If you’ve ever wished your favorite Italian dessert had a Latin twist, this Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu is the answer.
In this guide, we’ll dive into a unique dessert that fuses the creamy elegance of classic tiramisu with the nostalgic, cinnamon-kissed sweetness of strawberry horchata. You’ll learn where this idea came from, what makes the ingredients special, how to bring it to life, and how to serve and store it the right way.
How Strawberry Horchata Became More Than a Dessert
In our little kitchen—shared by me, my mom, my daughter, and Grandma—desserts aren’t just eaten; they’re lived. One Saturday afternoon, I was making our usual batch of horchata when my daughter asked if we had any strawberries. Grandma chuckled, saying, “Back in Michoacán, we’d mash berries right into the rice milk when it was in season.” That moment sparked a memory and a brand-new idea.
That night, while looking at leftover ladyfingers and strawberry horchata chilling in the fridge, I asked myself: why not combine our traditions? Tiramisu, but Mexican. The richness of mascarpone and coffee replaced with the cinnamon-vanilla flavor of horchata, layered with whipped cream and juicy strawberries. It was like Grandma’s storytelling layered with my daughter’s favorite snack.
Why This Dessert Works So Well
Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu is more than a pretty treat—it’s deeply flavorful and comforting. The horchata brings in a creamy rice-cinnamon backdrop. Strawberries add natural sweetness and freshness, while the whipped mascarpone mixture keeps everything light and silky. Think of it as a Mexican dessert remix: nostalgic, modern, and irresistible.
The best part? It’s a no-bake beauty. Once you soak your ladyfingers in homemade or store-bought strawberry horchata, you’re halfway to dessert bliss.
Whether you’re making it for your next family gathering or just craving something sweet after tacos like this Mexican taco dessert, this recipe brings family, flavor, and a little bit of fun to every layer.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu
Choosing the Best for Flavor and Texture
For a standout Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. While traditional tiramisu relies on espresso and cocoa, this Mexican-inspired version leans on creamy rice milk, cinnamon, and bright berries. You can make your own strawberry horchata, or use a high-quality store-bought version to save time. Either way, the flavor should be sweet, creamy, and spiced—like a dessert all on its own.
Don’t skip the mascarpone. Its mild tang complements the sweetness and gives this dessert that unmistakable tiramisu feel. And of course, soft ladyfinger biscuits are key for soaking up all that horchata goodness.
Ingredients for Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu
- 1½ cups strawberry horchata (homemade or store-bought, well chilled)
- 16–20 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi, slightly firm for soaking)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (bring to room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold, for whipping)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted for smooth consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure, for flavor depth)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced or chopped)
- Ground cinnamon (optional, for dusting layers or garnish)
How to Make Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu
Step-by-Step to Build Flavorful Layers
This dessert may look fancy, but it’s refreshingly simple to put together. The key is layering flavors and textures while keeping everything chilled and creamy. Since there’s no baking involved, most of your time is spent assembling and letting the tiramisu set in the fridge.
Before you begin, make sure your horchata is cold, mascarpone is soft, and your whipped cream is ready. A glass dish or trifle bowl works best for layering and presentation.
Make the Cream Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and airy. Don’t overmix—keep it light!
Soak and Layer the Ladyfingers
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the strawberry horchata. Don’t soak too long—1 to 2 seconds is enough to soften without turning soggy.
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your dish. Break pieces if needed to fit snugly.
Build the Dessert
- Spoon half of the mascarpone cream over the first layer of ladyfingers.
- Sprinkle half the chopped strawberries over the cream.
- Add a light dusting of cinnamon if using.
- Repeat with another layer of horchata-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and decorate with sliced strawberries and a final pinch of cinnamon.
Let It Set
- Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up beautifully.
Want to try something different next time? My Concha French Toast uses a similar layering approach with a warm, buttery twist.
Serving, Variations & Storing Tips for Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu
How to Serve It for Maximum Delight
Once your Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu has chilled for several hours, it’s ready to impress. Use a large spoon or a serrated knife to slice through the soft layers. Serve it cold in square cuts or scooped into individual glasses for a more rustic feel.
This dessert shines at birthdays, brunches, or after a hearty Mexican meal. It pairs beautifully with cinnamon tea, café de olla, or even chilled hibiscus water. For an extra showstopper moment, add a final swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of strawberry horchata before serving.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love to Try
Want to personalize your tiramisu a little? Here are some easy twists:
- Swap the fruit: Try mango or raspberry horchata for a tropical touch.
- Add texture: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or mini chocoflan crumbs between layers for a surprise crunch.
- Boost the spice: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the horchata for a cozy fall vibe.
- Go dairy-free: Use coconut whipped cream and vegan mascarpone to make it completely plant-based.
This dessert’s flexibility makes it perfect for adjusting to your guests’ preferences—or your pantry.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
Cover any leftover tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious by day two.
Avoid freezing it, as the texture of mascarpone and soaked ladyfingers can change. If you’re planning ahead, simply assemble the tiramisu the night before your event. That chill time makes a big difference.
Just like our mosaico de gelatina and other fridge-friendly treats, this one is easy to prepare in advance and enjoy with zero last-minute stress.
Print
Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu: A Mexican Fusion Dessert You’ll Crave
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy no-bake Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu that fuses classic Italian texture with the cinnamon-rich sweetness of Mexican horchata and strawberries.
Ingredients
1½ cups strawberry horchata
16–20 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Whip cream separately to stiff peaks.
3. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone until combined.
4. Dip ladyfingers quickly into strawberry horchata and layer in dish.
5. Add half the mascarpone cream over ladyfingers.
6. Sprinkle half the strawberries and cinnamon if using.
7. Repeat with remaining layers.
8. Smooth top, decorate, and chill 4 hours before serving.
Notes
Use fresh strawberry horchata for best flavor.
Do not oversoak ladyfingers to keep structure.
Chill overnight for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
FAQs About Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu
What does strawberry horchata taste like?
Strawberry horchata is creamy, cinnamon-spiced, and lightly sweet with fresh berry flavor. It combines the comforting notes of classic Mexican horchata with the brightness of ripe strawberries. Think of it like a strawberry milkshake with a cozy, rice-cinnamon finish.
What is in strawberry horchata?
Traditional strawberry horchata is made from soaked rice or rice milk, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, strawberries, sugar, and sometimes nuts like almonds or cashews. Everything is blended and strained to create a smooth, flavorful drink—perfect as a dessert base.
Conclusion: A Dessert That Tastes Like Family
Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu brings together the best of both worlds—Italian texture and Mexican heart. It’s sweet, creamy, and full of warmth. Whether you’re celebrating with family or just want a little comfort after a long day, this dessert delivers something special.
It reminds me of the stories Grandma used to tell as we stirred rice milk on the stove. Today, I share those stories through layers of flavor, and I hope you bring them into your own kitchen too.