This Best Lemon Tiramisu is a zesty, sunshine-filled twist on the classic Italian dessert—and it’s absolutely irresistible. Layers of soft ladyfingers soaked in lemon syrup, creamy mascarpone filling kissed with lemon zest, and a dusting of crushed lemon cookies make this version bright, light, and unbelievably easy. There’s no baking involved, and you can have it prepped and chilling in the fridge in under 30 minutes. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, or anytime you crave a refreshing yet indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Baking Needed: This is a chilled, no-fuss dessert that comes together fast—ideal for hot days or last-minute guests.
Lighter and Brighter Than the Classic: If you love tiramisu but want something less rich and more citrusy, this lemon version is the one.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: It actually gets better as it chills, making it a dream for planning ahead.
Crowd-Pleasing and Elegant: It looks fancy, tastes amazing, and never fails to impress—yet it’s incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ladyfingers: These delicate cookies form the base and absorb the lemon syrup beautifully. Use the crisp kind, not the soft sponge variety, for best texture.
Mascarpone Cheese: Essential for the creamy filling. It’s rich, smooth, and slightly sweet—don’t substitute cream cheese unless you absolutely have to.
Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, vibrant aroma and intensifies the lemon flavor in every layer.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to soft peaks and folded into the mascarpone for a light, airy texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream without making it grainy.
Fresh Lemons: You’ll use the juice for the syrup and zest for the cream. Fresh is non-negotiable here—it makes all the difference.
Limoncello (optional): A splash in the soaking syrup adds an adult twist. Skip it if serving to kids or prefer alcohol-free.
Vanilla Extract: Just a touch rounds out the citrus with a soft, comforting note.
Crushed Lemon Cookies (optional): For garnish and extra crunch. Think lemon shortbread or lemon Oreos.

Variations

Berry Lemon Tiramisu: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries between the cream and ladyfingers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake alternatives.
Limoncello Boosted: Increase the limoncello in the syrup and drizzle a little over the top before serving for an extra zing.
Herbal Twist: A tiny bit of chopped fresh mint can be folded into the cream for a fragrant surprise.
Coconut-Lemon: Swap part of the cream with coconut cream and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.

How to Make Lemon Tiramisu

Step 1: Make the Lemon Syrup

In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and powdered sugar until dissolved. Stir in limoncello if using. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip—you want it fluffy, not stiff.

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Mixture

In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream until just combined.

Step 4: Dip the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemon syrup—just a second or two. You want them moist, not soggy.

Step 5: Assemble the Tiramisu

In a dish (8×8-inch works great), arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and the remaining cream.

Step 6: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This helps the flavors develop and the texture firm up.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, top with crushed lemon cookies, more lemon zest, or thin lemon slices. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Soak Too Long: Ladyfingers should be dipped quickly to avoid falling apart or making the tiramisu soggy.
Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: Cold mascarpone can become lumpy—let it soften slightly before mixing.
Chill Time Is Crucial: The longer it rests, the better the flavors and texture. Overnight is ideal.
Whip Cream to Soft Peaks Only: Overbeating makes the cream grainy and heavy, which ruins the silky texture.
Garnish Just Before Serving: This keeps the topping fresh and crunchy.

How to Serve

This Lemon Tiramisu is best served cold, straight from the fridge. It’s stunning on its own, but you can elevate it further with:

Fresh Garnishes:

Top with a few mint leaves, lemon zest curls, or fresh berries for color and a pop of freshness.

Dessert Pairing:

Serve alongside a crisp glass of Prosecco, lemon iced tea, or a chilled Limoncello for a perfect Italian finish.

Make it a Showstopper:

Spoon it into individual glasses or jars for an elegant dessert presentation at dinner parties or brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better, and the texture stays lovely.

Freezing

You can freeze lemon tiramisu, though the texture may change slightly. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—this is meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

Can I make Lemon Tiramisu without alcohol?
Absolutely. Just skip the limoncello in the soaking syrup. The dessert is still deliciously vibrant with fresh lemon juice alone.

What can I use instead of mascarpone?
If you’re in a pinch, a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream can work, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Mascarpone is definitely the best option.

Do I have to chill it overnight?
You should chill it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. It allows the ladyfingers to soften perfectly and lets the lemon flavor really shine through.

Can I make this in individual portions?
Yes! Use small jars, cups, or ramekins for individual servings—great for parties or picnic-friendly desserts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a lemon lover—or just someone who enjoys a lighter, brighter dessert—this Best Lemon Tiramisu is a total game changer. It’s easy, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to bring smiles. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to no-bake treat!

Best Lemon Tiramisu Recipe