Description
A refreshing twist on classic tiramisu, Lemon Tiramisu combines creamy mascarpone and whipped cream with zesty lemon juice and curd layered between delicate ladyfingers soaked in milk or limoncello. This no-bake Italian-American dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a bright and tangy flavor profile with a light, airy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Assembly
- 1 cup milk or limoncello (for dipping ladyfingers)
- 24–30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
Garnish
- Powdered sugar
- Extra lemon zest
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and airy texture to fold into the mascarpone mixture.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a flavorful base.
- Fold Cream into Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream, until fully combined and fluffy.
- First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the lemon mascarpone filling evenly along the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish to create the base layer for the ladyfingers.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the milk or limoncello, making sure they absorb some liquid but do not become soggy, then layer them over the mascarpone filling to cover the base.
- Second Layer: Spread half of the remaining mascarpone filling over the ladyfinger layer evenly, then spoon half of the lemon curd on top and gently spread it out to create a tangy contrast.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers over the lemon curd, followed by the rest of the mascarpone filling and lemon curd, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with powdered sugar and sprinkle with extra fresh lemon zest for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the limoncello with milk or a lemon-flavored syrup to maintain the moistness of the ladyfingers.
- Using homemade lemon curd enhances the brightness and freshness of the dessert, but store-bought lemon curd is a convenient and tasty alternative.
- Ensure ladyfingers are dipped quickly in liquid to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
- Chilling the tiramisu overnight improves flavor melding and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/9th of dish)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
