Description
This classic Italian Tiramisu recipe offers a refreshing lemon twist with layers of mascarpone cream, lemon curd, and lady finger cookies soaked in Limoncello. Perfectly chilled overnight, this luscious dessert combines creamy, citrusy, and boozy flavors to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Lemons and Garnish
- 2 whole lemons (one for garnish and zest/juice)
Dairy and Cream
- 8 oz whipping cream
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, softened (or softened cream cheese)
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 6 tbsp Limoncello Lemon Liqueur
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 8 oz lemon curd
Base
- 7 oz lady finger cookies
Instructions
- Prepare Lemon Zest and Juice: Zest one whole lemon and set the zest aside. Then juice the zested lemon and keep the juice separate from the zest for later use.
- Mix Mascarpone and Whipping Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese for one minute. Add the whipping cream and continue mixing for an additional minute until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy.
- Add Lemon Flavor and Sugar: Incorporate lemon zest (about 1/2 tbsp packed), lemon juice (1 tbsp), and powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups) into the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to combine everything evenly.
- Layer Lady Fingers: Arrange half of the lady finger cookies in a single layer inside an 8″ x 11″ x 3″ casserole dish.
- Moisten Lady Fingers: Lightly moisten the lady fingers with 3 tablespoons of Limoncello. Alternatively, for a wetter texture, prepare a soaking liquid by combining 1/4 cup simple syrup and 1 tablespoon water with the Limoncello. Dip lady fingers in this mixture carefully to avoid sogginess. The dessert will absorb moisture from the cheese and lemon curd later.
- Add First Cheese Layer: Gently spread half of the cheese mixture over the moistened lady fingers, taking care not to disturb them.
- Spread Lemon Curd: Carefully spread the lemon curd evenly over the first cheese layer.
- Second Layer of Lady Fingers: Place the remaining lady fingers in a single layer on top of the lemon curd.
- Moisten Second Layer: Moisten this second layer of lady fingers with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Limoncello.
- Top with Remaining Cheese Mixture: Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the moistened lady fingers in an even layer.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the second lemon and arrange the slices decoratively on top of the dessert. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Be careful while dipping the lady fingers to avoid making them soggy; a light moistening is ideal.
- You can substitute cream cheese for mascarpone, but mascarpone provides a richer texture.
- Chilling the tiramisu overnight enhances flavor melding and texture setting.
- Adjust the amount of Limoncello depending on your preference for alcohol strength.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian