Zesty Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd Recipe: Bright & Tangy Joy

Creamy lemon tiramisu with a zesty twist surprises even seasoned dessert enthusiasts.

Mascarpone cheese blends beautifully with bright citrus notes.

Sweet-tart layers promise a refreshing escape from traditional chocolate versions.

Silky lemon curd adds luxurious depth to each delectable bite.

Simple ingredients come together in a quick, elegant dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.

Delightful textures and vibrant flavors make you crave another slice immediately.

You’ll want to savor every incredible spoonful of this Mediterranean-inspired treat.

What’s So Lovely About Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd

• Skillfully Crafted Technique: A meticulous recipe that requires precision in separating eggs, whisking, and folding, making it perfect for bakers who love detailed culinary processes.
• Burst of Citrus Delight: Infused with fresh lemon zest and limoncello, this dessert offers a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that dances on your taste buds and brightens any gathering.
• Luxurious Layered Experience: Alternating strata of soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone create a sophisticated dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes, ideal for impressing dinner guests or special celebrations.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate, making it a stress-free dessert for parties, summer get-togethers, or elegant dinner events where advanced preparation is key.

Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd Ingredients List

• Egg Yolks: The rich golden base that provides creamy texture and luxurious depth to the dessert.
• Mascarpone Cheese: A smooth Italian cream cheese that creates a velvety and indulgent foundation.
• Egg Whites: Light and airy component that adds volume and delicate structure to the dessert.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a cloud-like texture that enhances the overall lightness.

• Limoncello, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that infuse the dessert with vibrant, zesty notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to complement the lemon flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweet components that balance and refine the dessert's flavor profile.
• Gelatin Powder: Helps stabilize the texture and ensures a smooth, consistent set.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor complexity.

• Ladyfinger Cookies: Delicate sponge cookies that provide structure and absorb the citrus-infused liquid.

• Lemon Zest, Powdered Sugar: Decorative elements that add visual appeal and extra burst of citrus flavor.

How To Make Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd Step By Step

Step 1: Separate Egg Components

Carefully divide egg yolks and whites into separate clean mixing bowls. Ensure no yellow yolk contamination occurs in the white portion.

Step 2: Create Smooth Yolk Base

Vigorously whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy texture with silky smoothness.

Step 3: Blend Mascarpone

Gently fold mascarpone cheese into the yolk mixture, maintaining a light and airy consistency during incorporation.

Step 4: Activate Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin powder over limoncello, allowing it to bloom and activate for proper dessert stabilization.

Step 5: Prepare Citrus Elements

Zest and juice fresh lemons, extracting maximum citrus flavor while avoiding bitter white pith.

Step 6: Whip Cream

Whip heavy cream to stiff, standing peaks. Midway through whipping, add vanilla extract for enhanced aromatic complexity.

Step 7: Combine Cream Mixture

Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a light and fluffy texture that maintains structural integrity.

Step 8: Prepare Egg White Meringue

Beat egg whites with powdered sugar and salt until glossy, stiff peaks form that hold their shape perfectly.

Step 9: Incorporate Egg Whites

Delicately fold beaten egg whites into the mascarpone cream using sweeping motions to preserve volume and airiness.

Step 10: Soak Ladyfingers

• Lemon juice
• Limoncello

Ensure brief submersion to prevent excessive moisture absorption.

Step 11: Layer Dessert

• Soaked ladyfingers
• Lemon curd
• Mascarpone cream

Step 12: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm completely.

Step 13: Final Presentation

• Fresh lemon zest
• Light dusting of powdered sugar

Serve chilled for an elegant dessert experience.

Quick Tips For Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd

• Precision Egg Separation: Use a clean, dry bowl and separate eggs when cold for cleaner division between yolks and whites.
• Sugar Whisking Technique: Beat egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and forms ribbons when lifted.
• Smooth Cheese Integration: Add mascarpone gradually and fold gently to maintain the mixture's airy, delicate texture.
• Gelatin Activation Trick: Sprinkle gelatin over limoncello at room temperature and let sit for 5 minutes to ensure complete dissolution.
• Cream Whipping Pro Tip: Chill the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff, stable peaks faster.

New Twists On Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd

• Gluten-Free Lemon Delight: Replace traditional ladyfingers with almond flour-based cookies or gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Dream: Substitute mascarpone with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream, and replace eggs with aquafaba or silken tofu for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Treat: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the dessert's bright flavor profile.
• Alcohol-Free Sunshine: Eliminate limoncello and replace with additional lemon juice mixed with simple syrup, creating a family-friendly dessert option.

Good Pairings For Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd

• Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, zesty Prosecco or Moscato d'Asti to complement the dessert's citrusy and creamy profile, enhancing the lemon and mascarpone notes.
• Citrus Cocktail Companion: Mix a limoncello spritz with sparkling water and fresh mint, mirroring the dessert's lemony essence while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Dessert Sidekick: Serve alongside almond biscotti or light lemon shortbread cookies, creating textural contrast and amplifying the citrus undertones of the tiramisu.
• Palate Cleanser: Prepare a small scoop of lemon sorbet as an accompaniment, offering a bright, cool interlude between each decadent bite of the creamy dessert.

Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd Storage Tips

• Transfer leftover tiramisu to an airtight container with a secure lid, ensuring no other strong-smelling foods contaminate its delicate flavor profile. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks without compromising taste or texture.
• Move frozen tiramisu to refrigerator 4-6 hours before serving, allowing gradual defrosting that maintains creamy consistency and prevents moisture separation.
• Best enjoyed chilled; avoid microwave or oven reheating as it will destroy the delicate mascarpone cream's smooth texture and cause potential ingredient separation.

FAQs For Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd

• Why is precise egg separation crucial?

Keeping egg yolks completely separate from whites ensures perfect texture and prevents potential deflation during whipping, which could compromise the dessert’s light, airy consistency.

• How does gelatin impact the tiramisu?

Gelatin acts as a stabilizer, helping the mascarpone cream maintain its structure and providing a smoother, more consistent texture without compromising the delicate flavor profile.

• Why use limoncello in this recipe?

Limoncello adds authentic Italian citrus complexity, enhancing the lemon flavor while introducing a subtle alcoholic depth that complements the mascarpone’s richness.

• What makes the egg white technique important?

Carefully beating egg whites to glossy, stiff peaks creates volume and lightness, ensuring the tiramisu remains fluffy and maintains its delicate, cloud-like texture when folded into the cream mixture.

Lemon Tiramisu With Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Lemon Tiramisu blends Italian classic with citrus charm, offering a refreshing twist on traditional dessert. Creamy mascarpone, tangy lemon curd, and delicate ladyfingers create a light, irresistible treat you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g mascarpone cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 packages ladyfinger cookies

Lemon Components:

• 4 lemons (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup lemon curd
• 2 tbsp limoncello liqueur

Stabilizing/Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 packet gelatin powder

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Instructions

1. Meticulously separate egg yolks and whites into distinct mixing bowls, ensuring no yellow infiltrates the white component.
2. Whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy consistency, creating a silky foundation.
3. Incorporate mascarpone cheese into the yolk mixture, blending smoothly with gentle folding motions to maintain airiness.
4. Sprinkle gelatin powder over limoncello, allowing it to bloom and activate for precise stabilization of the dessert’s texture.
5. Zest and juice lemons, carefully extracting maximum citrus essence without introducing bitter pith elements.
6. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, introducing vanilla extract midway through the whipping process for enhanced aromatic depth.
7. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture, creating a light, cloud-like texture that maintains structural integrity.
8. Separately beat egg whites with powdered sugar and salt until they form pristine, glossy peaks that hold their shape definitively.
9. Delicately integrate beaten egg whites into the mascarpone cream, using a sweeping motion to preserve voluminous structure.
10. Briefly dip ladyfinger cookies into lemon juice and limoncello mixture, ensuring quick submersion to prevent sogginess.
11. Layer soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish, creating alternating strata with lemon curd and mascarpone cream.
12. Refrigerate the tiramisu for minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
13. Before serving, dust the top with additional lemon zest and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Carefully separate egg components to prevent contamination, which could compromise the meringue’s stability and volume.
• Whisking egg yolks and sugar thoroughly creates a smooth, pale base that ensures a silky, light texture in the final dessert.
• Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor and optimal zesting without bitter undertones.
• Quickly dip ladyfingers to prevent over-soaking, maintaining their delicate structure and preventing a soggy dessert base.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg