Lemon Tiramisu with Curd: A Zesty Twist on a Classic Dessert

Lemon Tiramisu with Curd

Experience the Brightness of Lemon Tiramisu with Curd

Imagine a tiramisu infused with the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh lemon and lemon curd. This dessert brings together traditional Italian flavors with a refreshing twist, creating a unique taste experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Our Lemon Tiramisu with Curd is a no-bake delight, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings when you want to avoid turning on the oven.

What Makes This Lemon Tiramisu Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out for several reasons:

• No-bake: Perfect for warm weather.
• Make-ahead: The dessert actually improves with time in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead option for entertaining.
• Simple Assembly: While the recipe has several components, each step is straightforward, and the assembly process is simple enough for even novice cooks to master.

By combining mascarpone and cream with the brightness of lemon curd and fresh lemon, this dessert offers a complex and delightful taste experience. The result is a refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Lemon Tiramisu with Curd

Before diving into the assembly of your tiramisu, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth assembly.

How to Make Tiramisu with Lemon Curd – A Bright Citrus Twist

Recipe by DaniaCourse: DessertCuisine: Italian

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

350

kcal

For the Lemon Syrup

• 🍋 Lemons (2–3) – for zest and juice

• 🍬 Sugar (1 cup) – balances the tartness

• 💧 Water (¼ cup) – helps form syrup consistency

• For the Mascarpone Cream

• 🧀 Mascarpone Cheese (1 cup) – rich, creamy base

• 🍋 Lemon Curd (½ cup) – adds vibrant citrus flavor

• 🥛 Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup) – whipped to stiff peaks for lightness

• For Assembly & Decoration

• 🍪 Ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits) – base soaked in lemon syrup

• 🍋 Extra Lemon Curd – for layering between mascarpone

• 🍋 Lemon Zest – garnish for added citrus aroma

• 🍫 White Chocolate Shavings (optional) – for decorative finish

• 🍓 Fresh Berries or 🌸 Edible Flowers (optional) – visual appeal

Directions

• Dip ladyfingers quickly in lemon syrup (don’t oversoak)
• Layer ladyfingers → mascarpone cream → lemon curd.
• Repeat until finished. End with mascarpone cream.
• Garnish with zest, white chocolate, berries, or flowers
• Refrigerate for a minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight.

For the Lemon Syrup

The lemon syrup is a crucial component that adds a bright citrus flavor to your tiramisu. You’ll need fresh lemons (for zest and juice), sugar, and water for this syrup.

For the Mascarpone Cream

The mascarpone cream is another vital layer in your tiramisu. To make it, you’ll need mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, and lemon curd. The mascarpone should be of high quality to achieve the right consistency and taste.

For the Assembly and Decoration

For assembling your tiramisu, you’ll need ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits), additional lemon curd for layering, and lemon zest for garnish. It’s crucial to use crisp ladyfingers, as they need to hold up to the soaking process. Optional decorative elements include white chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers. To assemble and serve your tiramisu properly, use a 9×13 inch dish. This size allows for adequate layering and easy serving.

Here’s a summary of the key ingredients and their roles:

Preparing the Lemon Syrup

The foundation of a great lemon tiramisu lies in its lemon syrup. This crucial component not only adds a citrusy twist but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

Creating the Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

To achieve the perfect balance, you need to harmonize the sweetness of the sugar with the tanginess of the lemon. Start by rubbing lemon zest with sugar to release the essential oils, then mix it with fresh lemon juice and water. This technique ensures a deep and rich flavor.

Tips for Maximum Lemon Flavor

For the best results, choose lemons that are heavy, fragrant, and have thin skins, as they tend to have more juice. Using organic lemons is ideal when zesting to avoid pesticide residue. Adjust the syrup’s sweetness or tartness by adding more lemon juice or sugar to taste.

Here’s a summary of the ingredients for the lemon syrup:

Making the Lemon Mascarpone Cream

With its creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor, the Lemon Mascarpone Cream is a key element in making your Lemon Tiramisu truly special. This crucial component requires a delicate balance of flavors and textures, and mastering it will elevate your dessert to new heights.

Whipping the Perfect Mascarpone Base

To start, you’ll need to whip the mascarpone mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This involves combining high-quality mascarpone cheese with a touch of sugar and a hint of lemon zest. The key is to whip it just until it reaches the desired consistency, being careful not to overmix.

Incorporating Lemon Curd

The next step is to incorporate the lemon curd into the mascarpone base. This step introduces the vibrant, citrusy notes that perfectly balance the creamy richness of the mascarpone. Gently fold the lemon curd into the mascarpone mixture until well combined, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Folding in Whipped Cream for Lightness

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks. Chilling the cream is essential, as the cold temperature helps achieve maximum volume and stable peaks. Once whipped, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula, taking care to maintain as much air as possible in the final cream mixture. This step is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture that makes tiramisu so delightful.

To test if the cream has been properly incorporated, lift some of the mixture with your spatula; it should hold its shape without collapsing. This indicates that you’ve successfully maintained the airy texture throughout the mixture.

Here’s a summary of the ingredients for the lemon mascarpone cream:

Assembling Your Lemon Tiramisu with Curd

Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble your Lemon Tiramisu. This process involves carefully layering the ingredients to create a visually appealing and delicious dessert.

Dipping the Ladyfingers

Begin by dipping the ladyfingers into the lemon syrup. Make sure they are coated but not too soggy. This step is crucial for infusing the ladyfingers with the citrus flavor. Tip: Dip the ladyfingers quickly to avoid them becoming too soft.

Creating Beautiful Layers

Start with a layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of your dish. Follow this with a layer of the lemon mascarpone cream. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of mascarpone cream on top.

Adding the Final Touches

After assembling the tiramisu, smooth out the top layer of mascarpone cream. For an elegant touch, garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or white chocolate shavings. If you’d like to get creative, pipe decorative cream patterns around the edges for a polished finish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any other odors or flavors from the fridge. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours though overnight is best—to let the flavors fully develop and meld together. Remember, patience is key. Letting the tiramisu chill for at least hours will result in a more flavorful and well-set dessert. The curd and mascarpone cream will have time to firm up, making it easier to serve.

Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Tiramisu with Curd

With these expert tips, you’ll be able to create a lemon tiramisu that’s sure to impress. Making a great lemon tiramisu requires attention to detail and a bit of planning, but the end result is well worth the time and effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making lemon tiramisu, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. One of the most critical errors is over-soaking the ladyfingers, which can result in a soggy dessert. To avoid this, make sure to set aside a moment to check on the ladyfingers as you dip them. Additionally, be careful not to over-mix the mascarpone cream, as this can cause it to become too stiff and separate. Using the right amount of ingredients, such as the correct amount of sugar in a cup, is also crucial.

Make-Ahead and Storage Information

Lemon tiramisu is an excellent make-ahead dessert, as it can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance. To store, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This will prevent the absorption of other food odors and keep the dessert fresh. It’s generally not recommended to freeze lemon tiramisu, as the texture may change upon thawing. When stored properly in the refrigerator, the tiramisu will keep for 3-4 days. In fact, the flavor actually improves after 24 hours, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions. You can check if it’s still good by looking for any visible signs of spoilage.

Conclusion

As you finish assembling your Lemon Tiramisu, the anticipation of that first bite is sure to excite. This refreshing dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings and special occasions. The lemon flavor adds a bright citrus twist to the traditional Italian dessert. By following this recipe, you’ve created a unique tiramisu recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Feel free to experiment with your own variations, such as adding berries or different citrus flavors to your lemon tiramisu recipe. Share your experiences and personal adaptations with this dessert, and enjoy the delight on your guests’ faces as they savor each bite from your cup!

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e the creamy richness of the mascarpone. Gently fold the lemon curd into the mascarpone mixture until well combined, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.