Fresh Lemon Tiramisu (Printable Version)
Light and zesty Italian dessert with lemon-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone layers.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lemon Syrup
01 - 1 cup water
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - Zest of 2 lemons
04 - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
→ Mascarpone Mixture
05 - 16 oz mascarpone cheese, cold
06 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
07 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Assembly
10 - 24-30 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
11 - Thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and let cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, gently mix the mascarpone with lemon zest until smooth. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined and fluffy.
03 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup (do not soak; just a quick dip). Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish.
04 - Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and smooth with a spatula.
05 - Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint before serving, if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The bright lemon flavor cuts through the rich mascarpone in the most refreshing way
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it
02 -
- Dip ladyfingers quickly and don't let them sit in the syrup or they'll become soggy
- The mascarpone mixture should be used immediately after folding, as it can start to deflate
03 -
- Room temperature ladyfingers absorb the syrup more evenly than cold ones
- Grate extra lemon zest over the top after chilling for a fresh aromatic boost