Lemon Tiramisu

Easy, creamy, fresh and delicious: this Lemon Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Recipe variations included to suit your taste!

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Why is this recipe so good

• This recipe is easy!
• It tastes divine! 
• You don't need fancy ingredients in order to make it.
• Kids can eat this Lemon Tiramisu as well as it doesn't contain coffee or alcohol (but you can add them if you want).
• You can prepare ahead the homemade Easy Lemon Curd, which will make the dessert even easier.
• Did I mention you can make variations of the recipe? Read on to find out how!

Recipe ingredients 

• Ladyfingers, a.k.a. Savoiardi cookies
• Mascarpone cheese: it is part of the classic Tiramisu, so nothing unusual here
• Whipped cream: helps make the mascarpone filling fluffier
• Homemade lemon curd: you can also use store bought, if you like it.
• Lemon juice
• Honey

Preparation

1. The first step is to prepare the Lemon Curd. 
2. Beat the mascarpone with the powdered sugar, shortly with the mixer at a low speed.
3. In a separate bowl whip the cream until fluffy.
4. Combine the two mixtures using a rubber spatula.
5. Prepare the lemonade for soaking (or use other soaking options: see below)
6. Soak the ladyfingers and arrange them into a large pan
7. Spread half of the mascarpone filling on top.
8. Spread evenly half of the lemon curd.
9. Continue with one more layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by mascarpone and lemon curd.
10. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let stay in the fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Variations

• Soaking the ladyfingers with lemonade is the safe option that everyone would love. But I challenge you to try something more adventurous like… coffee! Yes, lemon and coffee might not be a natural choice but you might be pleasantly surprised by the result. I recommend a not too strong coffee, so it wouldn't add too much bitterness to the tiramisu.
• Another option is to soak the ladyfingers in hot cocoa drink: with milk or without. In this case dissolve about 2 teaspoon of cacao powder (or instant hot chocolate) in about 1 ⅓ cup/ 300 ml of water or milk.
• My most preferred option that is also suitable for kids is orzo drink or similar coffee substitute. It is not too bitter and still makes a nice contrast with the lemon.
• Want to make a boozy Lemon Tiramisu? Add some limoncello or vodka to the lemonade.

Tips for success

• Soak the ladyfingers just for a second or so - don't leave them too long in the liquid. This will create a moist dessert that can be easily cut into pieces.
• Whip the cream just until creamy and fluffy, avoid overbeating it as it will become too thick. The purpose of the cream is to soften the mascarpone and make it easy to spread.
• Make sure your Lemon Tiramisu takes the required time to rest in the fridge, otherwise the ladyfingers won't soften enough.

I am sure you would love this amazing lemony dessert! It is easy, creamy, soft and moist and the citrus flavor is just irresistible!

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5 from 2 votes

Lemon Tiramisu

Easy, creamy, fresh and delicious: this Lemon Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Recipe variations included to suit your taste!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Resting time 6 hours hrs

Equipment

• Rectangular pan 18 x 9 in/ 33 x 23 cm or similar size
• Electric mixer

Servings: 12

Calories: 452kcal

Author: Daniela Lambova

Ingredients

• ▢ 17 oz/ 500 g mascarpone cheese
• ▢ ⅞ cup/ 200 ml whipping cream, cold
• ▢ ½ cup / 60 g powdered sugar
• ▢ 10,5 oz/ 300 g ladyfingers, (savoiardi) or 3 sheets
• ▢ 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1,5 batches Lemon Curd, see notes
• ▢ 1 lemon, only juice
• ▢ 1 ¼ cup/ 300 ml cup water
• ▢ 1 tablespoon honey or sugar to taste

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Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer beat the mascarpone with the vanilla extract, shortly at a low speed, until smooth.
• In a separate bowl whip the cream with the powdered sugar until fluffy but not too thick.
• Combine the two mixtures using a rubber spatula.
• Prepare the lemonade for soaking the ladyfingers: mix the lemon juice and the honey in a cup and then add the water. Mix until the honey is dissolved. Pour the lemonade into wide bowl.
• Dip one of the ladyfingers into the lemonade just for a second or so. Place it on the bottom of a 18 x 9 in/ 33 x 23 cm tin or similar size. Continue with the rest of the ladyfingers until covering the bottom of the tin.
• Spread half of the mascarpone filling on top and smooth it out.
• Spread evenly half of the lemon curd.
• Continue with one more layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by another layer of mascarpone and lemon curd on top.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap. Let the tiramisu stay in the fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Before serving decorate it with whipped cream (optional).

Notes

• Store this dessert covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
• Make the Lemon curd with 3 eggs, 3 lemons, 1 cup sugar and ¼ cup butter.
• To make this lemon tiramisu more like the Italian dessert, you can soak the ladyfingers in coffee, orzo drink (my favorite so far) or in hot cocoa. Or add a few tablespoon limoncello or vodka to the lemonade for a nice touch.
• Don't soak too much the ladyfingers to avoid making them soggy. But if you need more lemonade/ coffee for soaking, don't hesitate to prepare more.

Nutrition

Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 976IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 1mg

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