Indulge in this zesty and creamy lemon tiramisu, layered with soft ladyfingers dipped in lemon syrup and limoncello, then topped with a rich mascarpone cheese blend and homemade lemon curd. It's a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Curd:
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 80 grams unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 egg yolks
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ cup prepared lemon curd
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 15.87 ounces mascarpone cheese
For the Ladyfinger Layer:
- 27 ladyfingers
- 1 cup lemon syrup (for dipping)
- ¼ cup limoncello
Instructions:
- Begin with the lemon curd by whisking all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove lumps, then cover with plastic wrap and cool for 20-30 minutes.
- For the cream, beat heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, some of the lemon curd, lemon juice, and sugar until medium peaks form.
- Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers into the lemon syrup mixed with limoncello and create a base layer in a 10.5 x 7.5-inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spoon over 4 tablespoons of lemon curd and spread evenly.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish with the remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for flavors to meld.
- Before serving, top with more lemon curd, creating a smooth layer on top.
Pro Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the mascarpone, are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cream.
- Use full-fat mascarpone for a rich and stable dessert structure.
- Allow the tiramisu to chill adequately in the fridge to soak up flavors and firm up.
- Always scrape down the sides of the bowl during mixing for a consistent and smooth filling.
- Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the dessert tastes its best.
This lemon tiramisu offers a delightful citrus tang, complemented by the creamy mascarpone and the soft texture of soaked ladyfingers, making it an irresistible dessert that's sure to impress.
