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A slice of Lemon Tiramisu with layers of ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and lemon syrup, topped with lemon slices.

Lemon Tiramisu

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This creamy, citrus-infused Lemon Tiramisu combines zesty lemon curd, whipped mascarpone, and delicate ladyfingers for the ultimate refreshing dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Refrigerate 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 388

Ingredients
  

Lemon Curd:
  • 4 large egg yolks for a rich creamy curd
  • cup granulated sugar 134g (provides sweetness and texture)
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest 6g (adds a fresh, aromatic flavor)
  • cup fresh lemon juice 80mL (squeezed from 2-3 lemons)
  • Pinch of salt balances the flavor
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter 85g (room temperature chopped for easy blending)
Lemon Syrup:
  • ¾ cup fresh lemon juice 180mL (from about 2-3 lemons)
  • 1 cup water 240mL (to dilute the syrup)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 100g (to sweeten the syrup)
  • ¼ cup limoncello 60mL (optional for added citrus flavor)
Whipped Mascarpone:
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese 226g (room temperature creamy texture)
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest 6g (adds a bright citrus note)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream 360mL (whipped to create fluffy texture)
Assembly:
  • 1 package ladyfingers 7 oz about 24 cookies (use Savoiardi or similar brand)
  • Grated white chocolate optional for garnish

Method
 

  1. Zest and juice the lemons, then set aside.
  2. Lemon Curd: Add 2 inches of water to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a heatproof mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over the simmering water and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
  3. Cool Lemon Curd: Transfer the curd to a new bowl and cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate while you prepare the remaining components.
  4. In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, water, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let it cool completely to room temperature (or refrigerate to cool faster), and stir in the limoncello, if using.
  5. Whipped Mascarpone: In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone with lemon zest. Add the heavy whipping cream and beat with an electric mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. Avoid over-mixing.
  6. Submerge each ladyfinger briefly in the lemon syrup, then arrange them in a single layer in the bottom of an 8x8 dish. Spread half of the whipped mascarpone over the ladyfingers. Stir the lemon curd to smooth it out, then spoon it over the mascarpone layer. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining whipped mascarpone. Optional: Garnish with grated white chocolate and/or additional lemon zest.
  7. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 2 hours, or overnight to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 150gCalories: 388kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 4gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 97mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 840IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

This refreshing lemon tiramisu is a showstopper for any special occasion or when you're craving a citrus twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for making ahead!

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