Lemon Tiramisu

Our beautiful Lemon Tiramisu recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, featuring delectable ladyfingers dipped in tangy lemon syrup and layered with fluffy whipped mascarpone and vibrant lemon curd. This delightful, no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With its bright flavors and elegant presentation, this Lemon Tiramisu will impress your guests and keep you coming back for more!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Lemon Tiramisu
• Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
• Step 2: Make the Lemon Curd
• Step 3: Cool Lemon Curd
• Step 4: Prepare Lemon Syrup
• Step 5: Make Whipped Mascarpone
• Step 6: Assemble the Dessert
• Step 7: Chill Before Serving
• How to Serve Lemon Tiramisu
• Individual Cups
• With Fresh Berries
• Drizzled with Lemon Syrup
• Garnished with Mint
• Accompanied by Coffee
• How to Perfect Lemon Tiramisu
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Tiramisu
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Tiramisu
• Reheating Lemon Tiramisu
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Lemon Tiramisu without eggs?
• What can I substitute for limoncello in my Lemon Tiramisu?
• How do I know when my lemon curd is ready?
• Can I customize my Lemon Tiramisu?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Lemon Tiramisu requires no baking, making it simple for anyone to create.
• Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon adds a bright and invigorating taste that balances the richness of the mascarpone.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill, saving you time on serving day.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties or family dinners, this dessert can be easily adjusted for smaller or larger gatherings.
• Elegant Presentation: The layers of creamy mascarpone and vibrant lemon curd create an eye-catching display that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Tiramisu, having the right tools is essential. This ensures that each step is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Heat-proof mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• 8×8 inch baking dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve perfectly whipped cream without excessive effort.
• Heat-proof mixing bowl: It allows you to cook the lemon curd gently over simmering water without burning.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients together without deflating the mixture.

Ingredients

Our beautiful Lemon Tiramisu recipe has ladyfingers dipped in lemon syrup and layered with whipped mascarpone and lemon curd. It’s the perfect make-ahead, no-bake dessert!

Ingredients:
– 4 large egg yolks
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar (134g)
– 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (6g, about 1 lemon)
– 1/3 cup lemon juice (80mL, fresh squeezed or limoncello)
– pinch salt
– 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (85g, room temperature, chopped)
– ¾ cup lemon juice (180mL, fresh squeezed from about 2-3 lemons)
– 1 cup water (240mL)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
– 1/4 cup limoncello (60mL, optional)
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese (226g, room temperature)
– 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (6g)
– 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (360mL)
– 1 package Lady Fingers (7 oz package, about 24 lady fingers, Savoiardi brand)
– white chocolate (grated on top as garnish, optional)

How to Make Lemon Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

Zest and juice your lemons first. Set them aside for use in both the lemon curd and syrup.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Curd

1. Add 2 inches of water to a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
2. In a heat-proof mixing bowl, whisk together:
3. 4 egg yolks
4. 2/3 cup granulated sugar
5. 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
6. 1/3 cup lemon juice
7. pinch of salt
8. Place the bowl over the pot of simmering water. Reduce heat to medium-low.
9. Whisk constantly until thickened to gravy consistency (about 7–10 minutes).
10. Remove from heat; stir in the chopped butter until melted.

Step 3: Cool Lemon Curd

Pour the mixture into a separate bowl. Cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate while preparing other components.

Step 4: Prepare Lemon Syrup

1. In a saucepan combine:
2. ¾ cup lemon juice
3. 1 cup water
4. ½ cup granulated sugar
5. Bring to a boil while stirring until sugar dissolves.
6. Boil for five minutes; remove from heat and cool completely.

Step 5: Make Whipped Mascarpone

Combine mascarpone with:
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
Then mix in heavy cream using an electric mixer until medium/stiff peaks form—do not over-mix.

Step 6: Assemble the Dessert

1. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup.
2. Line the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish with dipped ladyfingers.
3. Top with half of the whipped mascarpone mixture evenly spread out.
4. Stir cooled lemon curd well; spoon it over the whipped layer evenly.
5. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by remaining mascarpone on top.
6. Optional: Garnish with grated white chocolate or additional zest before serving.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your assembled Lemon Tiramisu for at least two hours or overnight for best flavor development.

With these steps completed, you’re on your way to enjoying an exquisite dessert that captures all the brightness of citrus!

How to Serve Lemon Tiramisu

Lemon Tiramisu is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your dessert shine.

Individual Cups

• Serve in small cups for a personal touch. Layer the tiramisu in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers.

With Fresh Berries

• Add mixed berries on top for a burst of color and extra freshness. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries complement the lemon flavor perfectly.

Drizzled with Lemon Syrup

• A light drizzle of lemon syrup over the top adds a tangy sweetness that enhances each bite. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish!

Garnished with Mint

• Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also a refreshing aroma. Place a couple of leaves on top for a beautiful garnish.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Pairing your Lemon Tiramisu with a cup of coffee or espresso creates a perfect balance. The bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the dessert.

How to Perfect Lemon Tiramisu

To achieve the best Lemon Tiramisu, pay attention to these simple tips that ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide better flavor than bottled options.
• Chill thoroughly: Allow your tiramisu to set in the fridge for at least two hours, but overnight is ideal for deeper flavors.
• Don’t overmix whipped cream: Stop mixing as soon as you reach medium peaks; this keeps it light and airy.
• Layer wisely: Ensure even layers of ladyfingers and mascarpone for balanced flavor in each bite.
• Taste before serving: Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if necessary before you assemble.
• Experiment with garnishes: Feel free to get creative with toppings like chocolate shavings or edible flowers for added flair.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Tiramisu

When serving Lemon Tiramisu, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its bright flavors and creamy texture.

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring citrus fruits can enhance the lemony taste and cleanse the palate.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as goat cheese or brie, offers a savory contrast to the sweet tiramisu.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the tartness of the tiramisu.
4. Shortbread Cookies: Crisp shortbread cookies provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft layers of tiramisu.
5. Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, can be soothing after enjoying this rich dessert.
6. Chocolate Covered Almonds: These offer a nutty crunch and chocolatey richness that complements the citrus notes beautifully.
7. Pistachio Crumble: A sprinkle of crushed pistachios can add both color and unique flavor contrasts.
8. Zesty Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet, especially lemon or lime-flavored, can provide an additional citrus kick alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lemon Tiramisu can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dessert. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Overcooking the lemon curd: This can lead to a grainy texture. Make sure to whisk constantly over low heat until it thickens.
• Dipping ladyfingers too long: If you soak the ladyfingers in lemon syrup for too long, they will become mushy. A quick dip is all you need.
• Not cooling the lemon curd enough: If the lemon curd isn’t cooled properly before layering, it may melt the mascarpone mixture. Allow it to cool completely.
• Skipping the refrigeration step: For best results, refrigerate your tiramisu for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld together and improves texture.
• Using cold mascarpone: Cold mascarpone can be difficult to mix. Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth blend with whipped cream.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Lemon Tiramisu in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Tiramisu

• You can freeze Lemon Tiramisu for up to 2 months.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Lemon Tiramisu

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm individual portions for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 15-second intervals until just warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place individual servings in a small pan on low heat, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Lemon Tiramisu without eggs?

Yes, you can create a no-egg version by using store-bought lemon curd or an egg-free recipe for lemon curd.

What can I substitute for limoncello in my Lemon Tiramisu?

If you prefer not to use limoncello, simply increase the amount of lemon juice or use a splash of vanilla extract instead.

How do I know when my lemon curd is ready?

The lemon curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape without running off.

Can I customize my Lemon Tiramisu?

Absolutely! Feel free to add fruit like fresh berries or use different flavored extracts for unique twists on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Tiramisu is not only a delightful twist on a traditional dessert but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings. It’s perfect for special occasions or simply as a refreshing treat after dinner. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the bright, zesty flavors!