Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd and Mascarpone Cream Recipe
A refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert, Lemon Tiramisu combines zesty homemade lemon curd, creamy mascarpone mixture, and delicate ladyfinger cookies soaked in lemonade or limoncello. This no-bake layered dessert is perfect for spring and summer, offering a bright, citrusy alternative to the traditional coffee-flavored tiramisu.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 28 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon Curd
- 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
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies
- 1/2 cup lemonade or limoncello (for soaking)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Lemon slices or zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Lemon Curd: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 6–8 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth curd. Remove from heat and whisk in the unsalted butter until fully incorporated. Allow the lemon curd to cool completely before using.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a creamy, light filling.
- Assemble Layers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the lemonade or limoncello, taking care not to soak them too long to prevent sogginess. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, then add a generous layer of lemon curd on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and lemon curd.
- Refrigerate and Serve: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices or additional lemon zest for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Do not soak the ladyfinger cookies for too long, or they will become mushy.
- For a boozy flavor, use limoncello for soaking; for a non-alcoholic version, substitute with lemonade.
- Make sure the lemon curd is completely cooled before layering to prevent melting the mascarpone cream.
- Refrigerate the dessert overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Use fresh lemons for the best citrus flavor.
Keywords: Lemon Tiramisu, Lemon Curd Dessert, No-Bake Tiramisu, Citrus Tiramisu, Italian Dessert, Mascarpone Dessert
