Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your dessert repertoire with something fresh, zesty, and utterly divine, you’ve got to try this Lemon Tiramisu. It takes the classic Italian tiramisu and gives it a sunny, citrus twist that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The layers of tangy lemon syrup-soaked ladyfingers, luscious mascarpone filling, and rich lemon curd come together to create a dessert that’s light yet decadently creamy. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Lemon Tiramisu might sound fancy, but the ingredients are surprisingly simple and accessible. Each one plays an essential role — from the bright lemon syrup that infuses every bite with citrus zing, to the smooth mascarpone filling that tenderly wraps the flavors in creaminess.

• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice: The star of the show, providing natural acidity and freshness.
• Water: Dilutes the lemon juice for a balanced syrup that soaks the ladyfingers just right.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup, curd, and mascarpone filling for that perfect harmony of flavors.
• Lemon zest: Adds aromatic citrus oils that elevate the lemon flavor with brightness and depth.
• Egg yolks and whole egg: Provide richness and structure to the lemon curd’s creamy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and tart flavors, making them pop.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish to the lemon curd with its luscious fat content.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks for a light and airy mascarpone filling.
• Mascarpone cheese: Gives the tiramisu its signature creamy, velvety texture and mild flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Offers a subtle warmth that complements the lemon’s bright notes.
• Savoiardi ladyfingers: These delicate, crisp cookies soak up the syrup beautifully, creating perfect textural contrast.

How to Make Lemon Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Syrup

Start by combining freshly-squeezed lemon juice, water, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Warm this over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves completely—no boiling needed. This syrup is what will soak into the ladyfingers, infusing them with bright citrus flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Let it cool while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Curd

Whisk the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt together in a heatproof bowl. Place this mixture over a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Once it thickens to a smooth, custard-like consistency, remove from heat and whisk in the butter until melted and fully incorporated. The result is a rich and tangy lemon curd that will add incredible depth to your tiramisu layers.

Step 3: Whip the Mascarpone Filling

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for the best results, then whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with sugar and some of the lemon curd until silky smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream and a splash of vanilla together with the mascarpone mixture to keep it light and fluffy but still full of luscious flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Lemon Tiramisu

Quickly dip each savoiardi ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup, making sure they soak up some moisture but don’t become soggy. Lay a layer of these soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone filling evenly over the top. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours — or better yet, overnight — for the flavors to meld into absolute perfection.

How to Serve Lemon Tiramisu

Garnishes

Elevate your Lemon Tiramisu with a few simple garnishes that add beauty and bursts of flavor. Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest or thin lemon slices on top to highlight the citrus theme. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. For a bit of color contrast and a hint of herbaceousness, fresh mint leaves are perfect.

Side Dishes

Lemon Tiramisu pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to complement the tartness. A crisp glass of Prosecco or chilled Moscato would also perfectly balance the richness and enhance the overall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy presentation, try layering your Lemon Tiramisu in individual glass jars or clear bowls. This way, the stunning layers are visible, making it irresistibly inviting. You can also pipe the mascarpone filling for a professional look, or serve it as parfaits topped with candied lemon peel for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lemon Tiramisu keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. Its flavor and texture actually improve after resting longer, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or special occasions.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for Lemon Tiramisu since delicate mascarpone and lemon curd can change texture. If you must freeze it, do so before assembling, storing the lemon curd and syrup separately. Thaw in the fridge overnight and assemble fresh to retain that luscious creaminess.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold and never reheated. The creamy layers and lemon syrup are designed to be cool and refreshing, so just scoop it out straight from the fridge and serve.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Using high-quality store-bought lemon curd can save time without sacrificing much flavor. Just make sure it’s fresh and tangy enough to balance the sweetness of the mascarpone filling.

What if I don’t have savoiardi ladyfingers?

You can substitute with vanilla sponge cake or pound cake slices lightly toasted. The key is to have something that soaks up the lemon syrup well without falling apart.

Is Lemon Tiramisu suitable for kids?

Since this recipe uses raw eggs in the lemon curd, it’s best for adults or older children. You can find pasteurized eggs to reduce risk or look for recipes that cook the curd thoroughly for safer consumption.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

It’s a bit tricky since mascarpone and heavy cream are central to the texture, but you can experiment with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The flavor will differ, but it can still be delicious!

How long does it take for the flavors to develop?

The flavors deepen the longer the Lemon Tiramisu chills. Ideally, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor harmony.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Lemon Tiramisu — it’s like sunshine in a dessert. If you love creamy textures paired with refreshing citrus zing, this is a recipe you simply have to make. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough to whip up on a whim. I promise, once you try it, Lemon Tiramisu will become one of your absolute favorites, brightening all your dessert moments with its irresistible charm.

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