If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant twist on classic tiramisu, this Cranberry and Orange Tiramisu is the perfect treat. Instead of the traditional coffee and cocoa combination, this version celebrates the flavors of tart cranberries and sweet oranges. The result is a bright, refreshing, and festive dessert ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion.
This tiramisu stands out for its stunning color, creamy texture, and irresistible balance between sweetness and acidity. It’s also easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient choice when hosting guests.
Why This Tiramisu Is Special
- No coffee — only fruit! The ladyfingers are soaked in fresh orange juice, giving every bite a sunny, citrusy flavor.
- Cranberry cream filling adds a beautiful natural pink color and a tangy twist that balances the richness of mascarpone.
- Festive decoration with cranberry sauce, orange slices, and optional sugared cranberries makes it visually stunning.
- Perfect for holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, but delicious all year round.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: ~2 hours
- Chill Time: ~6 hours or overnight
- Total Time: ~8 hours
- Servings: About 10
- Calories: ~386 per slice
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Mixture
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (add more to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons orange zest
For the Orange Juice Dip
- Juice of 4 oranges (about 1½ cups)
- 1 tablespoon of the cranberry mixture
- Optional: 1 shot of orange liqueur or dark rum
For the Mascarpone Filling
- 1½ cups cold heavy cream
- 450 g cold mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
For Layering and Decoration
- About 260 g ladyfingers
- Additional cranberries for sauce
- Orange slices
- Optional: rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries
How to Make Cranberry and Orange Tiramisu
1. Prepare the Cranberry Base
Add cranberries and water to a pot, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a sieve and press to extract the juice, discarding the skins.
Add sugar and orange zest to the warm juice and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Orange Juice
Peel and blend the oranges to extract fresh juice.
Set most of the juice aside for soaking the ladyfingers, and mix one tablespoon of this juice into the cooled cranberry mixture.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
3. Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, whisk mascarpone and sugar until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
Add the cranberry mixture in three small additions, folding gently after each one until the cream turns a soft pink color.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu
Dip each ladyfinger into the orange juice (with optional liqueur) for about 10 seconds.
Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in your serving dish.
Spread half of the cranberry-mascarpone cream over the top.
Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers and cover with the remaining cream.
Smooth the top and cover the dish. If You want add some orange pieces
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight for best texture.
5. Prepare the Cranberry Topping
Place fresh or frozen cranberries in a pot with a bit of water, sugar, and a touch of orange zest or juice.
Simmer until the cranberries soften, then blend until smooth.
Let the sauce cool completely before using.
6. Decorate and Serve
Pour the cooled cranberry sauce over the chilled tiramisu.
Decorate with orange slices, fresh cranberries, and optional rosemary sprigs or sugared cranberries.
Serve cold and enjoy the beautiful contrast of creamy, fruity, and zesty flavors.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust sweetness as cranberries can be naturally tart.
- Use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available — they work the same.
- Add liqueur for a more sophisticated adult version.
- Chill overnight for a firmer, more flavorful tiramisu.
- Use a glass dish to show off the beautiful layers.
Conclusion
Cranberry and Orange Tiramisu is the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and festive flavors. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional tiramisu and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday dinners or special celebrations. Its bright color and citrus-cranberry aroma make it a dessert that not only tastes delightful but also looks stunning on any table.