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A fork taking a bite out of lemoncello tiramisu with a slice on a white plate.

Lemon Tiramisu

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 452kcal
This lemon tiramisu is a bright, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer. Delicate ladyfingers soaked in limoncello syrup are layered with silky lemon curd and mascarpone cream, creating a refreshing, make-ahead treat that’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients

Lemon Curd

  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice from 2-3 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter cut into pieces

Lemon Syrup

  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice from 1-2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon limoncello optional

Mascarpone Cream

  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
  • cup (40 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 ounces (340 g) cold mascarpone cheese

Assembly

  • 24–30 ladyfinger cookies
  • White chocolate curls or shaved white chocolate optional

Instructions

To make lemon curd:

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and whole egg until smooth.
  • Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8–10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until fully melted and smooth.
  • Transfer the curd to a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate until completely chilled.

To make lemon syrup:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and limoncello, if using. Allow to cool completely.

To make mascarpone cream:

  • In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until medium peaks form.
  • In a separate bowl, gently loosen the mascarpone with a spatula, then fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in two additions until smooth and fluffy. Do not overmix.

To assemble:

  • Pour the cooled lemon syrup into a shallow bowl and quickly dip the ladyfingers in it, just enough to moisten without soaking.
  • Arrange them in a single layer in a 9×9-inch dish.
  • Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, followed by a thin, even layer of chilled lemon curd.
  • Add a second layer of ladyfingers dipped in syrup.
  • Then spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the top.
  • Finish with a slightly thicker layer of lemon curd, smoothing gently.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set.
  • Garnish with white chocolate curls, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage: 
- Store tented with plastic wrap and in the fridge for up to 4 days. It will get softer with time, so just know the texture can change.
- It's best not to freeze leftovers. 
- A great dessert to make ahead of time since it needs to chill to set. 

Nutrition

Calories: 452kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 30g
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 71mg
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