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Pandan & Strawberry 'Cloud' Tiramisu

An exotic, fruit-forward fusion dessert replacing traditional tiramisu flavors with vibrant pandan, fresh strawberries, and an extraordinarily light, eggless mascarpone 'cloud' filling.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 portions
Course: Dessert, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Italian-Fusion, Modern, Tropical
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Strawberry Layers
  • 10 oz fresh strawberries cleaned, hulled, and sliced (approx. 2/3 of 1lb)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar for macerating
Soaking Liquid
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or coconut) can substitute 1 cup light pandan tea
  • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk optional, for richness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tbsp pandan extract or 1.5 tbsp fresh juice
Pandan 'Cloud' Filling
  • 16 oz Mascarpone cheese cold
  • 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream very cold
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar divided (approx. 90g)
  • 0.5 tbsp pandan extract or 1.5 tbsp fresh juice, to achieve desired color
Assembly & Garnish
  • 24–30 Italian Savoiardi (Ladyfingers) dry Italian style
  • 6 oz fresh strawberries remaining whole/halved berries for top
  • for garnish shredded coconut optional

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Large mixing bowl (for whipping)
  • Rubber Spatula
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (or individual glasses)
  • Offset spatula
  • Shallow bowl (for soaking)

Method
 

  1. Prepare Strawberry Layer: In a small bowl, combine sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let macerate at room temperature for 15 minutes to create a syrup.
  2. Prepare Soaking Liquid: In a shallow dish, whisk together milk, condensed milk (if using), vanilla, and half of the pandan extract (or half the fresh juice). Set aside.
  3. Create 'Cloud' Cream: In a large cold bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and continue whipping to stiff peaks. Transfer to another bowl.
  4. In the large bowl, combine cold mascarpone, remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and remaining pandan extract. Beat on low-medium speed *just until smooth and creamy*. Do not over-mix.
  5. Add one-third of the whipped cream to the mascarpone and fold gently with a spatula to lighten. Add remaining cream and fold completely until airy and combined. *Do not beat.*
  6. Assemble Tiramisu: Quickly dip ladyfingers (1-2 seconds per side) into pandan liquid and arrange in a single tight layer in a 9x13 inch dish. Spread macerated strawberry slices over them.
  7. Spread half of the pandan 'Cloud' filling smoothly over the strawberry layer. Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers, strawberries, and the remaining cream.
  8. Chill to Set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to merge and layers to set.
  9. Finish and Serve: Just before serving, uncover and garnish with reserved whole/halved fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Serve cold.

Notes

Using cold heavy cream and mascarpone is essential for the airy texture. Do not over-beat mascarpone as it splits easily. The chilling time is crucial for the ladyfingers to soften and the flavors to merge. For the best color and aroma, use fresh pandan juice (made by blending fresh leaves with a little water and straining).