Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links.
Tiramisu is one of the most famous desserts in the world. This time I decided to take this classic Italian dessert and give it a nice twist. Lemon Tiramisu – light and delicate dessert that goes along with cup of tea or coffee. The perfect dessert for Christmas, holiday season, birthdays or any other occasion.
Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
Ingredients
For the cream:
- 3-4 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 Egg yolks
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons 125g Sugar
- 1¼ cups 300ml Heavy cream, cold
- 400 g Mascarpone cheese
- Lemon zest from 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla bean paste/extract
For the biscuits:
- Savoiardi biscuits Ladyfingers
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 cup 240ml Milk/water
- ¼ cup 60ml Limoncello (optional)
Instructions
- DIRECTIONS
- Make the cream: place egg yolks and sugar in a large heatproof bowl and set over pot with simmering water (bain marie). Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Start whisking constantly, until the sugar is dissolved, and the custard thickens. The temperate of egg yolk should reach 154-158ºF (68-70ºC). This step is optional (read notes). Remove the bowl from heat and let cool.
- When slightly chilled add mascarpone and beat until combined and smooth. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla bean paste and mix until combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Then fold the remaining whipped cream. Set aside.
- Make the lemon syrup: in a shallow bowl mix lemon juice, milk, limoncello and set aside. Note: if you prefer not to use Limoncello just use water+lemon juice.
- Assembly: dip each ladyfinger into the lemon mixture for 1-2 seconds. Arrange soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a medium sized dish. If needed, break a few ladyfingers to fit them in the dish. Spread half of the cream over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and spread the remaining cream on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Before serving grate some lemon zest on top of the tiramisu and serve.
Can I Skip Limoncello in Lemon Tiramisu?
YES, the limoncello in this recipe is totally optional. It gives a nice kick to the recipe, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the limoncello with water. You also can dip the ladyfingers in milk instead of lemon juice.Can I skip raw eggs in Tiramisu recipe?
If you don’t want to use raw eggs do this: whisk the egg yolks and sugar over a bain marie (double boiler). Whisk constantly, until the sugar is dissolved, and the custard thickens. The temperate of egg yolk should reach 154-158ºF (68-70ºC). Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. This process called pasteurizing and it’s killing bacteria’s such as Salmonella. You can see how I make this process in the video above. This step is totally optional and if you are using fresh eggs, there is no real danger. But many people intimidate eating raw eggs so it’s up to you. *If you prefer the classic recipe: Tiramisu
What are the measurements of the serving dish you used?
Hi! I used an 8×12-inch (about 20×30 cm) dish, but a 9×13-inch (around 23×33 cm) pan works great too. The layers will just be slightly thinner.
I’m a little confused of the measurements for the lady fingers. I want to use the limoncello, so do I add 1 cup of milk to that, or do I add milk & water? 1 cup of water also? Looks delicious
Great question—and I’m glad the recipe caught your eye!
If you’re using Limoncello, here’s what to do:
➡️ In a bowl, mix the following to make the soaking liquid:
1 cup (240ml) of milk (or water, your choice)
¼ cup (60ml) of Limoncello
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
So you do not need to add both milk and water—just choose one. I personally recommend milk for a creamier, more balanced flavor, but water works fine too for a lighter result.
Let me know how it turns out! 🍋
Thank you for your reply & clarification. I will try first with the Limoncello & milk, since tiramisu traditionally has liqueur in it. Looking forward to this lemon tiramisu. Perfect summer dessert.
I am not trying to be difficult. It says using the Bain Marie is optional. To clarify then all I need to do is whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar is dissolved?
Not difficult at all—happy to clarify! Yes, if you’re skipping the Bain Marie, just whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is thick, pale, and the sugar is mostly dissolved. The Bain Marie step is just for food safety, since some people prefer to avoid raw eggs. Just make sure to use very fresh eggs if you’re skipping it!
Wonderful light fresh flavor I served with raspberries on top great recipe thankyou
Nice recipes
Thanks 🙂
Want you to know, this recipe really intrigued me and I made it for Thanksgiving with family. Why not? Tira Misu creativity — just fn love it and so easy. The flavor is light and like a cloud after a heacvier meal. Winner. Thanks for creating this rendition of an Italian classic.