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Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

4.5 from 87 reviews

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.

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