Lemon Tiramisu: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Italian Dessert Recipe

Introduction

Lemon tiramisu is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert, swapping coffee and cocoa for bright, tangy lemon flavors. This creamy treat is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a lighter, citrusy indulgence.

Ingredients

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
• Mascarpone cheese (about 8 oz)
• Lemon curd (homemade or store-bought, 1 cup)
• Fresh lemons (juice and zest from 2 lemons)
• Whipping cream (1 cup)
• Sugar (about ½ cup for syrup and mascarpone mixture)
• Water (½ cup for syrup)
• Limoncello (optional, 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the lemon syrup by combining equal parts sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool completely.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone, whipping cream, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy. Adjust sweetness to taste, and add limoncello if using.
3. Step 3: Briefly dip ladyfingers into the cooled lemon syrup, soaking lightly without becoming soggy. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.
4. Step 4: Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, then add a thin layer of lemon curd on top.
5. Step 5: Repeat layering dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and lemon curd until the dish is filled, finishing with the mascarpone on top.
6. Step 6: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
7. Step 7: Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon zest, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of crushed ladyfingers.

Tips & Variations

• Avoid soaking ladyfingers too long to keep them from becoming mushy.
• Adjust sugar and lemon juice in the mascarpone mixture for your preferred balance of sweet and tart.
• Whip the cream to soft peaks to ensure a light yet stable mascarpone filling.
• For a fruity twist, add fresh raspberries or blueberries between the layers.
• Incorporate limoncello into the mascarpone or syrup for an adult-friendly version.
• Try a vegan version using plant-based mascarpone and coconut cream.

Storage

Store lemon tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat is not recommended as this dessert is best enjoyed chilled. Freezing is not advised because it can compromise the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare lemon tiramisu in advance?

Yes, making it a day ahead is ideal. This allows the dessert to set fully and develop richer flavors.

Can it be made without alcohol?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the limoncello and use extra lemon syrup for soaking the ladyfingers.

Lemon Tiramisu: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Italian Dessert Recipe

Print Recipe

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Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing and creamy twist on the classic Italian dessert. This version replaces traditional coffee and cocoa flavors with bright, tangy lemon curd and zesty mascarpone cream, layered with ladyfingers soaked in a lemon syrup. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light, elegant treat, it combines the delightful tartness of fresh lemons with the smoothness of mascarpone and whipped cream.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lemon Syrup

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Mascarpone Mixture

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup whipping cream
• ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• Zest of 2 lemons

Others

• 24 ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
• ½ cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional: 2 tbsp limoncello liqueur
• Garnish: fresh lemon zest, mint leaves, crushed ladyfingers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemon Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before use.
2. Whisk the Mascarpone Mixture: In a large bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, sugar, and lemon zest. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and forms soft peaks. Adjust sugar based on desired sweetness. Optionally, fold in limoncello for an adult twist.
3. Build the Layers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup, soaking just long enough to absorb some liquid but not become soggy. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers side by side at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread a smooth, even layer of mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Add a thin layer of lemon curd on top of the mascarpone. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with a mascarpone layer on top.
4. Chill and Garnish: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly. Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon zest, mint leaves, and a sprinkling of crushed ladyfingers for texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Do not over-soak the ladyfingers; they should remain slightly firm to hold the structure.
• Balance the sweetness and tartness by adjusting sugar and lemon juice quantities to your preference.
• Whip the cream properly to achieve soft peaks, providing a light yet stable mascarpone layer.
• Chill the tiramisu sufficiently to meld flavors and set the dessert.
• To omit alcohol, simply skip limoncello or replace it with additional lemon syrup.
• For a vegan option, use plant-based mascarpone and coconut cream.

Keywords: Lemon Tiramisu, lemon dessert, Italian dessert, no bake tiramisu, lemon curd dessert, summer dessert, creamy lemon treat