White Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu Cups

If you’re craving a dessert that marries the creamy richness of tiramisu with the fresh, fruity burst of strawberries, then these White Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu Cups are exactly what you need. This delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration. Combining luscious mascarpone cream, melt-in-your-mouth ladyfinger cookies soaked in coffee, and a sweet white chocolate infusion, this dessert is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

White Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu Cups hit all the right notes. They are elegant yet approachable, blending familiar flavors with a fresh twist. The softness of the mascarpone cream contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, while the strawberries add a juicy sweetness that lightens the rich profile. These cups are individually portioned, making them perfect for serving guests without the hassle of slicing or plating. Plus, the white chocolate adds a luxurious sweetness that elevates this dessert above the usual tiramisu fare. Because it’s easy to make ahead and looks stunning, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

What to Buy

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese – the creamy base of the tiramisu cream layer.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – to whip and add lightness to the mascarpone mixture.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – for gentle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a warm, fragrant aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced – for the fruity, fresh layer.
• 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled – to soak the ladyfinger cookies.
• 1 tablespoon sugar – to sweeten the coffee.
• 1 package ladyfinger cookies – the classic tiramisu sponge element.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted – to fold into the cream for a decadent twist.
• Cocoa powder for dusting – for the final touch of elegance.
• Fresh strawberries for garnish – bright and inviting.

Setup & Equipment

• Mixing bowls – for whipping cream and mixing mascarpone.
• Electric mixer or whisk – to whip the cream to soft peaks.
• Small saucepan – to melt the white chocolate gently.
• Spoons – for layering the cups.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
• Serving cups or glasses – individual portions look beautiful and are easy to serve.
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve – for dusting cocoa powder evenly.

White Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu Cups: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Soak

In a shallow bowl, combine the brewed coffee and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside to cool if you haven’t already prepared cold coffee.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. This will help give the mascarpone mixture a light, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Mix the Mascarpone Cream

In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the airy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the White Chocolate

Melt the white chocolate chips over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Let the melted white chocolate cool slightly, then fold it gently into the mascarpone cream mixture, creating a luscious white chocolate mascarpone cream.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberries

Hull and slice the fresh strawberries. Set aside about a handful for garnish later.

Step 6: Soak the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture, ensuring they absorb some coffee but do not become soggy. A quick one-second dip on each side works best.

Step 7: Assemble the Cups

In your serving cups or glasses, start with a layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Next, spoon on a layer of the white chocolate mascarpone cream, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat these layers until the cups are filled, finishing with a generous layer of mascarpone cream.

Step 8: Garnish and Chill

Dust the top layer with cocoa powder using a sifter or fine mesh sieve. Garnish with the reserved fresh strawberries. Chill the cups in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled and enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy white chocolate, fresh strawberries, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. These cups are sure to become a favorite at your dessert table.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Mascarpone cheese: Substitute with a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar texture.
• Heavy cream: Use canned coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Ladyfinger cookies: Swap with gluten-free sponge fingers made from alternative flours.
• White chocolate chips: Use dairy-free or vegan white chocolate alternatives if needed.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

• Ladyfingers too soggy: Dip quickly in coffee; a one-second dunk on each side prevents over-soaking.
• Cream mixture too runny: Ensure heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks before folding in mascarpone.
• White chocolate clumping: Melt slowly and stir often; cool slightly before folding into cream to avoid melting the cream.
• Dessert lacks flavor: Use freshly brewed coffee and ripe strawberries for the best taste.

Storing Tips & Timelines

Store your White Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu Cups covered in the refrigerator. They keep best when chilled for at least 4 hours to overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and textures to soften. Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness. Avoid freezing, as the cream mixture may separate and the texture can become grainy.

Quick Q&A

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! These tiramisu cups actually taste better when made in advance. Prepare them the day before serving and store them in the refrigerator overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.

What can I use instead of ladyfinger cookies?

If you cannot find ladyfingers, sponge cake or pound cake slices work well. Just be sure to soak them briefly in the coffee mixture to maintain the moist texture.

Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?

Yes. You can reduce the powdered sugar in the mascarpone mixture or use unsweetened white chocolate. Adjust to your taste preference by tasting the cream before assembling.

Can I substitute the coffee with something else?

Certainly! For a caffeine-free option, use cooled brewed chicory or a coffee-flavored syrup diluted with water. You can also try a berry juice for a fruity twist instead of the coffee soak.

Next Up in Your Queue

• Try the delectable White Chocolate Macadamia Snowdrift Cookies for a crunchy, nutty treat.
• For a colorful cookie option, bake some Strawberry Milk Pink Crinkle Cookies, which pair beautifully with berry desserts like this tiramisu.

The Takeaway

White Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu Cups combine the classic tiramisu’s velvety mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and the luxurious touch of white chocolate. This dessert is simple to assemble yet impressively elegant, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a touch of Italian charm and fresh fruitiness to your dessert table. Whether you’re serving family or guests, these cups are sure to become a beloved favorite.

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