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Delicious Limoncello Tiramisu Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Curd Layers

limoncello tiramisu - featured image

A refreshing twist on classic tiramisu featuring zesty lemon curd layers and a subtle limoncello coffee soak, perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Lemon Curd:
  • 3 large fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 g, softened)
  • 3 whole large eggs
  • 1 extra egg yolk
  • For the Mascarpone Cream:
  • 16 oz mascarpone cheese (450 g, full fat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml, cold)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Ladyfingers & Soak:
  • About 24 ladyfinger biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup limoncello liqueur (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee (60 ml, cooled)
  • For Garnish:
  • Fresh lemon zest
  • Optional: powdered sugar or light dusting of cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Curd (about 15 minutes): In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, eggs, egg yolk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Add softened butter cut into small pieces.
  2. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (8-10 minutes), coating the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  3. Strain lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve for a silky texture (optional). Cover with plastic wrap pressed on the surface and chill in refrigerator.
  4. Make the Mascarpone Cream (about 10 minutes): In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  5. Gently stir mascarpone in another bowl to loosen, then fold whipped cream into mascarpone until light and airy. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Prepare the Soaking Mixture: Combine cooled espresso with limoncello in a shallow dish.
  7. Assemble the Tiramisu (about 10-15 minutes): Quickly dip ladyfingers into limoncello-coffee mixture without soaking too long.
  8. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in dish. Spread half mascarpone cream over them. Add dollops of chilled lemon curd and gently swirl for marbled effect.
  9. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and lemon curd. Smooth or swirl the top as desired.
  10. Chill & Serve: Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. Before serving, sprinkle fresh lemon zest and optionally dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

Notes

Cook lemon curd over low heat and stir constantly to avoid curdling. Strain for smooth texture. Fold mascarpone and whipped cream gently to keep airy texture. Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess. Chill tiramisu overnight for best flavor and texture. Lemon curd mellows after chilling. Variations include berry compote, non-alcoholic soak, gluten-free ladyfingers, and dairy-free cream substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: limoncello tiramisu, lemon curd tiramisu, lemon dessert, easy tiramisu recipe, summer dessert, zesty tiramisu, lemon mascarpone dessert