Description
A refreshing twist on the classic tiramisu made with lemon syrup-soaked ladyfingers, fluffy lemon mascarpone cream, and a luscious lemon curd topping. Bright, tangy, creamy, and elegant—perfect for spring and summer entertaining.
Ingredients
Lemon Syrup: 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (120mL) water, zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp), 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Lemon Mascarpone Cream: 2 cups (480mL) cold heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup (65g) powdered sugar, 8 oz (225g) cold mascarpone cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tbsp), 24 Savoiardi ladyfingers
Lemon Curd: zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp), 1/3 cup (80mL) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons), 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 4 large egg yolks, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Make the lemon syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon zest, and juice. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Cool completely, then strain into a shallow bowl.
- Prepare the mascarpone cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, mascarpone, salt, vanilla, and lemon zest until stiff peaks form, 5–10 minutes.
- Assemble the tiramisu: Quickly dip ladyfingers in cooled lemon syrup and layer in a 9×9-inch dish. Spread half the mascarpone cream on top. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream. Cover and chill for 4–6 hours.
- Make the lemon curd: In a saucepan, whisk lemon zest, juice, sugar, egg yolks, and salt over medium-low heat until thickened, 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Cool completely until thick.
- Finish: Spread cooled lemon curd over chilled tiramisu. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh berries or candied lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Use limoncello instead of syrup for a boozy twist.
Swap some mascarpone with cream cheese for tangier flavor.
Top with fresh berries, candied lemon slices, or powdered sugar for garnish.
Make ahead: Best when chilled overnight.
Storage: Keep covered in the fridge up to 3 days. Not suitable for freezing.
- Prep Time: 55 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins (plus 15 mins for curd)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake (with stovetop curd)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pan)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
