Lemon Tiramisu: A Refreshing Citrus Twist on the Classic Indulgence Recipe
Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing twist on the traditional Italian dessert, replacing the classic espresso with a bright and tangy lemon syrup and layering creamy mascarpone with zesty lemon curd. This light yet indulgent treat combines soaked ladyfingers with a fluffy mascarpone mixture and lemon curd layers, perfect for warm weather or when you want a citrus-flavored dessert that isn’t overly heavy.
- 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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Syrup
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
For the Mascarpone Mixture
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Additional Ingredients
- 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
- 1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 2 tbsp limoncello
- Garnish: fresh lemon zest, mint leaves, crushed ladyfingers
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice in equal parts. Heat gently over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. This bright syrup will be used to soak the ladyfingers to infuse them with citrus flavor.
- Whisk the Mascarpone Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, sugar, and lemon zest. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until smooth, fluffy, and light peaks form. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. If using limoncello, fold it gently into the mixture at this point for a boozy note.
- Build the Layers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup, ensuring they soak up just enough liquid without becoming soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers side by side at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread an even layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers using a spatula, smoothing it out. Spoon a thin layer of lemon curd on top of the mascarpone. Repeat these layers — soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, then lemon curd — until the dish is filled, 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, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, garnish the tiramisu with fresh lemon zest, a few mint leaves, and optionally a sprinkle of crushed ladyfingers for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- Avoid soaking ladyfingers for too long to prevent a soggy base; a quick dip is sufficient.
- Adjust sugar and lemon juice to strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
- Whip the cream to soft peaks for the right airy texture while maintaining stability.
- Chilling time is crucial for flavor melding and setting; do not rush this step.
- Limoncello is optional and can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Substitute mascarpone with cream cheese or Greek yogurt if necessary, though flavor and texture will vary slightly.
- Do not freeze this dessert as it can compromise the creamy texture.
Keywords: lemon tiramisu, citrus dessert, lemon curd tiramisu, no-bake dessert, Italian dessert, mascarpone dessert, summer dessert
