Name: Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese; 8 ounces mascarpone cheese; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 2 lemons; 2 cups heavy cream; 10 ounces lady fingers (about 40 cookies); 1 1/2 cups lemonade or limoncello

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Introduction

This Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining creamy mascarpone with bright lemon flavors. Perfect for spring or summer, it’s light, zesty, and irresistibly smooth.

A clear glass dish shows a lemon dessert with three layers: the bottom layer is a pale yellow with a smooth texture, the middle layer is creamy white and thick, and the top layer is a brighter yellow jelly-like layer. On top, there are even rows of white whipped cream dollops arranged neatly across the whole surface. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface with a lemon slice and a silver serving spoon with cut-out designs next to it. Two whole lemons and a green cloth are softly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
2 cups heavy cream
10 ounces lady fingers (about 40 cookies)
1 1/2 cups lemonade or limoncello

Instructions

Step 1: Beat together cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar until super creamy. Add lemon juice, lemon extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, blending well.
Step 2: In a stand mixer, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour lemonade or limoncello into a shallow bowl. Quickly dip lady fingers in the liquid, coating all sides but not letting them soak for more than a few seconds to prevent them from falling apart.
Step 5: Arrange a layer of soaked lady fingers in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the lady fingers.
Step 6: Repeat with a second layer of dipped lady fingers and top with the remaining cream mixture. Smooth the surface evenly.

Tips & Variations

Use limoncello for an adult version with a boozy kick, or lemonade for a family-friendly dessert.
Chill the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
For extra lemon flavor, garnish with additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices before serving.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, avoid freezing. When ready to serve, let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A square slice of layered dessert sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. The bottom layer is soft light yellow cake, topped with a smooth bright yellow lemon curd layer. Above this is a thick, fluffy white cream layer, followed by another layer of light yellow cake soaked slightly, then another thin bright yellow lemon curd layer. The top is decorated with five dollops of soft white whipped cream, each looking light and fluffy. A halved lemon and a silver fork lie nearby, with a blurred dessert and piping bag in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, the recipe already combines cream cheese with mascarpone for a creamy texture, so using both as written works best. Substituting all mascarpone with cream cheese will change the texture and flavor slightly.

How long should I soak the lady fingers?

Dip the lady fingers quickly, about 1-2 seconds on each side. They should be moist but not soggy to prevent them from falling apart in the dessert.