Name: Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd and Mascarpone Cream Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 4 h 28 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 package ladyfinger cookies; 1/2 cup lemonade or limoncello (for soaking); Powdered sugar (for dusting); Lemon slices or zest (for garnish)

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Introduction

Lemon Tiramisu with lemon curd is a fresh and delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. Creamy mascarpone combined with zesty lemon curd and delicate ladyfingers creates a light, refreshing treat perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

A creamy dessert is shown in a rectangular beige baking dish with small handles on each side, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has one thick white whipped cream layer on top, swirled with a bright yellow lemon sauce spread unevenly but artistically across the surface. In the top left corner of the dessert, there are four thin lemon slices neatly stacked. Nearby, a golden flat spatula rests on the surface, and a cluster of whole lemons is visible in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package ladyfinger cookies
1/2 cup lemonade or limoncello (for soaking)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Lemon slices or zest (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the lemon curd by whisking together lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the unsalted butter until smooth. Allow the lemon curd to cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the mascarpone cream. Beat the heavy whipping cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. In another bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the tiramisu layers. Quickly dip the ladyfinger cookies into lemonade or limoncello, making sure not to soak them too long to prevent sogginess. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish.
Step 4: Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, then add a generous layer of lemon curd on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and lemon curd.
Step 5: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Step 6: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices or lemon zest for a beautiful presentation.

Tips & Variations

For a boozy version, substitute lemonade with limoncello for soaking the ladyfingers.
Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor in the curd and cream.
If worried about raw eggs in the lemon curd, try using pasteurized eggs or a cooked custard base as an alternative.
Chill the serving dish before assembling to help keep the dessert cool and fresh longer.

Storage

Store the lemon tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen the longer it sits, but for the best texture, enjoy within two days. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best experience.

How to Serve

A square piece of layered dessert sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge on a white marbled surface. The dessert has five visible layers: a light beige sponge cake base, a thick layer of white cream, a bright yellow lemon curd layer, another sponge cake layer similar to the base, and a thick top layer of fluffy white whipped cream with small lemon zest sprinkles on top. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with the same whipped cream and lemon zest, and blurred white plates and gold forks are stacked. A gray and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make lemon tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert benefits from resting in the fridge for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.

What can I substitute for ladyfinger cookies?

If you cannot find ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake or pound cake slices dipped lightly in lemonade or limoncello as a substitute, although the texture may be slightly different.