As the warmer months begin to unfold, there’s nothing quite like the bliss of a light and airy dessert to celebrate the season. This Strawberry Tiramisu Angel Food Cake juxtaposes the classic coffee notes of traditional tiramisu with the freshness of strawberries, creating a dreamy balance of flavors. The texture is soft and sponge-like, with the sweetness of berries and a hint of Kahlua that brings a smile with each forkful. Trust me, once you try this treat, it will become a cherished staple for your summer gatherings!
With its combination of layers and textures, this Strawberry Tiramisu Angel Food Cake offers a refreshing twist on two beloved desserts. The lightness of the angel food cake pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess of the mascarpone and cream cheese mixture. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those warm evenings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients Needed For Strawberry Tiramisu
- 2 containers ready-made store-bought angel food cakes: Save time with store-bought cakes that are perfectly fluffy and light—no baking necessary!
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee: Brew a strong, rich coffee to enhance the flavors in the dessert. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can dilute it slightly.
- 6 tablespoons of Kahlua, divided: This coffee liqueur adds depth and roundness to your tiramisu. Feel free to adjust the amount if you’d like it less boozy.
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese provides a lovely, smooth base for the creamy layer.
- 1 8 oz tub mascarpone cheese, softened: Mascarpone contributes a luxurious creaminess that truly makes this dessert shine.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This brings sweetness that balances the richness of the cream layer.
- 1 lb container strawberries: Fresh strawberries are a must for this recipe—they should be vibrant and ripe for the best flavor!
- Amaretti or ladyfingers, optional: These cookies can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor if you choose to include them.
- Cocoa powder for dusting: A simple dusting of cocoa powder is not just for look—it adds another layer of flavor to each bite.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
- Cut each cake into chunks.
- In a small bowl, combine the coffee with 3 tablespoons of Kahlua.
- In the bowl of a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the brown sugar and the granulated sugar until well blended.
- Beat in the remaining Kahlua.
- To assemble, place half of the cake in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Drizzle or brush with half of the coffee mixture.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cake and top with half of the sliced strawberries.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. If desired, sprinkle with crunch-style ladyfingers or cookies.
- Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 30 minutes.
- Dust the tiramisu with cocoa powder before serving, if desired.
How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, directly from the refrigerator. Cut into squares, allowing the layers to slightly spill out—a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. Consider serving it with a side of fresh whipped cream or a few extra strawberries for a finishing touch.
How to Store Strawberry Tiramisu
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. Just be aware that the cake may absorb some moisture over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Tips to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
- Avoid Soggy Cake: Make sure not to oversoak the angel food cake pieces in the coffee mixture. A gentle drizzle is enough to infuse flavor without making it too mushy.
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: The deliciousness of this dessert hinges on the quality of the strawberries. Opt for ones that are bright red and firm for the best results.
- Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for preparing a day in advance—flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit overnight.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Berries: Mix in other berries such as raspberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute Kahlua with a coffee syrup or chocolate syrup if you’d like to keep it alcohol-free.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream in place of mascarpone for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade angel food cake instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Just ensure your homemade cake is light and airy to complement the other layers well.
How long should I let the tiramisu chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes is essential, but a few hours or overnight in the fridge enhances the flavor and structure of the dessert.
Can I freeze the Strawberry Tiramisu Angel Food Cake?
While you can freeze the components separately, it’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh, as the texture may change when thawed.
Can I make this recipe without coffee?
Yes! For a coffee-free version, simply omit the coffee and Kahlua. You can substitute with a fruit puree or fruit juice to add moisture to the cake layers.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
Cream cheese is a good alternative, or you can blend cream cheese with a bit of sour cream or heavy cream for a similar texture and flavor.
Strawberry Tiramisu Angel Food Cake
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 2 containers ready-made store-bought angel food cakes No baking necessary; perfectly fluffy and light.
Coffee Mixture
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee Brew strong coffee to enhance flavors; can dilute if preferred.
- 6 tablespoons Kahlua, divided Coffee liqueur adds depth; adjust amount for less boozy flavor.
Cream Layer
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened Provides a smooth base for the creamy layer.
- 1 8 oz tub mascarpone cheese, softened Adds luxurious creaminess.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar Adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Balances the richness of the cream layer.
Fruits & Garnish
- 1 lb container strawberries Fresh strawberries should be vibrant and ripe.
- Amaretti or ladyfingers, optional Can add delightful crunch.
- Cocoa powder for dusting Adds flavor to each bite.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut each cake into chunks.
- In a small bowl, combine the coffee with 3 tablespoons of Kahlua.
- In the bowl of a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the brown sugar and the granulated sugar until well blended.
- Beat in the remaining Kahlua.
Assembly
- Place half of the cake in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Drizzle or brush with half of the coffee mixture.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cake and top with half of the sliced strawberries.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, adding optional cookies if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 30 minutes.
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving, if desired.
