Lemon Tiramisu

If you love classic tiramisu but crave a twist on the traditional, then Lemon Tiramisu is your new dessert obsession. It’s got all the creamy, indulgent layers we adore, but with a refreshing, citrusy kick from the zesty lemon. Picture fluffy mascarpone cream, layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in tangy lemon syrup, and that perfect burst of lemon in every bite. It’s light, refreshing, and absolutely perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for something just a little different. Trust me, this will be your go-to dessert for any gathering!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Tiramisu

This Lemon Tiramisu isn’t just a delightful take on a classic; it’s a vibrant, fresh dessert that delivers on flavor and texture. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:

Refreshing Twist: Instead of the usual coffee-soaked layers, we’re using a lemon syrup that gives each bite a zesty burst of flavor. It’s light and bright, perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy.

Citrus Goodness: The lemon-infused mascarpone cream is what takes this tiramisu to the next level, offering a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the ladyfingers and cream.

Easy to Make: While it sounds fancy, this recipe is actually pretty simple to whip up. No baking required, just some layering and chilling time for the flavors to meld.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a summer dinner party, a birthday, or just as a treat to enjoy with friends, this Lemon Tiramisu is always a crowd-pleaser.

Elegant & Beautiful: The layers and delicate lemon flavor make this dessert not just delicious, but visually stunning—perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself!

Ingredients in Lemon Tiramisu

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

Ladyfingers: The classic base for tiramisu, these light and crispy biscuits absorb the lemon syrup beautifully, creating the perfect texture.

Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy Italian cheese adds the signature richness to the tiramisu, making the layers of cream velvety smooth.

Heavy Cream: To lighten the mascarpone, we’ll whip heavy cream into soft peaks, giving the dessert that luxurious, airy texture.

Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the tiramisu its signature citrusy flavor. The zest adds an aromatic intensity, while the juice brings a tart, refreshing kick.

Sugar: To balance the tanginess of the lemon, a little sugar is needed for sweetness. It also helps create that smooth, creamy texture when mixed with the mascarpone.

Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile, complementing the lemon without overpowering it.

Lemon Syrup: The ladyfingers are soaked in a lemon syrup, which helps infuse them with tangy sweetness. You can easily make this syrup with lemon juice, sugar, and a splash of water.

Instructions

Ready to make your Lemon Tiramisu? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Lemon Syrup

Start by making the lemon syrup. In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, and water. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Let it cool to room temperature.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. You want it to have a thick yet fluffy texture.

Soak the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemon syrup (don’t soak them too long or they’ll get too soggy). Lay them in a dish to form the first layer of the tiramisu.

Layer the Dessert

Once the ladyfingers are laid down, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over them. Repeat the process by adding another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.

Chill and Serve

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!). This will give the flavors time to meld and the tiramisu to set. Serve chilled, garnished with extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling time)

How to Serve Lemon Tiramisu

This dessert is beautiful on its own, but here are some fun serving suggestions:

• Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and extra freshness.
• Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of green and an extra refreshing element.
• Lemon Slices: Thin lemon slices on top add a decorative touch and enhance the citrus flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: This dessert actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors really have a chance to meld together. Perfect for making ahead for a dinner party or special occasion.
• Swap the Zest: If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, you can skip the zest and just use lemon juice for the syrup and cream.
• Try a Lighter Version: You can swap the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter whipped topping to make it a bit healthier, though the texture will be slightly different.
• Flavor Variations: If you’re craving something different, you can switch the lemon out for other citrus fruits like orange or lime for a unique spin on the classic.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cookie besides ladyfingers?
A1: Absolutely! You can use sponge cake, pound cake, or even shortbread cookies as a substitute for ladyfingers if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this tiramisu the night before?
A2: Yes, this dessert actually tastes better when made ahead! Chill it overnight for the best results.

Q3: Can I make this tiramisu without mascarpone?
A3: If you can’t find mascarpone, you can substitute it with cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar creamy texture.

Q4: How long will this tiramisu keep in the fridge?
A4: Lemon tiramisu will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors.

Q5: Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of lemon syrup?
A5: Yes! You can use lemon curd for an even more intense lemon flavor. Just be sure to dilute it with a little water to make it easier to soak the ladyfingers.

Q6: Can I make this dessert vegan?
A6: Yes! You can substitute the mascarpone and heavy cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream, and use vegan ladyfingers or sponge cake.

Q7: Can I freeze Lemon Tiramisu?
A7: Tiramisu can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or after chilling in the fridge.

Q8: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
A8: While fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary. Just make sure it’s pure lemon juice without added sweeteners or preservatives.

Q9: Can I make this without using alcohol?
A9: Yes, this recipe doesn’t require alcohol. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, just skip any added liqueurs and stick with the lemon syrup.

Q10: Can I serve this tiramisu in individual portions?
A10: Absolutely! You can layer this tiramisu in individual cups or jars for a fun, personalized twist. Just make sure the layers are evenly distributed.

Conclusion

Lemon Tiramisu is a fresh and flavorful take on the classic, bursting with zesty lemon goodness in every layer. With its creamy mascarpone filling, tangy lemon syrup, and light ladyfinger layers, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a summer dinner, a birthday celebration, or just because, this Lemon Tiramisu will be an instant hit. Give it a try, and let the tropical flavors take over!

Print