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
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
For the Lemon Soak
- ½ cup lemon curd
- 1 tablespoon limoncello (optional)
- A splash of water to thin mixture
For Garnish
- 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.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, stirring until smooth and uniform in texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the lemon mixture, saturating them lightly and keeping their texture intact.
- Assemble First Layer: Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers evenly in the bottom of your serving dish to form the dessert base.
- Add Mascarpone Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers, smoothing the surface gently.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture on top, finishing the layered dessert.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture set properly.
- 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