Indulge in the perfect harmony of zesty citrus and creamy indulgence with our homemade lemon tiramisu recipe. Bursting with vibrant lemon flavors delicately layered between velvety mascarpone and ladyfinger biscuits soaked in a sugar lemon juice bath. This dessert is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian favorite.
Whether you’re planning a sweet ending for a summer soirée or an afternoon treat to serve with coffee and tea, our step-by-step guide will ensure you master this crowd-pleasing dessert with ease. Bright, zippy and perfect for parties, lemony tiramisu promises to impress guests with every delectable bite.
Ingredients for Lemon Tiramisu
- Mascarpone cheese: You can’t have tiramisu without mascarpone cheese, the key to this dessert’s most luscious whipped filling.
- Cream cheese: For a more complex flavor, you’ll also need softened cream cheese and mascarpone cheese.
- Instant lemon pudding mix: The secret sauce for this lemony tiramisu. No one will ever know it came from a boxed mix.
- Milk: Milk helps bind the mascarpone mixture together and keeps it from being too thick.
- Lemon extract: To further enhance the lemon notes in this dish. A little goes a long way here.
- Lemons: You’ll also need lemon juice to soak the ladyfingers and the zest to top the tiramisu.Â
- Sugar: Sugar is whisked into lemon juice for a sweet bath that prevents the ladyfingers from drying once you soak them.
- Ladyfinger cookies: These spongey cake-like cookies are essential for layering the Italian tiramisu.
Directions
Step 1: Make the mascarpone mixture
Using a handheld mixer, beat the first five ingredients on medium speed until well blended, for two to three minutes. Be careful not to overbeat though.
Step 2: Soak the ladyfingers
Next, whisk the lemon juice and sugar together in a shallow bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Quickly dip eight ladyfingers into the juice mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
Step 3: Layer the tiramisu
Place the ladyfingers in a single layer on the bottom of an 8 inch square dish then spread a third of the mascarpone mixture over the top. Repeat the same layers twice.
Step 4: Refrigerate the tiramisu
Finally, sprinkle the tiramisu with lemon zest and place it in the refrigerator, covered, for at least two hours before serving.
Lemon Tiramisu Variations
- Switch up the cookies: If you can’t find ladyfingers at your local store, use Vanilla Wafers or Twinkies cut in half lengthwise in place of the ladyfingers.
- Try a topping: Frozen whipped topping, sweetened whipped cream or a mix of fresh berries would all be delicious on top of this tiramisu.
- Add limoncello: The sweet Italian lemon liqueur can be added to the mascarpone mixture for a spirited kick or made into limoncello syrup to soak the ladyfingers.
How to Store Lemon Tiramisu
This decadent dessert is too good to let one slice go to waste. Cover the leftovers with plastic wrap or tinfoil to store in the fridge until you’re ready for another bite. Alternatively, you could transfer individual portions of the tiramisu to sealed airtight containers to have on hand for grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
How long does lemon tiramisu last?
Homemade lemon tiramisu is really at its prime one to two days after you make it. Although it will still be safe to eat within three to four days, the texture starts to break down and can become curdled or separated.
Can you freeze lemon tiramisu?
You can, but it’s not really the same once it thaws. If you do decide to freeze leftovers, we suggest storing larger batches in the freezer rather than individual portions so the dessert stays intact better.
Lemon Tiramisu Tips
What if I can’t find instant lemon pudding mix?
Make your own lemon curd or lemon pudding. Both work just as great and taste even more homemade than the instant mix.
How do I make this dessert more lemony?
Use less milk and add more fresh lemon juice if you plan on making this dessert for a family of lemon lovers.
How do I keep the pudding from setting too quickly?
Try adding a little extra milk to the pudding so it doesn’t set as quickly.
