Bright Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Recipe

Zesty Lemon Tiramisu Curd Delight: A Refreshing Recipe

Dessert lovers, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty twist on the classic tiramisu that brings an unexpected burst of lemon tiramisu with lemon curd to your table.

This refreshing Italian-inspired treat combines creamy mascarpone with bright citrus notes that dance across your palate.

Layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in limoncello create a luxurious foundation for the silky smooth lemon curd.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will transport you to the sunny Amalfi Coast.

The delicate texture melts effortlessly, leaving behind a sophisticated citrus essence that lingers delightfully.

Rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible, this dessert is sure to become your new go-to recipe for impressing guests or simply indulging in a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 9

Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Ingredients

For Lemon Curd Base:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that gives the curd its signature zesty punch and helps thicken the mixture.
  • Lemon Zest: Fragrant citrus shavings that intensify the lemon flavor and add subtle oils for depth.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the curd and balances the tartness of lemons.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth texture and adds luxurious creaminess.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the curd thicken naturally.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Heavy Cream: Whips into airy, light texture that makes the dessert luxurious.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertone that complements citrus notes.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Delivers silky, rich base with delicate Italian character.
For Soaking and Layering:
  • Ladyfingers: Light, delicate cookies that absorb liquid and create classic tiramisu texture.
  • Lemon Syrup: Infuses layers with extra citrus moisture.
  • Limoncello: Adds sophisticated Italian liqueur kick and intensifies lemon profile.

Tools to Prepare Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd

  • Saucepan: Essential for making smooth, creamy lemon curd.
  • Fine-mesh sieve: Ensures silky, lump-free lemon curd.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whipping cream and creating mascarpone mixture.
  • Electric mixer: Crucial for achieving light, fluffy cream peaks.
  • 10.5-inch x 7.5-inch baking pan: Ideal size for layering tiramisu.
  • Spatula: Helps spread and smooth out creamy layers.
  • Whisk: Necessary for blending lemon curd ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
  • Plastic wrap: Helps refrigerate and protect tiramisu layers.

How to Layer Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Step by Step

  • Lemon Essence Preparation

Craft a silky lemon curd by gently heating zesty ingredients in a saucepan. Whisk lovingly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety texture. Strain carefully to ensure pure, luxurious smoothness and allow to cool naturally.

  • Creamy Cloud Mixture

Whip up a dreamy cream blend combining mascarpone with bright citrus notes. Use an electric mixer to create a light, airy texture that captures the essence of sunshine. The mixture should look soft and pillowy, promising delightful flavors.

  • Layering Magic

Create a beautiful dessert landscape by delicately dipping ladyfingers into a zingy lemon and limoncello bath. Arrange these tender cookies in a elegant pattern, creating a foundation for your citrus masterpiece.

  • Architectural Dessert Construction

Build layers of creamy mixture and ladyfingers, alternating with dollops of lemon curd. Each layer should tell a story of texture and flavor, promising a complex taste experience.

  • Chilling Transformation

Wrap your creation carefully and let it rest in the refrigerator. This waiting period allows flavors to dance and mingle, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert.

  • Final Flourish

Just before serving, crown your tiramisu with an extra layer of lemon curd. The result is a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes – a true celebration of citrus elegance.

Bright Flavor Tips for Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd

  • Swap some lemon juice with lime or grapefruit juice for a zesty, complex flavor profile that surprises your taste buds.
  • Prepare this dessert up to 2 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop a deeper, more robust taste in the refrigerator.
  • Experiment with different cookie bases like shortbread or almond biscuits instead of traditional ladyfingers for a unique crunch and complementary texture.
  • Decorate with candied lemon peels, fresh mint leaves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor complexity.

How to Serve Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd at Parties

  • Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this lemon tiramisu with a light champagne mimosa or freshly brewed lavender tea for a delightful morning gathering.
  • Summer Garden Party Delight: Serve chilled alongside fresh berries and mint leaves, creating a gorgeous dessert centerpiece that will impress guests with its elegant presentation.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Plate individual slices on delicate porcelain with a small dollop of whipped cream and candied lemon peel, transforming the dessert into a sophisticated treat perfect for afternoon socializing.
  • Citrus Lovers' Dream: Garnish with thin lemon slices and a sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance the bright, tangy flavor profile and add a professional touch to the dessert's appearance.

Storage Tips for Keeping Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Fresh

  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store the lemon tiramisu in an airtight container to maintain its delicate texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep it chilled between 34-40°F for optimal taste and quality.
  • Shelf Life Wisdom: Enjoy this delightful dessert within 3-4 days of preparation. The creamy mascarpone and lemon curd components remain best during this timeframe, ensuring maximum flavor and smooth consistency.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the tiramisu up to 2 days before your event. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, creating an even more intense lemon profile and creamy texture.
  • Freezing Finesse: While possible to freeze, the texture might slightly change. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil if freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and consume within 2 weeks for best results. Gently tap the surface with a spatula to restore some of the original smoothness after thawing.
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Bright Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Recipe

Bright Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy lemon tiramisu with lemon curd offers a tangy twist on classic Italian dessert. Zesty mascarpone layers and citrusy notes create an irresistible sweet experience you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 15.87 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 27 ladyfingers
  • 2 cups heavy cream, cold
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup lemon curd
  • 4 tbsps lemon juice
  • 2 tbsps lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup lemon syrup
  • ¼ cup limoncello
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup butter
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 egg
  • 3 egg yolks

Instructions

  1. Lemon Curd Creation: Whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, butter, salt, and eggs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, thickened consistency. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove lumps and cool for 25 minutes.
  2. Cream Preparation: Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract, lemon zest, cooled lemon curd, additional lemon juice, and sugar using an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks form. Gently fold mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream until a smooth, luxurious cream develops.
  3. Ladyfinger Soaking: Combine lemon syrup and limoncello to create a quick-dip liquid. Swiftly immerse ladyfingers to capture their flavor essence, ensuring complete but not soggy saturation.
  4. Layering Foundation: Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a single, precise layer across the bottom of a rectangular baking dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, creating a velvety surface.
  5. Curd Incorporation: Dollop and distribute lemon curd across the cream layer, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Add a second layer of liqueur-soaked ladyfingers atop the first cream layer.
  6. Final Assembly: Cover the final layer with remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface with elegant precision. Seal the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
  7. Serving Presentation: Just before serving, embellish the tiramisu with an additional layer of lemon curd, creating a stunning, citrus-infused finale that tantalizes the senses.

Notes

  • Prevent Curdling: Whisk eggs and sugar thoroughly before adding heat to create a smooth lemon curd and avoid scrambled egg bits.
  • Master Cream Texture: Whip heavy cream just until soft peaks form to maintain a light, airy consistency without over-beating.
  • Ladyfinger Dipping Technique: Quickly dip ladyfingers in lemon-limoncello mixture—no more than 1-2 seconds per side—to prevent soggy, disintegrating cookies.
  • Chilling Magic: Allow minimum 4-hour refrigeration to develop deep lemon flavor and allow layers to harmonize perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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