Easy Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Lemon Tiramisu is a bright and refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert. Combining creamy mascarpone with zesty lemon curd and soaked ladyfingers, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a light, citrusy treat.

Ingredients

• 20-24 Ladyfinger cookies (see notes)
• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 2-3 tbsp Lemon juice
• 2-3 pcs Lemon peels
• 3/4 cup Cream (30-35% fat)
• 1 lb Mascarpone cheese
• 3/4 cup Icing sugar
• 3/4 cup Lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp Lemon curd (for topping)
• Lemon slices (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare a non-metallic serving dish of your choice, such as a 6″x9″ casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Make the lemon syrup by combining water, granulated sugar, and lemon peels in a small saucepan.
3. Step 3: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers, cooking for about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the syrup from heat, let it cool, then whisk in the lemon juice and discard the lemon peels. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
5. Step 5: Whip the cream in a chilled bowl for 4–5 minutes until soft to medium peaks form.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese and icing sugar until smooth.
7. Step 7: Gently fold the whipped cream and lemon curd into the mascarpone mixture without overmixing.
8. Step 8: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemon syrup, one at a time, and arrange them in a single layer in your serving dish.
9. Step 9: Spread half of the mascarpone-lemon curd filling evenly over the soaked ladyfingers.
10. Step 10: Add another layer of lemon-syrup-soaked ladyfingers on top of the filling.
11. Step 11: Spread the remaining filling over the second layer of cookies.
12. Step 12: Optionally, drop small spoonfuls of lemon curd over the top and swirl gently for decoration.
13. Step 13: Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
14. Step 14: Before serving, decorate with lemon slices and enjoy this refreshing dessert.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper lemon flavor, use fresh lemon zest in the filling along with the lemon curd.
• Ensure the cream is well chilled before whipping to help it reach soft peaks more easily.
• You can substitute store-bought lemon curd with homemade for a fresher taste.
• Use a shallow dish for quicker layering and easier slicing when serving.

Storage

Store the lemon tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills. To serve, remove from the fridge and let it sit for 5–10 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make lemon tiramisu without alcohol?

Yes, this recipe is naturally alcohol-free, using lemon syrup instead of traditional coffee and liqueur, making it suitable for all ages.

What can I substitute for ladyfinger cookies?

If ladyfingers are not available, you can use sponge cake or pound cake cut into strips and soaked briefly in the lemon syrup.

Easy Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

This Easy Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing citrus twist on the classic Italian dessert. Combining layers of lemon syrup-soaked ladyfinger cookies with a creamy mascarpone and lemon curd filling, this no-bake tiramisu delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Ideal for summertime gatherings or a light dessert, it requires minimal prep and refrigeration time to meld all the zesty flavors beautifully.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lemon Syrup

• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 2–3 pcs Lemon peels
• 2–3 tbsp Lemon juice

Filling

• 3/4 cup Cream (30-35% fat)
• 1 lb Mascarpone cheese
• 3/4 cup Icing sugar
• 3/4 cup Lemon curd (Homemade or store-bought)

Assembly

• 20–24 Ladyfinger cookies
• 2 tbsp Lemon curd (for topping, optional)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Serving Dish: Choose a non-metallic serving dish such as a 6″x9″ casserole dish or any preferred shape and have it ready for assembling the tiramisu.
2. Make Lemon Syrup: Combine water, granulated sugar, and lemon peels in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes to infuse the syrup with lemon flavor.
3. Finish Lemon Syrup: Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool. Whisk in fresh lemon juice, remove the lemon peels, and transfer the syrup to a bowl. Set aside for dipping the ladyfingers.
4. Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cream for 4-5 minutes until soft to medium peaks form. This will add lightness to the filling.
5. Mix Mascarpone Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream and lemon curd, being careful not to overmix to maintain the airy texture.
6. Assemble First Layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemon syrup one at a time, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the serving dish.
7. Add Filling Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone-lemon curd mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
8. Assemble Second Layer: Repeat the process by dipping the remaining ladyfingers in lemon syrup and layering them on top of the filling.
9. Top with Remaining Filling: Spread the rest of the mascarpone-lemon curd mixture on the second ladyfinger layer.
10. Optional Lemon Curd Swirls: Drop small spoonfuls of lemon curd over the top layer of filling and swirl gently with a spoon to create decorative patterns.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
12. Serve: Garnish with fresh lemon slices before serving. Enjoy your refreshing lemon tiramisu!

Notes

• Use eggless ladyfinger cookies to keep the dessert egg-free.
• Ensure the cream is well chilled before whipping for best results.
• Do not over-soak the ladyfingers to avoid a soggy texture.
• Homemade lemon curd can be used if preferred for a fresher flavor.
• This dessert tastes best after resting overnight, which allows the flavors to develop fully.

Keywords: lemon tiramisu, easy dessert, lemon curd tiramisu, no-bake tiramisu, eggless tiramisu, Italian dessert, citrus tiramisu