Quick & Dreamy Lemon Zest Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Zesty lemon tiramisu redefines the classic Italian dessert with bright, tangy elegance.

Citrusy undertones dance delicately across creamy mascarpone layers, creating a refreshing twist on traditional recipes.

Bold flavors merge seamlessly, offering a sophisticated dessert experience that tingles taste buds.

Rich, silky textures complement the sharp lemon notes, providing unexpected depth and complexity.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to infuse each delicate bite with vibrant, invigorating essence.

Delicate mascarpone cream embraces lemon bright character, elevating the traditional dessert into a modern culinary marvel.

Prepare to be enchanted by this innovative dessert that balances indulgence with remarkable freshness.

Light and Airy Lemon Zest Tiramisu for Any Occasion

• Burst of Citrusy Freshness: This lemon zest tiramisu delivers a bright, tangy twist on the classic dessert, replacing traditional coffee with vibrant lemon flavors that dance on your palate.
• Luxurious Layered Elegance: Delicate ladyfingers soaked in homemade lemon syrup create a silky smooth texture, perfectly complemented by the rich mascarpone cream and creamy lemon curd.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dessert is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for home cooks wanting to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect Summer Celebration: Light, refreshing, and beautifully presented, this dessert shines at summer gatherings, bridal showers, or as a sophisticated end to an elegant dinner party.

Key Ingredients for Lemon Zest Tiramisu

• Lemon: Bright, fresh citrus that provides tangy flavor and aromatic zest for the entire dessert.
• Lemon Juice: Essential for creating vibrant, tart taste in lemon curd and syrup.
• Lemon Zest: Intense citrus oils that enhance overall lemon flavor and add aromatic notes.

• Mascarpone Cheese: Rich, creamy Italian cheese that creates smooth, luxurious texture in the cream.
• Heavy Cream: Provides light, airy structure and helps create soft, billowy cream mixture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps thicken lemon curd and provides rich, smooth consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to lemon curd, creating silky mouthfeel.

• Sugar: Sweetens lemon curd, syrup, and cream while balancing the tangy citrus flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertone that complements citrus and cream elements.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in lemon curd.
• Ladyfingers: Light, delicate cookies that absorb syrup and create classic tiramisu layer.
• Mint Leaves: Fresh garnish that provides visual appeal and light herbal note.

How to Layer a Beautiful Lemon Zest Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare Lemon Curd

• Eggs
• Sugar

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt

Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture slightly thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Gradually whisk in butter, at a time, until melted. Continue whisking for 5-6 minutes until the curd is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in vanilla extract, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Step 2: Create Lemon Syrup

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and boil until sugar completely dissolves. Allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Mascarpone Cream

• Whipped cream
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

Step 4: Layer Tiramisu

Dip ladyfingers in lemon syrup and arrange in a serving dish. Top with half the cream mixture, then spread lemon curd. Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, decorate with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves.

Serving Tip: For best flavor, let the tiramisu sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow flavors to meld together.

Storage: Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly.

Tips to Get Perfect Texture in Lemon Zest Tiramisu

• Zest with Care: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract only the bright yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Chill for Perfection: Allow the lemon curd to cool completely before incorporating into the mascarpone cream for the smoothest texture.
• Gentle Dipping Technique: Quickly dip ladyfingers in lemon syrup to prevent them from becoming too soggy and losing their delicate structure.
• Layering Precision: Create even layers by using an offset spatula to spread the cream and lemon curd carefully for a professional-looking dessert.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare this tiramisu a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste.

Storing Lemon Zest Tiramisu Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store the tiramisu in an airtight container, covering the top with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring the dessert maintains its creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor. Avoid storing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Wrap the tiramisu tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the delicate mascarpone cream and ladyfinger texture.
• Reheating: Unlike many desserts, tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled. Skip reheating to maintain its signature soft, creamy consistency. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow slight temperature softening and enhance flavor profile.

Pairing Notes for Lemon Zest Tiramisu

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this lemon tiramisu with a crisp, chilled Moscato d'Asti from Italy. Its light, sweet bubbles and citrusy notes will perfectly complement the dessert's bright lemon flavor and creamy texture.
• Refreshing Herbal Tea Match: Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea to serve alongside this dessert. The floral undertones will enhance the lemon's brightness and provide a soothing counterpoint to the rich mascarpone cream.
• Citrus Cocktail Sidekick: Mix a limoncello spritz with prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. This cocktail's lemony punch will echo the dessert's zesty profile while adding a festive, sophisticated touch to your dining experience.
• Palate-Cleansing Sorbet Option: Serve a small scoop of lemon or mandarin orange sorbet as a pre-dessert or alongside the tiramisu. Its intense citrus notes will reset the palate and highlight the dessert's delicate lemon essence.

Lemon Zest Tiramisu Variations to Explore

• Sunny Mediterranean Remix: Swap ladyfingers with almond biscotti and add a splash of limoncello for an Italian coastal vibe.
• Lavender Lemon Dream: Infuse lemon curd with dried lavender buds and sprinkle crushed lavender flowers between layers for a fragrant herbal touch.
• No-Bake Freezer Style: Transform the dessert into a frozen treat by freezing layers in a loaf pan, creating a refreshing chilled version perfect for summer gatherings.
• Citrus Fusion Feast: Replace lemon with a combination of orange and grapefruit zest, adding a complex and bright citrus profile to the classic dessert.

Lemon Zest Tiramisu Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Lemon zest tiramisu brings Italian dessert magic to a refreshing new level. Light mascarpone and zesty citrus create a perfect balance of creamy sweetness, inviting you to savor each delightful spoonful of this elegant twist on classic tiramisu.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) mascarpone cheese
• 25 ladyfinger cookies
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, chilled

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Candied lemon slices (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the lemon curd by whisking eggs and sugar in a medium saucepan until the mixture becomes light and glossy, creating a smooth base for the tangy dessert.
2. Incorporate fresh lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt into the egg mixture, then gently cook over medium-low heat while constantly whisking to prevent scorching.
3. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, indicating the eggs are setting and developing a rich, creamy consistency.
4. Gradually introduce cold butter, one tablespoon (15 milliliters) at a time, whisking continuously to create a silky, emulsified texture that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat, stir in pure vanilla extract, and strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a smooth, luxurious finish.
6. Refrigerate the lemon curd for 2 hours (120 minutes) to allow it to set and intensify its flavors.
7. Craft the lemon syrup by combining sugar, water, and additional lemon juice in a small saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil until the sugar completely dissolves.
8. Allow the lemon syrup to cool to room temperature, concentrating its bright, citrusy essence.
9. Whip heavy cream (480 milliliters or 16 fluid ounces) to soft, pillowy peaks, creating a light and airy base for the mascarpone cream.
10. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip, transforming the cream into stiff, voluminous peaks that hold their shape.
11. Blend ½ cup (120 milliliters) of the prepared lemon curd with smooth mascarpone cheese until the mixture becomes uniform and velvety.
12. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, incorporating vanilla extract and additional lemon zest for a bright, fragrant note.
13. Carefully dip ladyfingers into the cooled lemon syrup, ensuring they are lightly saturated but not soggy, and arrange the first layer in your serving dish.
14. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers, creating a luscious, creamy layer.
15. Dollop ½ cup (120 milliliters) of lemon curd across the cream, creating pockets of intense citrus flavor.
16. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and lemon curd, building a visually appealing and delectable dessert.
17. Refrigerate the tiramisu for a minimum of 2 hours (120 minutes) to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
18. Before serving, garnish with delicate lemon slices and fresh mint leaves to enhance the presentation and add a final burst of flavor.

Notes

• Make lemon curd ahead of time to allow proper cooling and thickening for best texture and flavor intensity.
• Ensure precise whisking during lemon curd preparation prevents scrambling eggs and creates smooth, silky consistency.
• Ladyfingers must be quickly dipped in lemon syrup to prevent soggy texture while maintaining structural integrity.
• Chill tiramisu for minimum two hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal creamy, set consistency.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like organic lemons and pure vanilla extract for maximum aromatic depth.
• Strain lemon curd through fine mesh to eliminate potential egg membrane chunks, creating ultra-smooth cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg