Lemon Tiramisu

If you’re looking for a fresh, zesty twist on the classic tiramisu, then you’ve come to the right place! This Lemon Tiramisu is everything you love about the traditional dessert—creamy, indulgent, and just the right amount of sweetness—except with a bright and refreshing lemony spin. It’s like the sunshine of desserts, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering, a family dinner, or just because you want something sweet and satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Tiramisu

Here’s why this dessert is about to become your new favorite:

Light & Refreshing

Forget the heavy, overly sweet desserts. This Lemon Tiramisu is fresh, light, and a little tangy, thanks to the lemon zest and juice. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy after a rich meal or on a warm day.

No-Bake & Easy to Make

No need to worry about turning on the oven or fussing with complicated steps. This is a no-bake dessert, so you can easily prepare it ahead of time and just let it chill in the fridge while you go about your day. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something impressive but easy.

A Zesty Twist

If you’re a fan of traditional tiramisu, you’ll love how the tangy lemon cuts through the richness of the mascarpone and whipped cream, creating a flavor balance that’s both indulgent and bright.

Crowd-Pleasing

This dessert is always a hit! Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or at a gathering, Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing change from the usual and always gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert, so you don’t have to worry about dessert prep on the big day.

Ingredients

This Lemon Tiramisu uses just a few simple ingredients, but they come together to create something magical.

• Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy base of the dessert, adding richness and depth.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a light, whipped texture for the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the cream and mascarpone mixture.
• Lemon Zest: Gives the dessert that fresh lemony punch.
• Lemon Juice: Adds an extra burst of citrus flavor and helps balance out the richness.
• Vanilla Extract: For a subtle hint of vanilla that complements the lemon perfectly.
• Ladyfingers: The classic sponge cookies that soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Lemon Syrup: A mixture of lemon juice and sugar to soak the ladyfingers and bring out the lemon flavor.

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

Instructions

Here’s how to bring this zesty dessert to life:

Step 1: Make the Lemon Syrup

In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, creating a simple syrup. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, with soft peaks. This will create the luscious, creamy filling that’s the heart of the tiramisu.

Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the cooled lemon syrup, one at a time. Be sure not to soak them too long, or they’ll get too soggy. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.

Step 4: Layer the Tiramisu

Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the layer of soaked ladyfingers. Smooth it out into an even layer. Then, repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone filling.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set up nicely.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Before serving, you can optionally garnish the tiramisu with extra lemon zest or a few thin lemon slices on top for a pretty, fresh touch. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Chill Time: [Time to chill]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Lemon Tiramisu

This Lemon Tiramisu can be served in various ways to suit the occasion:

• Individual Cups: For a fun, personal touch, serve the tiramisu in individual cups or jars. It’s cute and easy to portion out.
• Family-Style: Serve it in a large dish, and let everyone dig in family-style. Perfect for sharing!
• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a nice cup of tea or coffee. The bright lemon flavors complement the bitterness of coffee, making it the perfect end to any meal.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: Lemon Tiramisu is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. In fact, it tastes even better after it’s had a chance to chill overnight, so prepare it a day or two in advance.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice give the dessert the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for a truly fresh taste.
• Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: Be sure to dip the ladyfingers quickly in the lemon syrup, as they absorb liquid fast. You want them moist, but not soggy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
A1: Yes! While lemon is classic for this recipe, you could try lime, orange, or even grapefruit for a fun variation.

Q2: Can I make this Lemon Tiramisu gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can use gluten-free ladyfingers or substitute with gluten-free sponge cake.

Q3: How long does the tiramisu need to chill?
A3: At least 4 hours, but overnight is even better to allow all the flavors to blend and the dessert to set.

Q4: Can I freeze this Lemon Tiramisu?
A4: While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I substitute mascarpone cheese?
A5: If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute. It will still be delicious!

Lemon Tiramisu is a sweet, refreshing twist on a beloved classic. With its perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and subtly sweet flavors, it’s the ultimate showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re a tiramisu purist or a citrus lover, this dessert is sure to win you over!

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