Make the cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water and vanilla. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally for 12 to 15 minutes slightly thickened. Add the lemon juice and continue simmering for 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce should have the consistency of a thin jam. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen up the consistency.

Make the filling: In a medium bowl, add the sugar and egg yolks. Using a whisk or mixer, whip until the mixture reaches a pale golden color and is light in consistency and most of the sugar has dissolved. Add the mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese) and continue mixing until incorporated. Add the heavy cream and whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture will feel have a runny, pourable consistency, a little looser than whipped cream.

Make the dunking syrup: In a medium bowl, large enough to fit one of the lady fingers, add 1 cup (250g) of the cranberry sauce mixture with the orange liqueur (if using) and cranberry juice. Mix until combined.

Prep your station & assemble: Set an 8.5 x 6-inch baking dish in front of you. Set the ladyfingers and syrup next to you. Dip each lady finger for a few seconds in the syrup, making sure it’s fully submerged and coated in syrup. Place the ladyfingers side by side in the baking dish until the bottom of the pan is fully covered. Dollop about a quarter of the room temperature cranberry sauce on the ladyfingers and evenly spread using a spatula. Pour half of the mascarpone filling in the dish and spread in an even layer. Dollop half of the cranberry sauce over the filling in small, evenly distributed dollops and evenly spread with a spatula or spoon. Repeat with the remaining ingredients: soaked ladyfingers on top, cranberry sauce and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and set the tiramisu in the fridge to cool, for at least 3 hours before serving, preferably overnight.

Make the strawberry sugar: This step is optional. Right before serving the dish, add the freeze-dried strawberries and sugar to a food processor or grinder. Pulse until you get a fine powder. Using a mesh sieve, sprinkle the powder all over the tiramisu.