Lemon Limoncello Italian Tiramisu (Print Version)

Refreshing layers of citrus-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream with tangy lemon curd create this luscious Italian dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Lemon Syrup

01 - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup Limoncello liqueur

→ Mascarpone Cream

04 - 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, cold
05 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
06 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Assembly

09 - 30-36 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
10 - 1 cup lemon curd
11 - Zest of 1 lemon for garnish
12 - Thin lemon slices for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Combine lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Stir in limoncello and set aside.
02 - Beat cold heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk together mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
03 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into cooled lemon syrup, ensuring brief immersion to avoid oversaturation. Arrange dipped ladyfingers in a single layer covering the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish.
04 - Spread half of mascarpone cream evenly over ladyfinger layer. Dollop half of lemon curd in spoonfuls over cream and gently swirl with spatula to create marbled pattern.
05 - Repeat process with another layer of syrup-dipped ladyfingers. Top with remaining mascarpone cream, spreading evenly. Finish with remaining lemon curd, swirling as before.
06 - Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set properly.
07 - Just before serving, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over top. Decorate with thin lemon slices if desired. Serve cold directly from refrigerator.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of tangy lemon curd and rich mascarpone creates this incredible sweet tart balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
  • It looks impressive but comes together in under 30 minutes with zero baking required
02 -
  • Overdipping the ladyfingers is the number one mistake people make with tiramisu, and it turns the whole thing into a soggy mess
  • The dessert needs those four hours minimum in the fridge not just for setting but for the flavors to really come together into something special
03 -
  • If your ladyfingers seem especially soft or stale, skip the dipping and brush the syrup on with a pastry brush instead
  • Room temperature mascarpone is absolutely essential or you'll end up with tiny lumps that ruin the silky texture

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