Lemon tiramisu is a delightful citrus twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian favorite. Instead of espresso, this version features fresh lemon curd, limoncello-soaked ladyfingers, and a creamy mascarpone filling infused with lemon zest and juice. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s ideal for spring and summer gatherings—or anytime you’re craving a sweet, tangy treat.
Looking for inspiration? Try our white chocolate raspberry tiramisu for another fruity twist on a classic.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Tiramisu
- Lemon Explosion: Every bite bursts with fresh citrus flavor.
- Creamy Layers: The mascarpone and whipped cream blend into a silky, cloud-like texture.
- Easy & No-Bake: No need to turn on the oven—just chill and serve.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lemon Mascarpone Cream:
- 15.87 oz mascarpone cheese (room temp)
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- ½ cup lemon curd
- 4 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Dipping the Ladyfingers:
- 27 ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
- 1 cup lemon syrup
- ¼ cup limoncello
For the Lemon Curd:
- â…“ cup lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 whole egg + 3 egg yolks
How to Make Lemon Tiramisu
Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd
- In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and yolks.
- Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly.
- Once thickened (5-7 minutes), strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Let it cool for 20-30 minutes with plastic wrap touching the surface.
Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon curd, vanilla, and sugar until medium peaks form.
- Add room-temperature mascarpone and beat on low until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Dip each ladyfinger into a mix of lemon syrup and limoncello for 1-2 seconds.
- Place a layer of dipped ladyfingers in a 10.5×7.5-inch pan.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream on top.
- Add 4 tablespoons of lemon curd and smooth it out.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and lemon curd.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Smooth additional lemon curd over the top before serving.
Check out our lemon truffles if you want more lemon dessert ideas.
Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Tiramisu
- Room-Temp Mascarpone: Ensures smooth mixing without lumps.
- Don’t Overwhip: Stop beating when soft peaks form to avoid a grainy texture.
- Fresh Lemons Only: For both zest and juice, avoid bottled lemon juice.
- Quick Dip: Only dip ladyfingers for 1–2 seconds to avoid sogginess.
- Chill Well: The longer it chills, the better the flavor and slice structure.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance.
- Fridge: Store for 3 days tightly covered.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute Option |
|---|---|
| Mascarpone | Cream cheese (though texture will differ) |
| Homemade curd | Store-bought lemon curd |
| Limoncello | Lemon syrup with a dash of vodka or omit |
| Ladyfingers | Gluten-free variety for a GF option |
Flavor Variations
- Berry Boost: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries between layers.
- Orange Tiramisu: Swap lemon with orange zest and juice.
- Lemon Meringue Style: Add torched Swiss meringue on top.
Don’t miss our creamy lemon mousse—light, fluffy, and lemon-packed!
FAQs About Lemon Tiramisu
Does lemon tiramisu contain raw eggs?
No. The curd is cooked, and there are no raw eggs in the cream layer.
How do I prevent soggy ladyfingers?
Dip them briefly (1-2 seconds) and don’t oversoak.
Where can I find mascarpone?
Look in the cheese or deli section at your grocery store.
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, especially if you’re short on time. Just use a high-quality brand.
What makes this different from classic tiramisu?
No coffee or cocoa here—this version swaps in zesty, fruity flavors for a summer twist.
Conclusion
Lemon tiramisu is everything you love about the classic Italian dessert—but lighter, fresher, and more citrus-forward. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, a BBQ, or for the holidays, this no-bake masterpiece is guaranteed to impress.
Discover great ideas like our lemon-white chocolate truffles or light fluffy yogurt cloud cake to keep your dessert table fresh and exciting.