Okay, so picture this: you love tiramisu, right? That creamy, coffee-soaked goodness? But what if we gave it a little sunshine? That’s exactly what my go-to Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd does! It’s a total game-changer, taking that classic Italian comfort and giving it a bright, zesty twist that’s perfect for warmer weather or just when you need something truly refreshing.
I first whipped this up for a summer picnic, and honestly, it stole the show. People were SO surprised by the lemon factor, in the best way! It’s still got that amazing creamy texture you expect from tiramisu, but the tang of the lemon curd cuts through the richness beautifully. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd, you might just find yourself making it more often than the original!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd
So, why is *this* Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd the one you need in your life? Well, let me tell you!
- First off, it’s SO refreshing. That lemon brightens everything up and makes it feel light, even though it’s still wonderfully creamy.
- No oven needed! This is a total no-bake dream, which is perfect for hot days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the heat.
- It looks gorgeous! The layers are just so elegant, and it’s super easy to make it look fancy for guests.
- That combo of the creamy mascarpone and the tangy lemon curd? It’s pure magic.
Gather Your Ingredients for Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making this dreamy Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd starts with rounding up a few key things. We’re talking simple ingredients here, but using good quality stuff really makes a difference in the final taste, especially for that creamy base and vibrant lemon flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream
- 1 (8 ounce) package mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup lemon curd (use your favorite store-bought or homemade!)
- 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons limoncello (totally optional, but adds a lovely kick!)
- 1 (7 ounce) package ladyfinger cookies
- Fresh berries, for garnish (optional, but they look so pretty!)
- Lemon zest, for garnish (optional, for that extra burst of citrus!)
How to Make Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd
Okay, now for the fun part – actually putting this dreamy Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd together! It’s honestly pretty straightforward, even if you’re new to the no-bake dessert game. We’re going to build this beauty layer by layer, and each step is important for that perfect texture and flavor.
Preparing the Creamy Layers for Your Lemon Tiramisu
First things first, let’s get that luscious creamy filling ready. This is where the magic happens!
- Grab that cold heavy cream and pour it into a nice big bowl. Whip it up with an electric mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease!) until you get stiff peaks. You know, when you lift the beater, the cream stands up proudly? That’s what you want.
- In a separate bowl, take your mascarpone cheese (make sure it’s softened a bit at room temperature, it mixes way better!), confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
- Now, gently, GENTLY fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. You want to keep all that lovely air you just whipped in. Use a spatula and scoop from the bottom, folding it over the top. Don’t just stir it like crazy!
- Finally, spoon in your lemon curd. Now, here’s a little trick: don’t mix it in *completely*. Just give it a few gentle swirls. This leaves beautiful streaks of bright yellow lemon curd throughout the creamy white filling, and trust me, it looks and tastes amazing!
Assembling Your Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd
Layers, layers, layers! This is where your Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd starts to take shape.
- Get a shallow dish – a pie plate or something similar works great – and pour in your cooled espresso. If you’re using limoncello (and I highly recommend it!), add that in too and give it a little stir.
- Now for the ladyfingers. This is key: work quickly! Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture. You want it soaked, but not so soggy that it falls apart. Just a quick dunk on each side is usually enough. You’ll get the hang of it after the first few.
- Arrange a single layer of those dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish. Try to fit them in snugly.
- Scoop about half of your beautiful, swirled mascarpone and lemon curd mixture over the ladyfingers. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Repeat the process! Add another layer of quickly-dipped ladyfingers, and then spread the rest of that creamy goodness over the top.
Chilling and Finishing Your Lemon Tiramisu
Patience is a virtue, especially when making tiramisu!
- Once your layers are all set, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Honestly? Overnight is even better if you can wait! This chilling time lets the flavors meld together and the ladyfingers soften up perfectly.
- Right before you’re ready to serve your glorious Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd, add your garnishes. Fresh berries add a lovely pop of color and freshness, and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest just takes that citrus flavor over the top!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Alright, let’s chat about a few of the ingredients in this Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd. While the recipe is pretty forgiving, a couple of things can make a big difference, and there are always ways to tweak things to your liking!
Choosing the Right Lemon Curd
The lemon curd is obviously a star here! You can totally use your favorite store-bought brand – just pick one you really love the taste of. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious (and I sometimes am!), making your own lemon curd is surprisingly simple and gives you amazing control over the tanginess. Either way, make sure you have about half a cup ready to go.
Coffee and Limoncello Variations
For the coffee dip, I usually just brew a strong cup of espresso because that’s classic tiramisu territory. But if you don’t have an espresso maker, really strong brewed coffee works just fine! Just make sure it’s cooled down. And the limoncello? That’s purely optional, but it adds such a lovely, boozy lemon kick that complements everything perfectly. If you’re not into alcohol, just skip it! The tiramisu will still be amazing.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Tiramisu
Making this Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd is pretty simple, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me on these!
The first one is temperature. Make sure your mascarpone is softened a bit, but your heavy cream is *super* cold. This helps everything whip up and combine just right. Also, listen to me on the ladyfingers – a quick dip is all you need! Don’t leave them sitting in the coffee, or you’ll end up with a soggy mess instead of a beautiful, layered dessert. And finally, don’t rush the chill time! That’s when all those amazing flavors really come together and the texture gets perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Tiramisu
Okay, I know you might have a few questions buzzing around in your head as you get ready to make this delightful Lemon Tiramisu. That’s totally normal! Here are some common things people ask, and my best answers to help you out.
Can I Make Lemon Tiramisu Ahead of Time?
Oh, absolutely! This Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd is actually *better* made ahead of time. Like, way better. It needs that chilling time to really let the ladyfingers soften up and all those lovely lemon and creamy flavors meld together into something magical. Making it the day before you plan to serve it is ideal. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties!
How Long Does Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd Last?
If you cover it well and keep it in the fridge, your Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd should last for about 3-4 days. The texture might get a little softer over time, but the flavor usually stays great. Just make sure it’s sealed up tight so it doesn’t pick up any weird fridge smells!
What if I Don’t Have Limoncello?
No limoncello? No problem! The recipe works perfectly fine without it. The limoncello just adds a little extra citrusy boozy punch, which is nice, but not essential. You can simply use just the cooled espresso (or strong coffee) for dipping your ladyfingers. Or, if you want a non-alcoholic lemon boost, you could add a tiny splash of lemon juice to the coffee, but be careful not to add too much or it will be too sour!
Nutrition Information
Okay, so while we’re all about indulgence here, I know some of you like to have an idea of what’s in your treats! Here’s a rough look at the nutrition info for a single serving of this Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd. Keep in mind this is just an estimate, and it can totally change depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use (like your lemon curd or mascarpone!).
- Calories: About 450 per serving
- Sugar: Around 35g
- Sodium: Roughly 50mg
- Fat: About 32g
- Saturated Fat: Around 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: Roughly 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g (Phew!)
- Carbohydrates: About 30g
- Fiber: Around 1g
- Protein: Roughly 6g
- Cholesterol: About 100mg
Again, this is just a general idea! But hey, it’s dessert, right? Enjoy every single bright, creamy bite of your Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd!
Share Your Lemon Tiramisu Creation
Alright, you’ve made it! Your beautiful Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd is chilled and ready to be devoured. I would absolutely LOVE to see your creations! Did you add extra berries? Go wild with the lemon zest? Please, please, please leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out! Even better, if you can, share a picture and tag me on social media! And don’t forget to give the recipe a rating – it really helps other folks find this little ray of sunshine!
Print
Divine Lemon Tiramisu with Lemon Curd: 450 Cals
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing take on traditional tiramisu, featuring layers of lemon-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and tangy lemon curd.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream
- 1 (8 ounce) package mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup lemon curd
- 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons limoncello (optional)
- 1 (7 ounce) package ladyfinger cookies
- Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Gently fold in the lemon curd, leaving some streaks for a marbled effect.
- In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso and limoncello (if using).
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring it is soaked but not soggy.
- Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Garnish with fresh berries and lemon zest before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Do not oversoak the ladyfingers, or the tiramisu will be too wet.
- Adjust the amount of limoncello to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Lemon Tiramisu, Lemon Curd, Italian Dessert, No-Bake Dessert