Easy Homemade Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Recipe for Bright Zingy Dessert

Vibrant lemon tiramisu reinvents the classic Italian dessert into a zesty, refreshing experience that dances between tangy and sweet.

Creamy layers whisper of bright citrus notes, challenging traditional dessert expectations with their unexpected sophistication.

Mascarpone cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for intense lemon flavors that sing with delicate complexity.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through silky textures and sunshine-inspired essence.

Delicate ladyfingers absorb luscious lemon-infused syrup, creating a harmonious blend of softness and brightness.

Gentle lemon curd adds a smooth, decadent element that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Summer gatherings or intimate dinners deserve a spectacular finale that sparks conversation and delights the senses.

Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd That’s Light and Bright

• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Bursting with bright, tangy lemon notes that dance on your taste buds, this tiramisu transforms the classic Italian dessert into a refreshing citrus dream.
• No-Bake Dessert Delight: Skip the oven and create a creamy, luxurious treat that comes together easily with simple mixing and chilling, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Impressive Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill for at least 4 hours, making it an ideal option for stress-free entertaining and dinner parties.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a heavenly combination of soft, soaked ladyfingers, silky mascarpone cream, and smooth lemon curd that creates a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with every spoonful.

Ingredients for Lemon Tiramisu

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy flavor enhancer with fresh citrus punch.
• Lemon Zest: Intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Rich, luxurious base for creating smooth, light texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese providing decadent, silky consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps thicken lemon curd.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps set the lemon curd.

• Sugar: Balances tartness and adds sweetness to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Limoncello: Italian lemon liqueur adding extra citrus depth.
• Ladyfingers: Light, delicate sponge cookies for layering and soaking.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.

How to Make Lemon Tiramisu with Curd

Step 1: Create Zesty Lemon Curd

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Sugar
• Butter
• Salt
• Eggs

Whisk ingredients over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and butter melts (about 5 minutes). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove lumps. Let cool for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Mascarpone Filling

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Cooled lemon curd
• Lemon juice
• Sugar

Mix until medium peaks form. Add mascarpone cheese and blend on low speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare Lemon Soaking Liquid

• Lemon syrup
• Limoncello

Step 4: Assemble First Layer

Quickly dip ladyfingers in lemon-limoncello mixture. Arrange in a 10.5-inch x 7.5-inch baking pan. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers. Dollop 4 tablespoons of lemon curd across the surface and smooth evenly.

Step 5: Create Second Layer

Add another layer of liquor-dipped ladyfingers. Top with remaining mascarpone mixture.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover pan with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

Step 7: Final Lemon Flourish

Before serving, spread additional lemon curd on top. Smooth with a spatula for a beautiful finish.

Tips for Layering Citrus Cream

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the bright yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Prevent Curdling Technique: Whisk egg mixture constantly while cooking lemon curd and maintain a low, steady heat to ensure silky smoothness.
• Mascarpone Mixing Mastery: Fold mascarpone gently into the cream mixture to keep the texture light and prevent dense, heavy layers.
• Dipping Ladyfinger Secret: Quickly dunk ladyfingers in the lemon syrup mix, ensuring they're moistened but not soggy to maintain perfect texture.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the tiramisu to rest in the refrigerator for the full 4 hours or overnight, letting the flavors meld and intensify for a more delicious dessert.

Saving and Serving Lemon Tiramisu Again

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lemon tiramisu in an airtight container, keeping it covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its delicate structure.
• Reheating: Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator, as this dessert is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its lemony taste.

Pairing Picks for Lemon Lovers

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this lemon tiramisu with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a sparkling Prosecco to complement the bright citrus notes and cut through the creamy richness.
• Refreshing Citrus Sorbet: Serve a small scoop of lemon or mandarin orange sorbet alongside the dessert to enhance the zesty flavor profile and provide a palate-cleansing contrast.
• Almond Biscotti Sidekick: Add a few crisp almond biscotti on the side to provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smooth tiramisu and adds a nutty undertone to the dessert experience.
• Herbal Tea Harmony: Brew a light chamomile or lavender tea to serve alongside the tiramisu, creating a delicate balance that softens the dessert's intense lemon flavor and provides a soothing finish.

Lemon Tiramisu Variants to Explore

• Lavender Lemon Bliss: Infuse the lemon curd with dried lavender flowers during cooking, adding a subtle floral note to the classic recipe. Sprinkle dried lavender buds on top for an elegant garnish.
• Limoncello Berry Fusion: Layer fresh raspberries or blueberries between the mascarpone mixture and ladyfingers. Drizzle extra limoncello over the berries for an intense citrus-fruit combination.
• Italian Almond Zest: Replace some of the ladyfingers with crushed amaretti cookies for a nutty crunch. Fold chopped toasted almonds into the mascarpone mixture to enhance the texture and add a sophisticated almond undertone.
• Coconut Tropical Remix: Mix shredded coconut into the mascarpone cream and replace limoncello with coconut liqueur. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired dessert that brings Mediterranean and island flavors together.

Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Lemon tiramisu brings Italian dessert magic to a zesty citrus twist. Light ladyfingers soaked in limoncello dance with creamy mascarpone and tangy lemon curd, creating a refreshing summer dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 27 ladyfingers
• 15.87 ounces (450 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups heavy cream, cold

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup lemon curd
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Dipping Liquid:

• 1 cup lemon syrup
• ¼ cup limoncello

Lemon Curd Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup butter
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 egg
• 3 egg yolks

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Instructions

1. Craft the lemon curd by whisking lemon juice, zest, sugar, butter, salt, and eggs in a saucepan over gentle heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, thickened consistency.
2. Carefully strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any unwanted lumps, then allow it to cool and settle for approximately 25 minutes.
3. Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract, lemon zest, cooled lemon curd, additional lemon juice, and sugar using an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks emerge.
4. Fold mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream mixture, blending gently until a smooth, luxurious cream develops.
5. Prepare a quick-dip liquid by combining lemon syrup and limoncello, then swiftly immerse ladyfingers to capture their flavor essence.
6. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a single, precise layer across the bottom of a rectangular baking dish.
7. Generously spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, creating an even, velvety surface.
8. Dollop and distribute four tablespoons of lemon curd across the cream layer, ensuring a beautiful marbled effect.
9. Create a second layer of liqueur-soaked ladyfingers atop the first cream layer.
10. Cover the final layer with remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface with elegant precision.
11. Seal the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
12. Prior to serving, embellish the tiramisu with an additional layer of lemon curd, creating a stunning, citrus-infused finale.

Notes

• Advance prep is crucial, allowing at least 4 hours chilling time for flavor melding and texture development.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest elevate the dessert’s bright, tangy profile compared to store-bought alternatives.
• Straining lemon curd ensures a silky-smooth texture, eliminating potential eggy lumps or bits.
• Dip ladyfingers quickly to prevent soggy layers, creating a perfect balance of moisture and structure.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better incorporation of mascarpone and cream.
• Limoncello adds an extra layer of citrusy sophistication, transforming traditional tiramisu into a zesty delight.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg