Ingredients:
- 750 g fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 250 g quark (20% fat content)
- 200 g ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the Strawberry Puree: Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh strawberries to remove any dirt or residue. Once cleaned, remove the green tops from the strawberries and discard them. Cut the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Place the cut strawberries into a blender or food processor, then add the lemon juice and powdered sugar. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth, velvety puree. The lemon juice not only enhances the freshness of the strawberries but also helps balance their sweetness with a bit of tang. Set the strawberry puree aside for later use.
2. Preparing the Cream Mixture: Next, take a large mixing bowl and combine the mascarpone cheese and quark. Mascarpone is a rich and creamy Italian cheese, while quark is a soft, fresh cheese that adds a mild tangy flavor to the mixture. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mascarpone and quark together until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps. This will create a thick and creamy base for your dessert. Once the mixture is smooth, gradually add two-thirds of the strawberry puree to the mascarpone and quark mixture. Stir gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined. The strawberry puree will infuse the cream with a vibrant pink color and a fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mascarpone.
3. Assembling the Dessert: To assemble the dessert, start by selecting a large enough serving dish or a trifle bowl, one that will allow for multiple layers of the ingredients. Begin by placing a layer of ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits) at the bottom of the dish. Ladyfingers are light, dry biscuits that absorb liquids well, which makes them perfect for this layered dessert. They will soak up the strawberry puree and cream mixture, creating a soft and delicious layer. You can break or cut the ladyfingers to fit the shape of the dish, but try to cover the bottom completely.
4. Layering the Mascarpone Mixture: After laying down the first layer of ladyfingers, spread a generous portion of the mascarpone and strawberry mixture over the biscuits. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it into an even layer. The creamy mascarpone mixture will serve as the rich, flavorful filling between the layers. Then, take the remaining strawberry puree and spread it evenly over the mascarpone layer, allowing it to seep into the cream and add a fresh, fruity burst. Continue this process by adding another layer of ladyfingers on top of the strawberry mixture, followed by another layer of the mascarpone mixture. Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used up. Make sure to finish with a layer of the strawberry puree on top, which will give the dessert a vibrant, beautiful finish.
5. Chilling the Dessert: Once all the layers are assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the ladyfingers time to absorb the moisture from the strawberry puree and cream, softening into a rich and indulgent texture. However, for the best results, it is recommended to prepare the dessert the day before and let it sit overnight in the fridge. This ensures that the dessert sets properly and the flavors become fully integrated, creating a more intense and satisfying taste.
6. Serving: After the dessert has chilled for several hours or overnight, it is ready to be served. Just before serving, you can garnish the dessert with additional fresh strawberries, either sliced or whole, to enhance its appearance and add a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy layers. You could also dust the top with a little extra powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. To serve, simply scoop portions of the dessert into individual bowls or plates. The result is a light, creamy, and fruity dessert that is perfect for warm weather, special occasions, or any time you want a refreshing treat.
Additional Tips and Variations:
While this strawberry dessert is already delicious as is, there are several ways to customize it. For example, you could add a little vanilla extract to the mascarpone and quark mixture to give it an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, you can replace the strawberry puree with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a different twist.
If you like a bit of crunch in your dessert, you can sprinkle some crushed nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, between the layers or on top as a garnish. Additionally, you can experiment with adding a liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the strawberry puree for a more adult version of this dessert. If you’re looking to make the dessert even lighter, you could substitute half of the mascarpone with Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier option.
Nutritional Information:
This strawberry dessert is relatively light, especially when compared to many traditional cakes or cheesecakes. It is rich in dairy, which provides calcium and protein, thanks to the mascarpone and quark. The strawberries offer a good dose of vitamin C, which is essential for immune health and skin care. The ladyfingers, while a source of carbohydrates, absorb the flavors of the cream and strawberry puree, creating a satisfying but not overly heavy dessert. It’s a great option for those looking for a fruity, refreshing dessert without too much indulgence.
Conclusion:
This dessert is a twist on the classic Italian trifle, inspired by tiramisu but with a light, fruity flavor. The combination of creamy mascarpone and quark, paired with the fresh sweetness of strawberries, makes for a refreshing and satisfying treat. It’s a perfect choice for summer gatherings, holidays, or as a simple yet elegant dessert to enjoy at home. With its layers of fruity cream, soft ladyfingers, and vibrant strawberry topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
