Zesty Lemon Tiramisu Recipe: A Bright Twist on a Classic

Sun-drenched Italian summers whisper sweet memories of a classic tiramisu enhanced with bright lemon zest tiramisu that dances on your palate.

Tangy citrus meets creamy mascarpone in a delightful culinary twist.

The traditional dessert gets a refreshing upgrade with zesty lemon notes.

Delicate layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers intermingle with silky cream, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious escape to Mediterranean coastlines.

Soft, decadent, and surprisingly light, this dessert will become your new obsession.

Get ready to savor a slice of pure indulgence that breaks all dessert boundaries.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes into a Lemon Zest Tiramisu

• Eggs: Provide creamy richness and structure to the lemon curd, choose fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth texture.
• Sugar: Balances tartness and adds sweetness, opt for fine granulated sugar for even dissolution.
• Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, zesty flavor, select ripe, juicy lemons for maximum citrus punch.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma, use organic lemons to avoid wax and pesticides.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use fine sea salt for subtle depth.
• Butter: Creates silky, luxurious texture, select high-quality unsalted butter for pure taste.
• Vanilla: Adds subtle warmth and rounds out citrus notes, choose pure vanilla extract.

• Lemon Syrup Ingredients: Provides moisture and extra lemon flavor, ensures ladyfingers are perfectly saturated.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light, airy texture, select fresh, cold cream for best whipping.
• Mascarpone: Delivers rich, smooth consistency, choose high-quality Italian mascarpone.
• Ladyfingers: Provides delicate cake structure, select crisp, dry ladyfingers for ideal absorption.
• Mint Leaves: Offers fresh garnish and aromatic finish, choose vibrant, bright green leaves.
• Lemon Slices: Provides decorative and flavor accent, select uniform, thin slices.

Equipment Guide for Lemon Tiramisu Success

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for making lemon curd and lemon syrup with even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly mixing eggs, sugar, and creating silky lemon curd.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Ensures lemon curd is smooth and free of lumps.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Needed to whip cream to soft and stiff peaks.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining mascarpone cream ingredients.
• Small Saucepan: Used to prepare lemon syrup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Rectangular Serving Dish: For layering and chilling tiramisu.

How to Prepare Light & Zesty Lemon Tiramisu

• Lemon Curd Preparation

Craft a silky smooth lemon curd by gently whisking eggs and sugar in a saucepan until they transform into a glossy mixture. Introduce bright lemon juice, zesty bits, and a hint of salt. Cook slowly, stirring constantly, watching the mixture thicken into a luxurious sauce. Gradually incorporate butter, creating a velvety texture that clings beautifully to a spoon. Enhance with a splash of vanilla, then strain to ensure pure smoothness. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and settle.

• Lemon Syrup Creation

Blend sweet and tangy ingredients in a small pan, bringing them to a gentle boil until sugar dissolves completely. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, developing a harmonious flavor profile.

• Mascarpone Cream Magic

Whip cream into soft, billowy peaks. Gradually introduce sugar, transforming the cream into stiff, cloud-like texture. Fold in lemon curd and mascarpone until the mixture becomes impossibly smooth. Gently incorporate remaining cream, vanilla, and zesty notes.

• Elegant Layering

Delicately dip ladyfingers into the prepared lemon syrup. Arrange the first layer in your serving dish. Spread a generous portion of mascarpone cream, followed by a drizzle of lemon curd. Repeat the process, creating a stunning dessert landscape. Chill thoroughly to allow flavors to dance and mingle.

• Final Flourish

Before serving, garnish with delicate lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, transforming the dessert into a work of culinary art.

Tips & Layering Ideas for Lemon Zest Tiramisu

• Playful twists to elevate this classic dessert.
• Adjust lemon zest amount to match your flavor preference, ranging from subtle hint to bold citrus punch.
• Replace lemon syrup with limoncello or orange liqueur for a boozy adult version that adds sophisticated complexity.
• Prepare this dessert up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper, more harmonious taste profile.
• Experiment with different ladyfinger brands or swap with pound cake slices for varied texture and unique mouthfeel.

Serving Lemon Zest Tiramisu with Style

• Bright Brunch Centerpiece: Serve this lemon zest tiramisu as a stunning dessert at weekend gatherings, where its vibrant citrus notes will refresh and delight your guests.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Treat: Pair the dessert with light herbal tea or champagne, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that elevates any social occasion.
• Summer Dessert Sensation: Showcase this chilled dessert at outdoor parties, picnics, or poolside events where its cool, tangy flavor provides instant refreshment on hot days.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package individual portions in clear glass jars with decorative ribbons, making it a beautiful homemade gift for food-loving friends and family.

Lemon Tiramisu Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate and Savor
• Quickly Chill the Dessert: After assembling, place the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
• Store with Care: Keep the tiramisu covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preventing it from absorbing other food odors and maintaining its delicate texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil if you want to freeze it for up to 2 weeks, ensuring a delightful treat is always ready.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Remove the tiramisu from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly and enhance its creamy, lemony goodness.

Silky Lemon Zest Tiramisu Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon zest tiramisu delivers a refreshing Italian dessert twist with delicate mascarpone layers. Zesty citrus notes and espresso-soaked ladyfingers create a perfect balance of flavors you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (453 g) mascarpone cheese
• 25 ladyfinger cookies
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Candied lemon slices (optional)

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Instructions

1. Lemon Curd Creation: Whisk eggs and sugar in a saucepan until light and glossy, forming a smooth base for the vibrant dessert.
2. Flavor Infusion: Add lemon juice, zest, and salt to the egg mixture, gently cooking over medium-low heat while continuously whisking to prevent burning.
3. Thickening Process: Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture develops a rich, creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
4. Butter Emulsification: Gradually incorporate cold butter, whisking constantly to create a silky, luxurious texture.
5. Refinement: Strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve, then stir in vanilla extract and refrigerate for 2 hours to intensify flavors.
6. Lemon Syrup Preparation: Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan, boiling until sugar dissolves completely, then cool to room temperature.
7. Cream Preparation: Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, gradually adding sugar to create stiff, voluminous texture.
8. Mascarpone Cream Assembly: Blend lemon curd with mascarpone cheese until smooth, then gently fold in whipped cream, vanilla, and additional lemon zest.
9. Layering Foundation: Delicately dip ladyfingers in cooled lemon syrup and arrange the first layer in the serving dish.
10. Cream and Curd Layering: Spread mascarpone cream over soaked ladyfingers, dolloping lemon curd to create pockets of citrus intensity.
11. Final Assembly: Repeat layering process, building a visually stunning and flavor-packed dessert.
12. Chilling and Garnishing: Refrigerate for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld, then garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Constantly whisk egg mixture while cooking to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, silky lemon curd.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Add cold butter gradually to create a perfect emulsification and prevent separation in the lemon curd.
• Strain for Smoothness: Always pass lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits and achieve a luxurious texture.
• Soggy Ladyfinger Warning: Dip ladyfingers quickly in lemon syrup to avoid making them too wet, which can ruin the dessert’s structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg