Description
Lemon Tiramisu is a light and creamy Italian dessert with a refreshing citrus twist, perfect for warm summer days. This version balances zesty lemon syrup-soaked ladyfingers with a smooth mascarpone and whipped cream filling, creating an airy treat that is indulgent yet fresh and not too heavy.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon Syrup
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
Assembly
- About 24 ladyfingers
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Syrup: Start by combining fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool. This syrup will soak into the ladyfingers, imbuing them with tangy sweetness.
- Whip the Cream and Mascarpone: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, blend mascarpone cheese with egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a feather-light filling.
- Assemble the Layers: Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the cooled lemon syrup, ensuring they’re moist but not soggy. Layer them in your serving dish, then spread a layer of the mascarpone cream on top. Repeat until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with a cream layer.
- Add Lemon Zest and Chill: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the top for an aromatic finish. Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best melding of flavors.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed juice and zest make all the difference in flavor brightness.
- Don’t Oversoak Ladyfingers: A quick dip in syrup prevents sogginess and keeps texture perfect.
- Chill Adequately: Allow enough time in the fridge so the flavors can meld for the best tasting results.
- Whip Cream Properly: Whip until soft peaks form to maintain a smooth, airy consistency within the filling.
- Layer with Care: Spread layers evenly for consistent flavor and a visually appealing dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake / Assembly
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg