Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Tiramisu is a bright and refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert. Combining creamy mascarpone with zesty lemon flavors, this no-bake treat is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Light, tangy, and delightfully smooth, it’s sure to impress your guests.

A square slice of layered lemon dessert sits on a round wooden plate, placed on a white marbled texture. The dessert has four visible layers of light yellow cake and creamy white filling, with one thin layer of bright yellow lemon curd between the middle layers. The top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting dusted with light brown powder, and three thin lemon slices rest on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 24 ladyfinger biscuits
  • ½ cup lemon curd
  • 1 tablespoon limoncello (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and well combined.
  4. Step 4: In a shallow dish, mix the lemon curd with limoncello (if using) and add a splash of water to thin it slightly.
  5. Step 5: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemon mixture, moistening but not soaking them.
  6. Step 6: Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish.
  7. Step 7: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and smooth the surface.
  8. Step 8: Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
  9. Step 9: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
  10. Step 10: Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For an alcohol-free version, omit the limoncello and add a little extra lemon juice for brightness.
  • Use store-bought lemon curd for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste.
  • Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries make a great garnish alternative to mint.

Storage

Store the lemon tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.

How to Serve

A square dessert with four layers sits on a round wooden plate against a white marbled background. The bottom and third layers are light yellow sponge cake, slightly crumbly in texture. The second and top layers are thick, smooth, creamy white filling. Between the second and third layers, there is a thin, bright yellow layer of lemon curd. The top cream layer is dusted evenly with fine brown powder, and three thin lemon slices are arranged on top for decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make lemon tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert actually tastes better when made ahead. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors develop fully.

What can I use instead of ladyfingers?

If you don’t have ladyfingers, you can substitute with sponge cake or pound cake cut into strips. Just be careful not to soak them too long in the lemon mixture.

Print

Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of zesty lemon-flavored mascarpone cream and moist ladyfinger biscuits soaked in a tangy lemon curd and limoncello mixture. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this no-bake treat is light, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor.

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cream Mixture

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Ladyfingers

  • 24 ladyfinger biscuits

For the Lemon Soak

  • ½ cup lemon curd
  • 1 tablespoon limoncello (optional)
  • A splash of water to thin mixture

For Garnish

  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream base.
  2. Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, stirring until smooth and uniform in texture.
  3. Fold Cream into Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, blending carefully to maintain the lightness and create a smooth, creamy filling.
  4. Mix Lemon Soak: In a shallow dish, mix lemon curd with limoncello (if using) and a splash of water to thin slightly, ensuring ladyfingers soak evenly but do not become soggy.
  5. Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the lemon mixture, saturating them lightly and keeping their texture intact.
  6. Assemble First Layer: Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers evenly in the bottom of your serving dish to form the dessert base.
  7. Add Mascarpone Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers, smoothing the surface gently.
  8. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture on top, finishing the layered dessert.
  9. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture set properly.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving to add a bright and aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

  • For alcohol-free version, omit the limoncello and add a splash of lemon syrup or water instead.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Ensure ladyfingers are dipped quickly to avoid sogginess and preserve texture.
  • Can be prepared a day ahead to save time and enhance flavor melding.
  • Serve chilled for the best creamy and refreshing experience.

Keywords: Lemon tiramisu, lemon dessert, no-bake tiramisu, mascarpone dessert, Italian dessert, lemon cream dessert

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