If you’re looking to brighten up your dessert menu with something that feels like a sunny day captured in a dish, then this Lemon Tiramisu Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Italian tiramisu, swapping out coffee for a refreshing lemony zing that lifts your spirits with every bite. Creamy mascarpone layers mingle perfectly with lemon-soaked ladyfingers and a luscious lemon curd swirl, creating a no-bake treat that’s both indulgent and light, perfect for those spring and summer celebrations or any time you want a dessert that dances on your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Tiramisu Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and brightness without overwhelming the palate. From the rich mascarpone adding creaminess to the tangy burst of fresh lemon juice and zest, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup, cold): Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the mascarpone filling giving it that airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 oz, room temperature): The star of any tiramisu, providing that luscious, creamy base that’s perfectly smooth.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the lemon’s tartness.
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons): Packs a fragrant citrus punch that brightens every layer with fresh aroma and flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup): Adds vibrant acidity balancing the creamy richness exquisitely.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth and sweetness.
- Ladyfinger cookies (24–30 pieces): The absorbent base that soaks just enough lemony goodness without becoming soggy.
- Prepared lemon curd (¾ cup plus extras for drizzling): A luscious, thick layer that injects bright, tangy sweetness between the creamy mascarpone layers.
- Milk (½ cup): For dipping ladyfingers gently – ensures they stay soft but maintain their shape perfectly.
- Limoncello or additional lemon juice (¼ cup, optional): Adds an adult twist with a boozy or extra citrus kick, though it’s wonderfully flexible for all tastes.
- Powdered sugar and extra lemon zest (for garnish): The final touch that makes this dessert look as gorgeous as it tastes.
How to Make Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by beating the cold heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This fluffy whipped cream is your ticket to that light, airy texture that makes tiramisu so irresistible. Set it aside carefully to maintain its volume.
Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy. This mixture is the luscious heart of your Lemon Tiramisu Recipe, combining sweetness and tartness in every scoop.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Take your time here — the goal is to keep the mix light and fluffy without deflating the whipped cream. This fold creates that signature creamy yet airy texture.
Step 4: Dip the Ladyfingers
Combine the milk with limoncello or extra lemon juice in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture, just long enough to absorb some moisture without becoming soggy, then place them in an 8×8-inch dish to form the first layer. This step is crucial for balancing texture with bright lemon flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, then dollop and gently swirl in half of the lemon curd on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and lemon curd until all ingredients are used up. Smooth out the top layer for a beautiful finish.
Step 6: Chill and Finish
Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly. Just before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar and a little extra lemon zest over the top for that gorgeous, inviting look.
How to Serve Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, dust your Lemon Tiramisu Recipe with powdered sugar and scatter some fresh lemon zest or even thin lemon slices on top. These add a lovely contrast of sweetness and citrus aroma that makes every serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like fresh berries or a sprig of mint, which complement the citrus tang without overpowering the creamy layers. A simple glass of chilled Prosecco or sparkling water with a lemon twist can elevate the experience even further!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Lemon Tiramisu in individual glass jars or clear bowls to showcase the stunning layers. You can also create a layered parfait style by alternating mascarpone mix, lemon curd, and crushed ladyfingers in stemware. It’s not only delicious but visually fabulous for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Tiramisu Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve its texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save this delightful dessert for longer, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Just note that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. The creamy layers and fresh lemon will shine best served cold straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this Lemon Tiramisu Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the limoncello and use extra lemon juice or milk for dipping the ladyfingers. This still gives you fantastic lemon flavor and makes it kid-friendly.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary or can I substitute it?
Mascarpone is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, but if needed, you can substitute it with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still enjoyable.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers?
Just a quick dip for about 1 second on each side is perfect. Ladyfingers soak up liquid fast, so a brief dip prevents sogginess while still infusing that lovely lemon taste.
Can I prepare this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, you’d need to substitute mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks. Keep the lemon elements the same for that fresh citrus zing.
What is the best way to serve lemon tiramisu for a crowd?
Prepare the tiramisu in a large dish or several smaller individual servings ahead of time. This makes it easy to portion and ensures everyone enjoys the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Lemon Tiramisu Recipe when you want something both crowd-pleasing and refreshingly different. Its vibrant citrus notes combined with that classic creamy indulgence make it an instant favorite to brighten any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and see how this summery take on tiramisu becomes your new go-to dessert!
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Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Tiramisu is a bright and refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert. Made with layers of lemon-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a hint of citrus zest, this no-bake treat is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. It’s light, tangy, and irresistibly creamy with just the right balance of sweetness and lemony zing.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Soaking Mixture
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup limoncello or additional lemon juice (optional)
Main Assembly
- 24–30 ladyfinger cookies (Savoiardi)
- ¾ cup prepared lemon curd (plus more for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar and extra lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Whip Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form and set aside.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In another bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Cream and Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Prepare Soaking Liquid: In a shallow dish, mix the milk with limoncello or additional lemon juice to create a lemony soaking mixture for the ladyfingers.
- Assemble First Layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the soaking mixture—do not soak to avoid sogginess—and arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers evenly in an 8×8-inch dish.
- Add Mascarpone and Lemon Curd Layers: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then dollop and gently swirl in half of the lemon curd.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone mixture, and lemon curd, smoothing the top.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and set the dessert properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle with extra lemon zest for a fresh zingy finish.
Notes
- For a kid-friendly version, skip the limoncello and use all lemon juice or lemonade instead.
- The dessert benefits from being made a day in advance as it tastes better after chilling overnight.
