Strawberry Layered Dessert

This delightful strawberry layered dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion. It combines the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese with the tangy freshness of strawberries in a beautifully layered presentation. With a hint of lemon zest, each bite offers a refreshing burst of flavor. The dessert is both visually appealing and incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. Ideal for strawberry lovers, this dessert is versatile and can be adapted for various dietary preferences. It serves as a great finale to a summer meal or a light, sweet indulgence at any time of year. The combination of ladyfingers with the creamy filling provides a wonderful contrast in textures. This is a crowd-pleaser dessert that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Plus, it's a quick recipe, taking just around 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Cream:

250 g mascarpone cheese
20 ml heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Layers:

9 ladyfingers
250-300 g strawberries

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Lemon Zest: Before you start assembling the dessert, gently zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith, and set aside the zest for later use.
Make the Cream Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the mascarpone cheese. Pour in the heavy cream gradually while mixing.
Incorporate Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mascarpone and cream mixture, ensuring it is fully incorporated for a smooth texture.
Add Lemon Zest: Sprinkle in the lemon zest and blend well until everything is evenly combined and the mixture is light and creamy.
Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries under cold running water. Depending on their size, slice the strawberries into halves or quarters.
Break the Ladyfingers: Gently break the ladyfingers into smaller pieces that will fit nicely in your serving dish.
Layer the Dessert: Begin the layering process by placing a layer of broken ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish.
Add a Layer of Cream: Spoon a generous amount of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Add a Fruit Layer: Place a layer of strawberry pieces over the cream, spreading them out evenly.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the process—ladyfingers, cream, strawberries—until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cream on top.
Decorate the Top: Use a few of the nicest strawberry slices to decorate the top layer of cream to make it visually appealing.
Chill the Dessert: Let the dessert sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften slightly.
Taste Check: Before serving, ensure the dessert is chilled enough to hold its shape and the flavors are well-rounded. Adjust sweetness if necessary by lightly dusting with more powdered sugar.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the dessert into portions and serve chilled, enjoying every creamy, fruity bite.

Tips

Substitutions: If mascarpone is unavailable, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Make it Lighter: Substitute low-fat cream for a lighter version.
Adding Layers: For extra flavor, consider adding a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cookie layer and cream.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 290 per serving
Protein: 5g
Fats: 20g
Carbs: 22g

Variations

For a Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute such as stevia in the cream mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular ladyfingers with gluten-free alternatives.
Add Herbs: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings: Serve this dessert with a fresh mint tea or a chilled glass of white wine.
Garnishes: Sprinkle with a light dusting of cocoa powder or add a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Best Places

Café de Flore - A classic Parisian café, renowned for its history and elegance, offering delicious desserts. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
Serendipity 3 - Famous for its frozen hot chocolate, this New York City icon serves up sweet treats in a whimsical setting. Location: 225 E 60th St, New York, USA.
Hafiz Mustafa 1864 - Known for traditional Turkish sweets, this spot is a must-visit for dessert lovers. Location: Hamidiye Cad. No:84, Istanbul, Turkey.
Ladurée - Famous for its macarons, this venue in Paris offers a luxurious dessert experience. Location: 16-18, rue Royale, Paris, France.
Café Sacher Wien - Serving the iconic Sachertorte, a chocolate-lovers' paradise. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
Magnolia Bakery - Known for its classic American desserts, it gained fame from its appearance on "Sex and the City". Location: 401 Bleecker St, New York, USA.
Bar del Fico - Italian desserts with a contemporary twist, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Location: Piazza del Fico, 26/28, Rome, Italy.
Milk Bar - Inventive and playful desserts that push the boundaries. Location: 251 E 13th St, New York, USA.
Sundae School Ice Cream - Offering homemade ice cream with a nostalgic vibe, this shop is a summer essential. Location: 605 Main St, Dennis Port, USA.
El Moro - Celebrated for its delicious churros and hot chocolate. Location: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42, Mexico City, Mexico.