Description
Blueberry Tiramisu Recipe
Enjoy a delightful twist on the classic Italian tiramisu with this blueberry version. Featuring blueberry-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy blueberry mascarpone filling, this dessert is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Blueberry Syrup:
4 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
½ cup water
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Mascarpone Filling:
1 ½ cups heavy cream
16 ounces mascarpone cheese (cold or room temperature)
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
¾ cup blueberry syrup (from the recipe above)
For Assembly:
1 (7 oz) package Savoiardi ladyfingers (about 24)
Instructions:
1. Make the Blueberry Syrup:
Place blueberries and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Crush the berries using a potato masher or fork.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the berries through a fine-mesh strainer set over a glass measuring cup. Press on the berries to extract as much juice as possible, then discard the solids.
Return the juice to the pan, add sugar and lemon juice, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator to cool completely.
2. Make the Mascarpone Filling:
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a separate bowl.
In the stand mixer, switch to the paddle attachment and beat mascarpone cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract on high until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the blueberry syrup, ¼ cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Fold in about a cup of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu:
Dip each ladyfinger one at a time into the blueberry syrup until soaked but not soggy. Arrange them in an even layer along the bottom of an 8-inch square dish (line the ladyfingers up in two straight rows of six).
Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers.
Place another layer of blueberry syrup-soaked ladyfingers on top of the filling.
Spread the remaining mascarpone filling over the second layer of ladyfingers.
Transfer the remaining filling to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (or a gallon ziplock bag with the corner cut off), and pipe the filling evenly over the tiramisu.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
To serve, cut a slice of tiramisu and place it onto a plate. Drizzle with some of the remaining blueberry syrup.
Enjoy your light and luscious Blueberry Tiramisu!
Tips:
For an extra burst of blueberry flavor, top with fresh blueberries before serving.
Adjust the amount of blueberry syrup to taste if you prefer a more or less intense blueberry flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, prepare the blueberry syrup well in advance, as it must be completely cool before use. When straining, press the solids firmly to extract maximum flavor. For the filling, ensure your heavy cream and mascarpone are very cold; this guarantees a stable, fluffy mixture. When folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone, use a gentle, sweeping motion to maintain airiness. During assembly, dip ladyfingers quickly—just 1-2 seconds per side—to avoid a mushy base. The key to distinct layers is spreading the filling evenly with an offset spatula.
Serving Suggestions
This elegant dessert is versatile. For individual portions, assemble in clear glasses or mason jars. Garnish each serving with fresh blueberries, a mint sprig, and a light dusting of powdered sugar or crumbled amaretti cookies for texture. It pairs beautifully with a glass of dessert wine, like Moscato d’Asti, or a cup of strong espresso to complement the sweetness. For a summer gathering, serve it as the centerpiece of a berry-themed dessert table.
How-to Summary
Create a reduced blueberry syrup and chill it. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Separately, beat mascarpone with sugar and extracts until smooth, then blend in the cooled syrup. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Quickly dip ladyfingers in the syrup and layer them in a dish with the cream filling. Chill overnight to set, then drizzle with extra syrup to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly and are often more economical. There’s no need to thaw them before making the syrup.
What can I substitute for ladyfingers? Pound cake or sponge cake sliced into strips can be used. The texture will be denser but still delicious.
How long does it keep in the fridge? Properly covered, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after a day.
Can I make this alcohol-free? Absolutely. The recipe is designed without alcohol. For an adult version, you could add a tablespoon of blueberry liqueur to the syrup.
My filling seems runny. What happened? This usually occurs if the whipped cream was not at stiff peaks, the mascarpone was too warm, or the syrup wasn’t fully cooled. Chilling it thoroughly will help it set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-soaking the ladyfingers: This leads to a soggy, collapsed base. A quick dip is sufficient.
- Adding warm syrup to the mascarpone: This will melt the cheese and deflate the whipped cream, resulting in a loose filling.
- Overmixing the final filling: Aggressive mixing after folding in the whipped cream will knock out the air, making it dense.
- Skipping the chill time: The tiramisu needs at least 6 hours to set properly and allow the flavors to meld.
- Using low-fat substitutes: Full-fat mascarpone and heavy cream are essential for the correct texture and richness.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Tiramisu is a stunning and delicious update to a classic dessert. By balancing the tangy fruitiness of blueberries with the rich, creamy mascarpone, it offers a refreshing flavor profile perfect for any season. Mastering the techniques of a stable filling and proper assembly ensures an impressive result every time. With its make-ahead convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal, this dessert is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!