Lemon Tiramisu

Perfect for summer, this Lemon Tiramisu no-bake recipe is a delicious citrus variation on a classic Italian dessert. A layer of ladyfinger cookies is soaked in limoncello syrup before being topped with sweet mascarpone, lemon curd, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers for a stacked dessert chilled to scrumptiousness in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

This decadent lemony sweet treat is a rich, tart, and luscious make-ahead dessert that’s always a crowd pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you can be sure you won’t have any leftovers!

From its syrup-soaked ladyfingers cookies to its sweet, creamy, and decadent lemony filling, it’s a multi-layer dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s an irresistible cooling treat perfect for warm spring and summer days.

Ingredients Needed

For The Limoncello Syrup
Water – provides the base of the syrup and is flavored with the remaining ingredients
Sugar – use white granulated
Limoncello – a lemon-flavored dessert liqueur
Lemon Juice – to add tartness
Lemon Zest – includes lemon oils for a deeper flavor to the syrup

For The Tiramisu Filling
Ladyfinger Cookies – will be soaked in the Limoncello syrup and used as layers between the creamy filling
Mascarpone Cheese – a soft and smooth Italian sweet cheese often used in desserts for its creamy texture
Lemon Curd – a thick lemony custard used to make the tiramisu filling. Use your favorite store bought brand.
Limoncello –  a lemon-flavored dessert liqueur
Lemon Juice – to add extra lemon flavor and tartness to the filling
Heavy Whipping Cream – combines with the sugar to make a homemade whipped cream that’s folded into the mascarpone mixture
Sugar – to sweeten the homemade whipped cream. Use white granulated.

Whipped Cream Topping
Heavy Whipping Cream – combines with powdered sugar to make a homemade whipped cream that tops the tiramisu before serving
Powdered Sugar – to sweeten the homemade whipped cream. Use powdered sugar to keep it light and airy when mixing.

How To Make Lemon Tiramisu

Note: This is a summary of the recipe steps. For complete instructions, see the recipe card down below.

STEP 1: Make the Limoncello Syrup. In a small saucepan, you’ll combine and heat the syrup ingredients, according to the instructions in the recipe card down below. Once combined, set the limoncello syrup aside to cool to room temperature.
STEP 2: Make The Creamy Mascarpone Lemon Filling. In a bowl of a stand mixer, whip the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add the lemon curd and mix until combined. Finally, mix in the limoncello and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
STEP 3: Make The Homemade Whipped Cream. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, add the heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar and mix until stiff peaks form.
STEP 4: Fold In The Whipped Cream. Add half of the whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture and gently fold it in. Repeat until all of the whip cream and mascarpone are mixed together.
STEP 5: Assemble The Lemon Tiramisu. Take one lady-finger cookie at a time and dip it into the cooled lemon syrup for about 2 seconds. Lay the ladyfingers in a baking dish and squeeze them together for a tight fit. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers. Repeat the steps above for the second layer. Depending on the size of your pan, you may be able to add a third layer. Cover and let refrigerate for 8-10 hours or overnight.
STEP 6: Make The Homemade Whipped Cream Topping. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar and mix until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the top of the chilled tiramisu. Garnish with lemon zest (optional) before serving.

What is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a classic no-bake layered Italian dessert that in its original flavor profile is a coffee, rum, chocolate, and sweet and creamy mascarpone-filled dessert. The ladyfingers in the traditional recipe are soaked in a mixture of espresso coffee, rum, and sugar. They’re layered in a baking dish and topped with a whipped sweet mascarpone cheese, egg, and cream mixture. It’s refrigerated overnight and before serving, the top is garnished with a generous dusting of cocoa powder.

What Is Limoncello?

Limoncello is a flavored Italian dessert liqueur made with lemon peels that have been steeped in grain alcohol before being combined with simple syrup. The result is a sweet lemon-flavored sipping liqueur that can be enjoyed well-chilled on its own or combined with other mixed drinks, or used in desserts, sauces, and glazes.

How Do I Make This Tiramisu Alcohol-Free?

If you don’t want to use limoncello to flavor this dessert due to its alcohol content, just substitute it with lemon-flavored syrup. Here’s what I recommend.

Aren’t There Raw Eggs In Tiramisu?

In the classic Italian tiramisu recipe, yes, there are raw eggs. Good news! In this lemon version, there are no eggs at all in the recipe, so no worries!

What Size Pan Do I Use?

I typically use either a 9×13, an 8×12, or a 9×9 size baking dish for this recipe. If you use anything smaller or more compact, you may need to assemble an additional layer to use up all the ingredients.

Topping Ideas

While this recipe calls for a layer of whipped cream on top, which I add after the Lemon Tiramisu has been fully chilled and just before serving, you can also get more decorative with it, if you wish. Here are two great ideas:

• You can pipe on additional sweetened mascarpone cream around the edges of the whipped cream topping for a pretty bordered look and garnish with lemon zest.
• You can add the layer of whipped cream and then add a smooth topping of lemon curd for a bright lemony look.

Storage

Any leftovers should be covered and refrigerated. Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days.

More Lemon Desserts

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Lemon Sweet Rolls
CopyCat Starbucks Mini Lemon Loaves
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Best Lemon Meringue Pie
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20 Delectable Lemon Desserts

Nettie is a wife and mother who is passionate about cooking and baking. With 5 children, Nettie insists that all meals, snacks, and desserts come together quickly! You will find a wide variety of easy yet scrumptious recipes on her viral website Moore or Less Cooking

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