Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu

Name: Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup limoncello or lemon syrup; 16 ladyfinger cookies; 16 ounces mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A bright and zesty twist on the classic Italian dessert that is perfect for sunny afternoons.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· July 19, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

0 minutes

Total

4 hours 20 minutes

Serves

Lemon Tiramisu is one of my favorite ways to change up a traditional dessert. It keeps that creamy, dreamy texture we all love but swaps the coffee for a vibrant citrus zing that wakes up your taste buds.

This is a wonderful make ahead treat for dinner parties because the flavors actually get better after sitting in the fridge. For the best results, make sure your mascarpone is at room temperature before you start mixing it so you avoid any lumps in your cream.

🧺 Ingredients

1 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup limoncello or lemon syrup
16 ladyfinger cookies
16 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, granulated sugar, and limoncello until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2
In a separate large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
3
Gently fold the mascarpone, vanilla extract, and half of the lemon zest into the whipped cream until smooth and combined.
4
Dip each ladyfinger into the lemon juice mixture for about two seconds per side, then arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of an eight inch square baking dish.
5
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers in an even layer.
6
Repeat the process with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream mixture.
7
Sprinkle the top with the remaining lemon zest and refrigerate for at least four hours before serving to let the layers set.

💡 Tips

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed amaretti cookies on top right before you serve it to your guests.

#Dessert #No Bake #Italian #Vegetarian

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