 - In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee and raspberry liqueur if using. The liqueur adds depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
04 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring a brief dip—do not soak or they will become soggy. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8x8 inch serving dish.
05 - Spoon half of the macerated raspberries over the ladyfingers, spreading evenly to distribute the fruit and juices across the entire surface.
06 - Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the raspberry layer using a spatula, creating an even, smooth layer that covers the fruit completely.
07 - Create a second layer by dipping the remaining ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and arranging them over the cream layer.
08 - Top with the remaining macerated raspberries, then finish with the rest of the mascarpone cream. Smooth the surface with your spatula for an even presentation.
09 - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor integration.
10 - Just before serving, arrange fresh raspberries over the top, dust generously with powdered sugar, and add mint leaves if desired for a pop of color.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The raspberries transform a heavy dessert into something that feels almost refreshing, perfect after any meal
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen
- Make it ahead and let it chill overnight—the flavors only get better
02 -
- Overdipped ladyfingers will turn your tiramisu into soup—two seconds, max
- Chilling time is not negotiable here—the flavors need hours to meld and the ladyfingers need time to soften properly
03 -
- Leftover raspberries? Freeze them for smoothies or future batches
- The raspberry liqueur is optional but adds a subtle depth that ties everything together