Looking for the ultimate fruity twist on a classic Italian dessert? This Blackberry Tiramisu recipe blends sweet, tangy blackberry syrup with rich mascarpone cream, layered with soft ladyfingers in a chilled no-bake format perfect for summer gatherings or a romantic treat. In this article, we’ll walk you through every step to create a vibrant dessert bursting with berry flavor, while staying cool in the kitchen.
Don’t miss our Lemon Tiramisu if you’re a citrus lover craving another tangy Italian dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Blackberry Syrup | 4 cups blackberries, ½ cup water, ¾ cup sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice |
| Mascarpone Filling | 1½ cups heavy cream, 16 oz mascarpone cheese, ¾ cup syrup, ¾ cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla |
| Assembly | 1 package Savoiardi ladyfingers (approx. 24 pieces) |
How to Make Blackberry Syrup
Simmer the Berries
Start by adding 4 cups of fresh or frozen blackberries to a saucepan with ½ cup water. Over medium-high heat, simmer the mixture while mashing the berries using a fork or masher. This extracts all their juicy goodness.
Strain for Smoothness
Once soft and juicy, pour the cooked berries into a mesh strainer set over a bowl. Press to extract as much juice as possible, leaving the seeds behind.
Sweeten and Thicken
Return the strained juice to the pan. Add ¾ cup sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Chill the syrup completely before using.
Preparing the Blackberry Mascarpone Filling
Whip the Cream
Using a chilled mixer bowl and whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside in a separate bowl.
Beat the Cheese
Replace your mixer’s attachment with a paddle and beat mascarpone cheese with sugar, vanilla, and ¾ cup of the cooled blackberry syrup until well-combined.
Fold for Fluffiness
Add a bit of whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the rest of the whipped cream to create a velvety, berry-infused filling.
Assembling Your Blackberry Tiramisu
Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the blackberry syrup and line them in a square baking dish. Avoid over-soaking to maintain some structure.
Discover great ideas like White Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu for more fruit-forward no-bake options.
Add Creamy Filling
Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then another spread of cream. Optionally, pipe the final bit of cream on top for a polished finish.
Let It Chill: Timing Is Everything
Refrigerate your assembled tiramisu for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better. This gives the ladyfingers time to absorb flavor and lets the layers set beautifully.
Serving Tip
Garnish with fresh blackberries or a drizzle of syrup before serving to wow your guests.
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Cut ladyfingers AFTER soaking to avoid crumbling.
- Use a piping bag for that signature tiramisu top layer look.
- For a visual edge, swirl a little syrup on the final cream layer before chilling.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – 9 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 |
| Carbs | ~36g |
| Fat | ~28g |
| Protein | ~5g |
Storage Advice
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container. It stays fresh up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture.
Delicious Variations
- Mixed Berry Version: Add raspberries and blueberries to the syrup.
- Boozy Kick: Add 2 tbsp Chambord or blackberry liqueur to the syrup.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cupcakes for a cocoa-rich alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PAA1: Can I use frozen blackberries for tiramisu?
Yes, both fresh and frozen blackberries work perfectly for the syrup.
PAA2: How long does Blackberry Tiramisu last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
PAA3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using coconut cream and vegan mascarpone for a plant-based version.
PAA4: Do I need to cook the ladyfingers?
No, they’re ready to use and will soften in the syrup and cream layers.
PAA5: Can I add alcohol to the blackberry syrup?
Yes! A splash of blackberry liqueur enhances the fruity depth.
PAA6: Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
No, it’s a summery twist on the classic Italian tiramisu using blackberries.
Conclusion: Summer’s Sweetest Make-Ahead Treat
Blackberry Tiramisu is the no-bake, show-stopping dessert that checks all the boxes: fruity, creamy, indulgent, and simple to make. With minimal ingredients and big flavor, it’s a hit at BBQs, brunches, or anytime you want to impress.
Don’t miss our Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu for another elegant spin on this iconic dessert.