Easy Lemon Tiramisu Recipe: A Bright Twist on a Classic Dessert

Crafting a delightful lemon tiramisu brings a zesty twist to the classic Italian dessert that will make your taste buds dance.

Creamy mascarpone cheese blends seamlessly with bright citrus notes, creating a refreshing summer treat.

Layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in lemon syrup promise an elegant dessert experience.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance between tangy and sweet flavors that surprise and delight.

Rich yet light, this dessert breaks traditional tiramisu boundaries with its vibrant personality.

Delicate and sophisticated, the recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to wow guests at any gathering.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with this modern take on a beloved classic that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

What Goes Into James Martin Lemon Tiramisu

• Lemon: Fresh citrus fruit that provides bright, tangy flavor and aromatic zest for the dessert.

• Limoncello: Italian lemon liqueur that adds depth and enhances the lemon profile.

• Mascarpone Cheese: Soft Italian cream cheese that creates a rich and smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious richness and helps create a light, airy topping.
• Egg Yolks: Adds creamy consistency and helps stabilize the dessert.
• Egg Whites: Creates a light and fluffy texture when whipped.

• Sugar: Sweetens the dessert and balances the tangy lemon flavor.
• Ladyfingers: Light, dry sponge biscuits that absorb liquid and create layered structure.

• Vanilla: Adds warm, subtle sweetness and complements the lemon flavor.

How To Make James Martin Lemon Tiramisu Easily

Step 1: Prepare Lemon Zest and Juice

Grab your fresh lemons and carefully zest them using a microplane or fine grater. Squeeze out the juice from the same lemons into a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mascarpone Base

In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese with egg yolks and sugar. Stir in half of the lemon juice until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites to Perfection

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks. Gently fold these whipped whites into the mascarpone mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture.

Step 4: Prepare Ladyfinger Soaking Liquid

Mix the remaining lemon juice with limoncello in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this zesty liquid, ensuring they’re lightly coated but not soggy.

Step 5: Build Delightful Layers

• Dipped ladyfingers
• Mascarpone cream
• Lemon curd
• Sprinkle of lemon zest

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your ingredients.

Step 6: Top with Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. Spread this dreamy topping evenly across the final layer of the tiramisu.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly creamy.

Tips For Making James Martin Lemon Tiramisu Work

• Maximize Lemon Flavor: Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and authentic citrus taste, ensuring maximum zest and juice quality.
• Perfect Egg White Technique: Whip egg whites at room temperature for fluffier, more stable peaks that integrate smoothly into the mascarpone mixture.
• Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Dip biscuits quickly in the lemon-limoncello mixture to avoid oversaturation, maintaining their delicate texture.
• Chill for Best Results: Allow the tiramisu to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, letting flavors meld and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free sponge cake or almond flour biscuits for a celiac-friendly dessert.

Fresh Ideas For James Martin Lemon Tiramisu

• Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Replace ladyfingers with gluten-free sponge cake or almond flour biscuits for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Lemon Dream: Swap mascarpone with coconut cream, use aquafaba instead of egg whites, and replace egg yolks with silken tofu.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining bright lemon flavor.
• Tropical Remix: Add passion fruit puree to the mascarpone mixture and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an exotic Mediterranean-inspired dessert.

Best Pairings For James Martin Lemon Tiramisu

• Elevate Citrus Flavor: Pair this lemon tiramisu with a crisp Italian pinot grigio, whose light and zesty profile complements the dessert's bright lemon notes.
• Sparkling Refreshment: Serve with chilled prosecco, its bubbles and subtle sweetness beautifully balance the creamy mascarpone and tangy lemon essence.
• Herbal Harmony: Accompany the dessert with a lavender-infused tea, which adds a delicate floral undertone that enhances the lemon's vibrant character.
• Mediterranean Matchmaker: Enjoy alongside candied lemon peel or almond biscotti, creating a delightful textural contrast and intensifying the citrus experience.

Storing James Martin Lemon Tiramisu Without Trouble

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Stays good for 1-2 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Move from freezer to refrigerator 6-8 hours before serving, allowing slow and gentle defrosting to maintain creamy consistency.
• Always serve directly from the refrigerator to preserve the delicate texture and prevent mascarpone from becoming too soft.

FAQ Guide For James Martin Lemon Tiramisu

• What makes the lemon tiramisu different from traditional tiramisu?

This version replaces coffee with bright, citrusy lemon flavors, using limoncello and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert.

• Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the limoncello with lemon simple syrup or extra lemon juice to keep the citrus flavor while making it non-alcoholic.

• Is this dessert safe to eat with raw eggs?

Use pasteurized eggs or carefully temper the egg yolks to ensure food safety. If concerned, you can skip the egg component and use a stabilized whipped cream instead.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home baker?

It’s moderately easy, requiring basic mixing skills and careful folding techniques. Even intermediate home bakers can successfully create this elegant dessert with some attention to detail.

Why James Martin Lemon Tiramisu Is A Bright Treat

• Burst with Citrusy Freshness: This lemon tiramisu transforms the classic dessert with bright, tangy flavors that dance on your palate, offering a refreshing twist that feels like sunshine on a plate.
• Impress without Stress: Create a gourmet-level dessert using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making you look like a culinary pro without complicated techniques or professional training.
• Perfect for Celebration Moments: Whether it's a summer gathering, family dinner, or special occasion, this dessert brings elegance and excitement to the table, delighting guests with its sophisticated yet approachable charm.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows you to adjust sweetness, add extra lemon zest, or experiment with different liqueurs, making it a versatile treat for any taste preference.

Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky layers of lemon tiramisu invite summer’s sweet embrace with a zesty Italian-inspired dessert. Mascarpone cream and limoncello-soaked ladyfingers create a refreshing twist that melts deliciously on your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) mascarpone
• 3 eggs, separated
• 12 ladyfingers
• 4 lemons

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) limoncello
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons lemon curd

Sweeteners and Enhancers:

• 70 grams (2.5 ounces) sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Carefully extract aromatic zest and vibrant juice from fresh lemons.
2. Create a silky base by blending mascarpone cheese with rich egg yolks, delicate sugar, and half of the extracted lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
3. Whip egg whites into glossy, stiff peaks using a precise folding technique to maintain their airy structure, then gently incorporate into the mascarpone mixture.
4. Combine the remaining lemon juice with fragrant limoncello in a shallow dish, then swiftly dip ladyfingers to prevent oversaturation.
5. Construct elegant layers by alternating soaked ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone filling, generously sprinkling lemon zest between each tier.
6. Whip heavy cream with pure vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then spread evenly across the top of the dessert.
7. Refrigerate the tiramisu for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly. For optimal results, prepare the evening before serving.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels to suit personal taste preferences.
• For a lighter version, substitute full-fat mascarpone with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
• Make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free ladyfingers or almond flour sponge cake.
• Enhance the lemon flavor by adding extra zest or a splash of lemon extract for more intense citrus notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg