Cranberry Tiramisu (Perfect for the Holidays!)
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This cranberry tiramisu is a festive no-bake dessert made with layers of cranberry-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, whipped topping, and a sweet caramel drizzle. The tart cranberry flavor balances the rich cream layers, giving this easy holiday dessert a bright, sweet, and slightly tangy finish. It’s simple to assemble, great for making ahead, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering where you want something pretty without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Tiramisu
- Festive Flavors: This dessert has all the cozy, tart flavors of cranberry and cherry juice that scream holiday season.
- No-Bake Convenience: You get a show-stopping dessert without turning on the oven—just chill and serve!
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The mascarpone cream is rich and velvety, perfectly balancing the tangy cranberry layer.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This beautiful, layered dessert is bound to wow your guests, making it ideal for any gathering.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cranberry Tiramisu
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Antioxidant Solutions Cherry Juice
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ladyfingers
- Mascarpone or dairy-free cream cheese
- Egg yolks
- Heavy cream
- Water
- Whipped topping
How To Make Cranberry Tiramisu
- Prepare the cranberry layer by cooking the cranberries with cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Let it cool completely.
- Beat the sugar and egg yolks together until light and fluffy.
- Mix the mascarpone and heavy cream together, then fold in the egg mixture.
- Dip the ladyfingers in a cherry juice and water mixture, then layer them in a dish.
- Spread half of the cranberry mixture and cream mixture on top of the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers.
- Chill the dessert for several hours.
- Before serving, top with whipped topping and cranberries!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this cranberry tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s best to make this dessert ahead of time. The layers need time to chill and set, so I recommend making it the day before you plan to serve it. It’ll give the flavors a chance to meld together and make every bite even more delicious.
How do I store leftover cranberry tiramisu?
To store any leftovers, cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days, though I’m sure it’ll be gone long before that!
Can I freeze cranberry tiramisu?
While I wouldn’t suggest freezing the whole tiramisu, you can freeze the cranberry layer separately. That way, you can keep it on hand for another batch or use it in other recipes. Just be aware that the whipped topping might not hold up as well if frozen.
Can I substitute other fruits for the cranberry layer?
Absolutely! While cranberries are a key ingredient in this holiday twist on tiramisu, you can swap them for other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile, but it can be a fun variation!
Do I need to use ladyfingers, or can I use another type of cookie?
Ladyfingers are traditional in tiramisu, but if you don’t have them, you can use any light, spongy cake or biscuit that will soak up the juices. I recommend something like sponge cake or even shortbread, just keep in mind it will change the texture slightly.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
For an extra holiday touch, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving or even add a few crushed-up gingerbread cookies between the layers. Those little seasonal flavors make it feel extra special!
Egg-Free & Gluten-Free Options
This tiramisu can be made egg-free by simply omitting the egg yolks. The result will be a lighter and fluffier texture rather than the traditional rich, custard-like cream.
Note: If omitting the egg yolks, there’s no need to replace them with anything else—just continue with the remaining filling ingredients as written.
Gluten-Free Option: You can make this recipe with either regular or gluten-free ladyfingers. No other changes are needed—just swap based on your preference or dietary needs.
Cranberry Tiramisu
Equipment
- 10×7 baking dish (at least 3 inches deep)
Video
Ingredients
Cranberry Layer
- 1 cup Antioxidant Solutions Cherry Juice
- 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water slurry
Tiramisu Ingredients
- 1 batch of homemade ladyfingers (or 1 package store bought ladyfingers)
- 16 ounces mascarpone (or cream cheese, room temp)
- 8 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- 16 ounces heavy cream
- 1 cup Antioxidant Solutions Cherry Juice
- ½ cup water
- 8 ounces whipped topping
Topping
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- 1/4 cup cranberries
Instructions
Make Cranberry Layer
- In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine cranberries, cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir and cook for 20 minutes until cranberries are soft and slightly burst.
- Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
Prepare Egg Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and egg yolks. Beat on high for 5 minutes until pale yellow and fluffy.
Prepare Cream Mixture
- In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone and heavy cream until smooth. Fold in the egg mixture until combined. Set aside.
Assemble Layers
- Mix cherry juice and water in a shallow bowl. Dip ladyfingers briefly into the mixture and layer them on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooled cranberry mixture on top, followed by half of the cream mixture. Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers, cranberry mixture, and cream.
Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Before serving, top with whipped topping and cranberries
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
This cranberry tiramisu is the perfect twist on a classic dessert for the holiday season. With its tangy cranberry layer and the creamy richness of mascarpone, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. I love how easy it is to throw together, and the flavors only get better as it sits in the fridge. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!
