Cranberry Orange Tiramisu (Print Version)

Festive Italian dessert with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and creamy mascarpone layers

# What You Need:

→ Cranberry Compote

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

→ Mascarpone Cream

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

→ Assembly

09 - 24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
10 - 1/2 cup orange juice
11 - 2 tbsp orange liqueur (optional, e.g., Grand Marnier)
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, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
02 - Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
03 - Combine orange juice and orange liqueur in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the mixture without soaking, then line the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish with half of the ladyfingers. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spoon half of the cranberry compote over the cream. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cranberry compote.
04 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, garnish with orange zest, fresh cranberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

# Handy Tips:

01 -
  • The cranberry compote adds this gorgeous ruby layer that makes everyone gasp when you slice into it
  • Its a holiday showstopper that comes together faster than most people expect
02 -
  • The chilling time is not optional, those flavors need hours to become friends
  • Over dipping ladyfingers is the number one mistake that ruins the texture
03 -
  • If your compote seems too thick, add a splash more orange juice while still warm
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together much more smoothly than cold ones

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