No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu

This nobake strawberry shortcake tiramisu is a delightful blend of creamy layers, fresh strawberries, and light ladyfingers soaked in orange juice. It captures the freshness of summer berries with the rich texture of a classic tiramisu, all without the need for baking. It has become a goto dessert when I need something elegant yet easy to pull together with minimal fuss.

I first made this for a family picnic and it stole the show everyone asked for the recipe the next day

Ingredients

• Strawberries: One pint sliced fresh strawberries choose ripe but firm berries for best texture and flavor
• Granulated sugar: to macerate the strawberries and balance their natural tartness
• Fresh lemon juice: adds a bright note and complements the berry sweetness
• Cream cheese: softened fullfat cream cheese gives richness and a smooth body to the filling
• Strawberry preserves: melted enhances the strawberry flavor and adds subtle sweetness
• Whipped cream: homemade preferred for freshness and fluffiness but storebought works in a pinch
• Ladyfingers: dry and fresh are best avoid any that are too stale or crumbly
• Orange juice: for dipping the ladyfingers adds subtle citrus aroma and balances sweetness
• Pure vanilla extract: elevates the cream mixture with a warm fragrant note

Instructions

Saturate the Strawberries:

Combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let them sit uncovered for about 10 minutes so the berries become juicy and a natural syrup forms enhancing the strawberry flavor and softening the fruit without making it mushy.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth and free of lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk chilled whipped cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture little by little maintaining the mixture's airy and fluffy texture. The result should be silky smooth and light.

Dip the Ladyfingers:

Pour orange juice into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the juice for just one to two seconds per side. Aim to moisten without soaking so the ladyfingers keep their shape and do not become soggy. Use fresh ladyfingers for the best texture and immediate laying into your serving dish.

Build Your Layers:

Lay a snug single layer of the soaked ladyfingers across the bottom of your serving dish. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Spoon a generous layer of the macerated strawberries including some syrup on top. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used making sure to pack down each level gently but firmly to maintain structure without squishing the ladyfingers.

Chill to Set:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours but preferably overnight. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully and the tiramisu firms up making it easier to slice and serve. If needed for later use, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Fresh strawberries are my favorite part bringing a bright, juicy burst that balances the creamy richness. One summer my family gathered for a big celebration and this dessert was requested again and again it’s become our tradition for marking special moments.

Storage tips

Keep the tiramisu covered tightly in the fridge. It lasts well for up to three days but is best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness and texture. For freezing, wrap well in plastic to avoid freezer burn and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain creaminess.

Ingredient substitutions

If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained work although fresh gives better texture. Mascarpone can replace cream cheese for a richer, more authentic tiramisu feel but adds cost. You can swap orange juice for a mild fruit juice like peach or pineapple for a different twist.

Serving suggestions

Serve chilled in clear glass dishes or trifle bowls to show off the pretty layers. Garnish with whole strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso or a fruity rosé in warm weather.

This elegant and easy nobake dessert showcases fresh strawberries and creamy layers for summer gatherings. Chill well before serving for best texture and clean slices.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do you prepare the strawberries?

Sliced strawberries are combined with granulated sugar and lemon juice, then left to sit for about 10 minutes. This helps release juices, creating a natural syrup that enhances flavor.

→ What kind of cream is used in the filling?

The filling uses softened full-fat cream cheese folded gently with homemade whipped cream and a touch of vanilla for a light, airy texture.

→ How should ladyfingers be soaked?

Ladies fingers are quickly dipped into orange juice for one to two seconds per side to keep them moist but not soggy, preserving their texture in the layered dessert.

→ What is the chilling time before serving?

The dessert needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least six hours or ideally overnight to set and let flavors meld thoroughly.

→ Can this dessert be frozen?

Yes, it can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.