Description
Lemon tiramisu is a bright and refreshing twist on the classic dessert, combining zesty lemon curd, creamy mascarpone, and soft ladyfingers soaked in citrus syrup. Perfect for summer gatherings or dinner parties, this no-bake treat balances sweet and tangy flavors for a light yet indulgent experience. Easy to prepare and elegant to serve, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 ladyfingers
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¾ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Lemon Syrup:
- ¾ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup limoncello (optional)
Lemon Curd:
- 3 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons butter
Optional garnishes:
- Grated white chocolate
- Lemon zest
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Make lemon syrup: In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, water, sugar, and optional limoncello. Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes, then cool completely.
- Prepare lemon curd: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice over a double boiler until thickened. Stir in butter and refrigerate.
- Make mascarpone filling: Whip mascarpone with lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whip cream and sugar to stiff peaks. Gently fold into mascarpone until smooth.
- Assemble: Dip each ladyfinger briefly into lemon syrup and place in an 8×8-inch dish. Spread half the mascarpone mixture, followed by half the lemon curd. Repeat layers.
- Chill: Refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon zest, grated white chocolate, or mint.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum brightness.
- Store-bought lemon curd works if warmed slightly for spreading.
- Can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- Not ideal for freezing due to texture changes.
- Make it gluten-free using certified GF ladyfingers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~360
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~60mg
- Fat: ~26g
- Saturated Fat: ~16g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~120mg