Cranberry Orange Tiramisu (Printable)

Festive Italian dessert featuring tart cranberry compote, zesty orange, and creamy mascarpone layered between delicate ladyfingers.

# 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 teaspoon orange zest

→ Mascarpone Cream

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

→ Assembly Components

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

# How-To Steps:

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, approximately 8–10 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. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and uniform.
03 - Combine orange juice and orange liqueur in a shallow dish. Briefly 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 the ladyfingers, followed by half the cranberry compote. Repeat layering with remaining ladyfingers, cream, and compote.
04 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, decorate with fresh orange zest, whole cranberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The cranberry compote cuts through the rich mascarpone like sunshine breaking through clouds
  • It looks stunning on a holiday table with those ruby red layers peeking through
  • You can make it ahead and actually enjoy your own party instead of stressing
02 -
  • Over soaked ladyfingers will turn your tiramisu into mush, trust me on this one
  • The compote must be completely cool or it will melt the mascarpone cream
  • This dessert tastes even better on day two when all the flavors have had time to become friends
03 -
  • Room temperature mascarpone blends more smoothly without those tiny stubborn lumps
  • A splash of the cranberry compote swirled into the cream creates a gorgeous marbled effect

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