Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the silky mascarpone in the bowl, the invigorating aroma of fresh lemons filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a sunlit Italian café. That’s the magic of this Lemon Tiramisu! With its creamy layers and refreshing citrus twist, this no-bake Italian dessert shines brighter than traditional tiramisu—making it the perfect treat for warm-weather gatherings or an enchanting Easter brunch. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress, but its make-ahead convenience frees up your time when entertaining. So, ready to elevate your dessert game with this zesty delight? Let’s dive into the details of this luscious Lemon Tiramisu! Why is Lemon Tiramisu a Must-Try? Refreshing and light: This no-bake dessert is the ultimate treat for sunny days, offering a vibrant burst of lemon that awakens the senses. Simplicity is key: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time. Versatile flavors: Feel free to tailor it to your taste by adding fresh berries or trying out different citrus variants! Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: This Lemon Tiramisu will impress guests at any gathering, making it a favorite for celebrations like Easter. Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it a day in advance for the best flavor and texture, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event. This dessert is bound to shine just like your gatherings! Lemon Tiramisu Ingredients For the Lemon Syrup • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Provides the essential tangy flavor; use freshly squeezed for the best taste. • Water – Used to dissolve the sugar in the syrup for a smooth consistency. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the lemon syrup; ensure it is fully dissolved during preparation. For the Cream Layer • Heavy Whipping Cream – Adds richness and volume to the mascarpone cream; chill it well for best results. • Mascarpone Cheese – The main component for the creamy layer; bring it to room temperature for easy mixing. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the mascarpone mixture; it incorporates more smoothly than granulated sugar. • Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor of the mascarpone cream. • Lemon Zest – Enhances the lemon flavor in the cream; make sure to use zest from unwaxed lemons. For Assembly • Ladyfinger Cookies (Savoiardi) – Provides structure and absorbs the lemon syrup; dip briefly to prevent sogginess. • Extra Lemon Zest or Candied Lemon Slices – For garnish; adds visual appeal and a burst of flavor. Unlock the joy of making this delightful Lemon Tiramisu and impress your friends and family with its refreshing taste! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Tiramisu Step 1: Make the Lemon Syrup In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Once the mixture starts to steam but not boil, remove from heat and let it cool completely, about 30 minutes. This refreshing lemon syrup will infuse the ladyfingers with vibrant flavor, ensuring your Lemon Tiramisu is perfectly tangy. Step 2: Prepare Mascarpone Cream In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, which should take about 3–5 minutes. In another bowl, beat the room-temperature mascarpone cheese with lemon zest and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, ensuring you maintain the airy texture desirable in your Lemon Tiramisu. Step 3: Assemble Tiramisu For assembly, grab a 9×9-inch dish or a trifle bowl. Briefly dip each ladyfinger in the cooled lemon syrup, ensuring only a quick soak to prevent sogginess. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your dish, then spread half of the mascarpone cream over them. Repeat the process with another layer of ladyfingers followed by the remaining cream, creating a luscious Lemon Tiramisu. Step 4: Chill Cover your completed Lemon Tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set into a creamy, dreamy delight. The longer it chills, the better the taste and texture will be! Step 5: Serve and Garnish Before serving, remove the Lemon Tiramisu from the refrigerator and garnish with extra lemon zest, fresh mint leaves, or candied lemon slices for a touch of elegance. Slice into squares or scoop into bowls, showcasing the beautiful layers of buttery ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. Your refreshing Lemon Tiramisu is now ready to impress your family and friends! Expert Tips for Lemon Tiramisu • Chill Time Matters: A longer chilling time, preferably overnight, enhances the flavors of the Lemon Tiramisu, making it even more delicious. • Dip with Care: Dip ladyfingers briefly in the lemon syrup. Too long, and they’ll become soggy—aim for a quick submersion. • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. It makes a world of difference in the brightness of your Lemon Tiramisu. • Right Measurements: When incorporating sugar, ensure you dissolve it completely in the lemon syrup to avoid graininess in your dessert. • Garnishing Tips: For an extra zesty flair, garnish with additional lemon zest or colorful candied lemon slices for an inviting presentation! Lemon Tiramisu Variations & Substitutions Customize your Lemon Tiramisu with these delightful twists and substitutions that cater to your taste buds! Cream Cheese Swap: Substitute mascarpone with a cream cheese and heavy cream mixture for a tangier flavor. Citrus Variations: Try using orange or lime juice instead of lemon for a refreshing change. Each citrus brings its own unique zing and character to the dessert. Berry Delight: Add a layer of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, between the cream layers for a pop of color and sweetness. The vibrant fruits will contrast beautifully with the creamy texture. Limoncello Kick: Incorporate a splash of Limoncello into the lemon syrup for an extra zing that enhances the Italian flair of your dessert. Dairy-Free Option: Use a coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt blend instead of mascarpone for a creamy and tropical twist. This variation is perfect for those avoiding dairy. Nutty Crunch: Crush some toasted almonds or pistachios and sprinkle them between the layers for a delightful crunch that adds textural contrast. Herbal Infusion: Add a hint of fresh basil or mint to your lemon syrup for an aromatic twist that invigorates the palate. This surprising herb addition can elevate the entire dish! And if you’re loving the lemony theme, consider making some refreshing treats like our Zucchini Bread Lemon or perhaps a batch of Cinnamon Rolls Lemon to share with friends! Make Ahead Options These Lemon Tiramisu are perfect for busy cooks who appreciate the art of meal prep! You can prepare the lemon syrup and mascarpone cream up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The ladyfingers can be dipped in the lemon syrup right before assembly to maintain their delightful texture. Once assembled, the Lemon Tiramisu should chill for at least 4-6 hours, but allowing it to sit overnight enhances its flavor even more. Just remember to garnish with fresh lemon zest or mint leaves right before serving for a burst of freshness. Enjoy this time-saving strategy that allows you to impress without the last-minute rush! What to Serve with Lemon Tiramisu? As you prepare to delight your guests with this zesty dessert, consider these delightful pairings that enhance the refreshing flavors of your Lemon Tiramisu. Crispy Biscotti: Perfect for dipping, these crunchy cookies add a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the tanginess beautifully. Fruity Sorbet: A lemon or raspberry sorbet offers a refreshing burst of flavor, cleansing the palate between bites of creamy dessert. Fresh Berries Salad: Mixed berries bring a bright, juicy contrast, adding freshness that aligns perfectly with the citrus notes of the tiramisu. Whipped Cream with Mint: Lightly sweetened whipped cream topped with fresh mint creates a creamy, aromatic companion that enhances each bite. Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of Prosecco or other sparkling wine elevates the experience with its lightness and bubbly character. Herbal Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced mint or lemon verbena tea pairs perfectly, ensuring a delightful, thirst-quenching finish to your meal. Dark Chocolate Shavings: Adding a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings on top provides a rich, bittersweet balance to the lemon’s brightness. Candied Lemon Slices: For an elegant touch, garnishing with candied lemon slices brings an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal to your dessert presentation. These pairings will elevate your Lemon Tiramisu, turning your dessert into a beautifully composed dish for any gathering! How to Store and Freeze Lemon Tiramisu Fridge: Store your Lemon Tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and bright flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, tightly wrap the Lemon Tiramisu and freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best taste. Reheating: Serve chilled without reheating, as this dessert is best enjoyed cold. Simply remove from the fridge and garnish before serving. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the Lemon Tiramisu a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste! Lemon Tiramisu Recipe FAQs What type of lemons should I use for the best Lemon Tiramisu? Absolutely! Always opt for fresh, unwaxed lemons when making your Lemon Tiramisu. The zest and juice from unwaxed lemons deliver a more vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall citrusy goodness of your dessert. How long can I store Lemon Tiramisu in the refrigerator? Your Lemon Tiramisu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain its luscious, creamy texture while ensuring the refreshing lemon flavor remains intact. Can I freeze Lemon Tiramisu? Very! You can freeze your Lemon Tiramisu for up to 1 month. To do so, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for optimal taste and texture. What if my ladyfingers become too soggy? Soggy ladyfingers can be a common challenge! To prevent this, dip the ladyfingers in the cooled lemon syrup only briefly—just a second or two. This quick dip will allow them to absorb flavor without becoming overly soggy, maintaining their structure for that delightful bite! Is Lemon Tiramisu safe for people with dairy allergies? If you or your guests have dairy allergies, I recommend avoiding this Lemon Tiramisu, as it contains mascarpone cheese and heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, you could experiment with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese as substitutes, but the taste and texture might differ from the original recipe. Can I add other ingredients to my Lemon Tiramisu? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You might consider adding a splash of Limoncello to the lemon syrup for an extra kick or layering in fresh berries for added sweetness and color between the cream layers. Adapt the recipe to suit your taste—there are no wrong choices in cooking! Zesty Lemon Tiramisu: A Refreshing No-Bake Delight This Lemon Tiramisu is a no-bake Italian dessert that combines creamy layers with a refreshing citrus twist, perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChill Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: ItalianCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Lemon Syrup1 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice Use freshly squeezed for the best taste.1 cup Water Used to dissolve the sugar in the syrup.1 cup Granulated Sugar Ensure it is fully dissolved.For the Cream Layer1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Chill well for best results.8 oz Mascarpone Cheese Bring to room temperature for easy mixing.1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Incorporates more smoothly.1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract Adds depth to flavor.1 tbsp Lemon Zest Use zest from unwaxed lemons.For Assembly24 pieces Ladyfinger Cookies (Savoiardi) Dip briefly to prevent sogginess.Extra Lemon Zest or Candied Lemon Slices For garnish. Equipment medium saucepanelectric mixerLarge bowl9x9-inch dish or trifle bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon TiramisuIn a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool completely, about 30 minutes.In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3–5 minutes. In another bowl, beat the room-temperature mascarpone cheese with lemon zest and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.Briefly dip each ladyfinger in the cooled lemon syrup and arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over them. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and remaining cream.Cover your completed Lemon Tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or ideally, overnight.Before serving, garnish with extra lemon zest or candied lemon slices. Slice into squares or scoop into bowls. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 120mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor the best flavor and texture, prepare the Lemon Tiramisu a day in advance. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 1 month. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
