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Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

5.3 from 23 reviews

A refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert, Lemon Tiramisu layers zesty lemon syrup-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone and lemon curd filling. This vibrant and creamy dessert is perfect for spring and summer, combining tart lemon flavors with smooth, sweet mascarpone cream for a light yet indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Syrup:

  • ¾ cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon zest

Lemon Curd:

  • 7 egg yolks
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons lemon zest
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into half-inch pieces

Mascarpone Filling:

  • 1 ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup lemon syrup (from recipe above)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

  • 1 (7 oz) package savoiardi ladyfingers (about 24)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lemon Syrup: In a saucepan, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
  2. Make Lemon Curd: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and cook gently, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches about 170°F (77°C). Remove from heat and whisk in unsalted butter pieces until smooth. Transfer to a container and let it cool completely, then refrigerate.
  3. Prepare Mascarpone Filling: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters, then whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, blend mascarpone cheese with the remaining sugar and lemon curd until smooth and creamy. Fold the whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon syrup until fully incorporated.
  4. Assemble Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup, making sure not to soak them too long to prevent sogginess. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish.
  5. Layer Filling: Spread half of the mascarpone lemon filling evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone filling. Smooth the top.
  6. Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired and serve chilled for a bright, creamy dessert experience.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are fresh and pasteurized or use pasteurized eggs for safety.
  • Do not soak ladyfingers for too long in lemon syrup to avoid a soggy texture.
  • Prepare the tiramisu at least 4 hours in advance for best flavor; overnight refrigeration is ideal.
  • You can garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for presentation.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar quantities slightly in the syrup and filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon tiramisu, lemon dessert, mascarpone dessert, no-bake dessert, Italian dessert, spring dessert, lemon curd recipes, citrus tiramisu