Fresh Lemon Tiramisu (Printer-friendly)
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 - Combine water, sugar, and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and allow to cool completely before using.
02 - Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, gently whisk mascarpone with lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy.
03 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into cooled lemon syrup, ensuring just a brief dip to absorb liquid without becoming soggy. Arrange dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish.
04 - Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers, using a spatula to create a smooth, uniform surface.
05 - Create another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top surface evenly with a spatula.
06 - Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set properly.
07 - Just before serving, garnish top with thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The lemon cuts through the rich mascarpone so you never feel weighed down
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day on it
02 -
- Dip the ladyfingers quickly or they'll become soggy and your tiramisu will lose its structure
- Make sure the syrup is completely cool before dipping, otherwise the cream will separate and curdle
03 -
- Add a tablespoon of limoncello to the lemon syrup for an adult version that feels extra special
- Cut the ladyfingers in half crosswise if you prefer more layers with thinner filling between them