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