Cranberry Orange Tiramisu (Printable version)

Festive Italian dessert combining tart cranberries, bright orange, and silky mascarpone cream. Ideal for holiday celebrations.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cranberry Compote

01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
04 - 1 teaspoon orange zest

→ Mascarpone Cream

05 - 1 cup cold heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
07 - 8 oz chilled mascarpone cheese
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Assembly

09 - 24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
10 - 1/2 cup orange juice
11 - 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional)
12 - Orange zest for garnish
13 - Fresh cranberries for garnish
14 - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before assembling.
02 - Whip cold heavy cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and uniform.
03 - Combine orange juice and orange liqueur in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the liquid without soaking, then arrange half the biscuits in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish. Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over ladyfingers, then spoon half the cranberry compote over the cream. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
04 - Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best results. Before serving, garnish with fresh orange zest, whole cranberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Serve chilled.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The tart cranberry cuts through the rich mascarpone creating the perfect balance of sweet and bright
  • It looks stunning on a holiday table with those gorgeous red layers peeking through
  • You can make it ahead giving you one less thing to stress about during festive entertaining
02 -
  • Never skip cooling the cranberry compote completely before assembling or it will melt your mascarpone cream
  • The ladyfingers should be dipped not soaked or you will end up with a mushy dessert instead of distinct layers
  • This dessert actually tastes better the next day so do not feel pressured to serve it immediately
03 -
  • Room temperature mascarpone mixes more smoothly so take it out 15 minutes before using
  • Use a clear glass dish so your guests can see those gorgeous red layers through the sides

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