Strawberry Tiramisu

Begin by placing the 2 cups of fresh strawberries in a food processor. Pulse until the strawberries are pureed. Line a mesh strainer with a paper towel and let the strawberry puree drain out the excess water while you assemble the other ingredients.

Mix the hot water, instant coffee and kahlua in a small bowl; set aside.

With a stand mixer on medium speed, mix the mascarpone, vanilla and powdered sugar until combined. Divide the strawberry puree into halves. Add half of the puree to the mascarpone mixture. Then mix in the instant pudding. Fold 1/2 cup of the whipped topping into the mixture.

In an 8×8 inch square pan layer half of the vanilla wafers (about 30 wafers). Drizzle 3 tablespoons of the kahlua and coffee mixture over the wafers. Spread the mascarpone mixture on top of the wafers. Layer the rest of the wafers on top of the mascarpone layer. Drizzle the remaining kahlua and coffee mixture on top of the wafers.

Spread the reserved half of the strawberry puree on top of the wafers. Spread the remaining whipped topping on top of the strawberry puree. Sprinkle the cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream. Garnish with sliced strawberries (optional).