Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu

This strawberry shortcake tiramisu is made with an angel food cake, cream cheese, frozen whipped dessert topping along with some other simple 'in your pantry' ingredients. Did you know there are around 600 varieties of strawberries! These varieties all stem from five or six original wild berry species. Strawberries are a member of the rose family. If you get the opportunity be sure to taste different strawberry varieties. Their colors, shapes and sizes vary greatly. Larger berries typically contain more water and smaller berries more intensity of flavor. The absolute best strawberries are freshly picked right out of the garden. The six main berry varieties are Allstar, Alpine, Aroma, Camino Real, Diamante, Earliglow, Everbearer, Fragarina Virginiana and Garden Strawberry.

Typically in the U.S., The Garden strawberry is the most common. It is large, hardy and is known for its traditional strawberry flavor. Strawberries top the list of one of the favorite fruits in North America. The other thing on top of the list is shortcake! Did you know that in America 'shortcake' means: �A rich pastry enclosing fruits�. The strawberry shortcake became very popular in the 1800's. It was the perfect dessert, combining a sweet pastry, a fruit and a creamy milk based substance. The traditional strawberry shortcake is made from a cake style strawberry shortcake that is traditionally baked in a round pan, then split in the middle and filled with fresh sliced strawberries. This is often served with fresh whipping cream. Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that is traditionally made with coffee, ladyfingers, and marscarpone cheese. There are also lemon tiramisu desserts and of course the strawberry tiramisu. This recipe is an offshoot of the traditional tiramisu and more of a North American twist on the ingredients that are used. Plan ahead when you make this dessert as it needs to sit in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours before you serve it. The link to the recipe is found on the Better Homes and Gardens website listed below.