Lemon Lasagna Recipe

Okay, let me paint you a picture: layers of smooth, tangy lemon curd and creamy mascarpone cheese nestled between delicate, pillowy sheets of pasta. No, this isn’t your typical lasagna—it’s a sweet, refreshing, and totally irresistible dessert lasagna that’s perfect for warm days or when you just need a citrusy pick-me-up. Think of it as the zesty cousin of a classic dessert lasagna. If you’re a lemon lover (or just a lover of all things sweet and citrus), trust me—you’re going to fall head over heels for this one. Let’s dig in and make some magic happen!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Lasagna

This dessert has everything you could possibly want: a smooth, creamy texture, a burst of lemony flavor, and a no-bake approach that makes it incredibly easy to whip up. Here’s why this Lemon Lasagna will become your new go-to dessert:

Bright and Zesty

The tangy lemon curd and lemon zest bring a pop of refreshing flavor that cuts through the creamy layers. It’s a burst of sunshine in every bite!

Creamy and Dreamy

The mascarpone cheese adds an indulgent, smooth layer that pairs perfectly with the citrusy kick. Every bite is rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.

Perfect for a Crowd

This dessert is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together, a family dinner, or just indulging yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress everyone who takes a bite.

Easy and No-Bake

No oven required! This recipe is ridiculously simple to make. You can assemble it in no time, chill it, and then enjoy. It’s great for busy days or when you just don’t feel like baking.

Make-Ahead Friendly

The best part? It’s perfect for making ahead of time. Just prep it, let it chill, and you’ve got a stunning dessert ready to serve.

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you’ll need for this sweet, citrusy dessert:

For the Lemon Curd:

• Fresh lemons (for zest and juice)
• Sugar
• Butter
• Egg yolks
• Cornstarch

For the Creamy Layers:

• Mascarpone cheese (smooth and rich)
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

For the Layers:

• No-boil lasagna noodles (or ladyfingers)
• Lemon zest (for garnish)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get your hands into some creamy, tangy goodness? Let’s do this!

Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd

In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth. Add in the egg yolks and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture begins to thicken, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter until smooth. Let the curd cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Layers

In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined. The result should be light, fluffy, and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Now it’s time to layer everything! In a 9×9 inch (or similar size) baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of lemon curd at the bottom. Next, place a layer of the lasagna noodles (or ladyfingers) over the curd. Spread a generous amount of the creamy mascarpone mixture over the noodles. Continue layering with lemon curd, then noodles, then mascarpone, until you have three layers. Finish with a final layer of lemon curd on top.

Step 4: Chill the Lasagna

Cover the lasagna with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set up perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the top with extra lemon zest for an extra burst of freshness. Slice, serve, and get ready to enjoy every tangy, creamy bite of this amazing dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Lasagna

This bright and creamy Lemon Lasagna is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to make it even more special, here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

With a Cup of Iced Tea

Lemon and iced tea go hand in hand. A glass of iced tea with a lemon slice would be the perfect refreshing drink to pair with this dessert.

Topped with Fresh Berries

Add some fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries on top of the lasagna or on the side to bring even more freshness and color to the dish.

With a Mint Garnish

Top the lasagna with a few fresh mint leaves for an added touch of freshness and color contrast.

As a Light Dessert After a Heavy Meal

This dessert is perfectly refreshing and light, making it a great choice after a rich meal. It won’t weigh you down but will leave you with a lovely, fresh citrusy note.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Lemons

For the best flavor, use fresh lemons. The zest and juice from fresh lemons make the lemon curd shine and give the dessert that bright, tangy flavor.

Make It Ahead

This dessert is ideal for making ahead, as it needs time to chill and set. Make it a day before you plan to serve it for the best results.

No-Bake Option

If you’re feeling a little lazy (I totally get it), you can opt for ladyfingers instead of noodles for an even simpler, no-bake version. Just layer the ladyfingers with the curd and mascarpone mixture!

Lemon Curd Variations

If you want to experiment, try adding a bit of lemon extract to the curd for an even more intense lemon flavor. Or, if you prefer it less tangy, reduce the amount of lemon juice slightly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

A1: Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just be sure to cook them before assembling the lasagna.

Q2: Can I make this lemon lasagna vegan?

A2: You can substitute the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

Q3: How long will this dessert last in the fridge?

A3: It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Q4: Can I freeze lemon lasagna?

A4: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change when it thaws. It’s best enjoyed fresh after chilling.

Q5: Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

A5: Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd can save you time and still give you a delicious result.

Q6: How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

A6: You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles or ladyfingers to make this dessert gluten-free.

Q7: Can I add a layer of fruit to this dessert?

A7: Yes, fresh fruit like berries or even sliced peaches would make a fantastic addition to the layers of this lasagna.

Q8: How can I make the filling even more creamy?

A8: For an even richer texture, you can add a bit of whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture.

Q9: Can I make a smaller version of this lemon lasagna?

A9: Yes! You can easily halve the recipe and make a smaller version in a 9×6-inch baking dish.

Q10: Can I use a different citrus fruit in place of lemon?

A10: Sure! You can experiment with lime, orange, or even grapefruit to change up the flavor while keeping the dessert refreshing and tangy.

This Lemon Lasagna is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from summer get-togethers to a cozy family dinner. It’s creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy!

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