The Best Lemon Tiramisu Recipe: A Sunny Twist on a Classic Treat

Tangy lemon tiramisu revamps the classic Italian dessert into a bright, zesty celebration of citrusy elegance.

Traditional recipes often feel heavy and rich, but this version bursts with refreshing Mediterranean sunshine.

Mascarpone cheese provides a luxurious, silky foundation that perfectly complements the sharp lemon notes.

Delicate layers of soft ladyfingers soak up an intense citrus syrup, creating a balanced and sophisticated dessert experience.

Each forkful promises a delightful dance between creamy texture and vibrant zest that awakens your taste buds.

The recipe challenges conventional dessert expectations by reinventing a beloved classic with unexpected, bold flavors.

Summer gatherings and intimate dinner parties will never be the same with this show-stopping sweet treat.

Bright Notes in Lemon Tiramisu

• Burst with Citrusy Brightness: This lemon tiramisu explodes with refreshing, zesty flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy layers, making it a perfect summer dessert that wakes up your taste buds.
• Create Effortless Elegance: The simple layering technique allows even novice bakers to craft a stunning dessert that looks professionally made with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Chill and Forget: The make-ahead nature of this dessert means you can prepare it hours in advance, giving you stress-free entertaining and more time to enjoy with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
• Textural Symphony: Soft, delicate ladyfingers soaked in syrup create a dreamy contrast with the silky smooth lemon cream and tangy lemon curd, delivering a mouthwatering experience in every single bite.

Ingredients for a Lemon Tiramisu Dream

• Ladyfingers: Light, crisp cookies perfect for layering and absorbing syrup, choose fresh and dry varieties.
• Lemon Curd: Bright, tangy spread that adds rich citrus flavor, look for smooth and vibrant yellow color.

• Mascarpone Cheese, Cream Cheese: Creamy base providing smooth and rich texture, select high-quality, fresh dairy products.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize cream mixture, ensure fine and lump-free consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones, choose pure vanilla for best results.

• Water: Basic liquid for creating syrup, use filtered water for clean taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances syrup, select fine white sugar for quick dissolving.
• Lemon Juice: Provides citrusy brightness and helps create balanced syrup, use fresh-squeezed for best flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon essence and aromatic notes, choose bright yellow, fresh lemon zest.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare Syrup Mixture

Create a light lemon syrup by mixing water, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature. This will help prevent soggy ladyfingers and ensure a perfect texture.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Mascarpone cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Whip the ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a silky filling that will give the tiramisu its signature richness.

Step 3: First Cookie Layer

Quickly dip ladyfingers into the cooled lemon syrup, ensuring they’re just moistened but not soaked. Carefully arrange the cookies in a single layer across the bottom of a 4-quart baking dish. Trim cookies as needed to fill any gaps and create a complete base.

Step 4: First Cream Application

Spread half of the prepared mascarpone mixture evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even surface. Gently dollop half of the lemon curd on top, spreading it delicately across the cream layer.

Step 5: Second Cookie Layer

Repeat the dipping process with remaining ladyfingers, creating a second layer of syrup-moistened cookies. Carefully place these on top of the first cream layer, covering the entire surface completely.

Step 6: Final Cream Topping

Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the second layer of cookies. Ensure a smooth, even surface. Top with the remaining lemon curd, creating beautiful swirls or an even layer.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar or sprinkle with additional lemon zest. Cut into elegant squares and enjoy!

Lemon Tiramisu Pro Tips

• Soak Swiftly: Dip ladyfingers quickly in syrup to prevent them from becoming soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing crumbling.
• Precision Cutting: Use a sharp knife to carefully trim ladyfingers, creating a seamless layer that covers the entire bottom of the baking dish.
• Cream Consistency: Whip mascarpone mixture to a smooth, even texture, avoiding lumps for a silky and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Curd Layering: Spread lemon curd evenly, creating distinct and balanced flavor layers throughout the dessert.
• Chill Completely: Allow tiramisu to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, letting flavors meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste.

Best Way to Store Lemon Tiramisu

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh, creamy texture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Cover Carefully: Gently place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the tiramisu to prevent moisture and preserve the delicate layers before sealing the container.
• Reheating: Do not reheat tiramisu, as it is a chilled dessert best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator to keep its light, smooth consistency and prevent separation of ingredients.

Delicious Add-Ons for Lemon Tiramisu

• Pair with Bubbly Prosecco: The light, citrusy notes of lemon tiramisu perfectly complement the crisp effervescence of a chilled Prosecco, enhancing the dessert's refreshing flavor profile.
• Serve with Lavender Shortbread: Delicate lavender shortbread cookies provide a subtle, aromatic counterpoint to the zesty lemon tiramisu, creating a harmonious and elegant dessert experience.
• Accompany with Fresh Berries: A small side of mixed berries- like raspberries and blueberries- adds a burst of tartness and color that brightens the creamy, lemony dessert while offering a palate-cleansing contrast.
• Match with Chamomile Tea: A warm cup of soothing chamomile tea balances the rich, creamy texture of the tiramisu and echoes its delicate, gentle flavors with a light, comforting finish.

Lemon Tiramisu Style Variations

• Zesty Berry Burst: Swap lemon curd with mixed berry compote and add fresh raspberries between layers for a vibrant fruit-forward version.
• Tropical Paradise: Replace lemon syrup with passion fruit juice and incorporate coconut cream into the mascarpone mixture for a sunny island-inspired dessert.
• Lavender Elegance: Infuse the syrup with lavender and mix a small amount of dried lavender into the cream for a sophisticated and aromatic take on the classic recipe.
• Almond Citrus Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers between layers and add orange zest to the cream for a nutty and bright flavor profile.

Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky lemon tiramisu brings Italian dessert magic to a citrusy wonderland. Creamy mascarpone layers dance with zesty lemon, creating a refreshing twist that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) mascarpone cheese
• 25 ladyfinger cookies
• 5 large eggs
• 10 tablespoons (141 grams) salted butter, room temperature

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar (lemon curd)
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar (lemon syrup)
• ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar (mascarpone cream)

Citrus and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (lemon curd)
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (lemon syrup)
• 1 tablespoon (6 grams) lemon zest (lemon curd)
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) lemon zest (lemon syrup)
• 1 tablespoon (6 grams) lemon zest (mascarpone cream)
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract (lemon curd)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract (mascarpone cream)
• Candied lemon slices (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty lemon syrup by combining cooled liquid with citrus essence, ensuring a vibrant flavor profile for the ladyfingers.
2. Delicately submerge ladyfingers into the prepared syrup, allowing them to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. Carefully arrange the cookies to completely cover the bottom of the baking dish, trimming edges if necessary to create a seamless base.
3. Craft a luxurious cream mixture, blending creamy elements with bright lemon notes. Gently spread half of the cream over the initial ladyfinger layer, creating a smooth, even surface.
4. Drizzle a generous layer of tangy lemon curd over the cream, using approximately ½-⅔ cup to enhance the citrusy character of the dessert.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining ladyfingers, dipping them in the syrup and arranging them meticulously to form a complete cookie layer.
6. Crown the dessert with the remaining cream, spreading it carefully to achieve a perfectly smooth finish.
7. Add a final flourish of lemon curd, distributing ½-⅔ cup across the top of the cream layer.
8. Refrigerate the tiramisu for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set to a perfect, creamy consistency.
9. Serve chilled, revealing a stunning layered dessert that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy elements.

Notes

• Quickly dip ladyfingers in cooled syrup to prevent sogginess and ensure a perfect texture.
• Carefully cut cookies to fit the baking dish, creating an even and visually appealing base layer.
• Layer cream and lemon curd methodically for a balanced distribution of flavors and creamy texture.
• Use a smooth, gentle motion when spreading layers to create an elegant, professional-looking dessert.
• Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal firm, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 60 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg