Description
This refreshing Lemon Limoncello Tiramisu offers a bright, citrusy twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of lady finger cookies soaked in limoncello liqueur are combined with a luscious mascarpone and whipping cream mixture, lemon zest, and lemon curd, then chilled overnight for a creamy, flavorful finish. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this dessert is both elegant and delightfully tangy.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Garnish
- 2 whole lemons (one for garnish and zest/juice)
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 oz whipping cream
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, softened (or softened cream cheese)
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 6 tbsp Limoncello Lemon Liqueur
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 8 oz lemon curd
Other
- 7 oz lady finger cookies
Instructions
- Prepare Lemon Zest and Juice: Zest one whole lemon and set the zest aside. Then juice the same lemon and keep the juice separate from the zest for later use in the recipe.
- Mix Mascarpone and Whipping Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese for one minute. Add the whipping cream and continue mixing for an additional minute until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy.
- Add Lemon Flavor and Sugar: Incorporate lemon zest (about 1/2 tbsp packed), lemon juice (1 tbsp), and powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups) into the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to combine everything evenly.
- Layer Lady Fingers: Arrange half of the lady finger cookies in a single layer inside an 8” x 11” x 3” casserole dish.
- Moisten Lady Fingers: Lightly moisten the lady fingers with 3 tablespoons of Limoncello. Alternatively, prepare a soaking liquid by combining 1/4 cup simple syrup and 1 tablespoon water with the Limoncello to dip the lady fingers carefully, avoiding sogginess. The dessert will also absorb moisture from the cheese and lemon curd layers later.
- Add First Cheese Layer: Gently spread half of the cheese mixture over the moistened lady fingers, ensuring not to disturb their arrangement.
- Spread Lemon Curd: Carefully spread the lemon curd evenly over the first cheese layer for added tartness and richness.
- Second Layer of Lady Fingers: Place the remaining lady fingers in a single layer on top of the lemon curd layer.
- Moisten Second Layer: Moisten this second layer of lady fingers with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Limoncello to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Top with Remaining Cheese Mixture: Spread the remaining cheese mixture evenly over the moistened lady fingers, completing the layered dessert.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the second lemon and arrange the slices decoratively on top of the dessert. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- For a wetter texture, soak the lady fingers in a mixture of limoncello, simple syrup, and water instead of plain limoncello.
- Be careful not to soak the lady fingers too long in the liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Use mascarpone for an authentic creamy texture; cream cheese can be substituted but will alter the flavor slightly.
- Chilling overnight is essential for proper setting and flavor development.
- Garnish with lemon slices and powdered sugar for visual appeal and a hint of extra citrus aroma.
