Creamy Lemon Tiramisu with Homemade Curd

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:

1. 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.
2. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove lumps, then cover with plastic wrap and cool for 20-30 minutes.
3. For the cream, beat heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, some of the lemon curd, lemon juice, and sugar until medium peaks form.
4. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
5. Quickly dip ladyfingers into the lemon syrup mixed with limoncello and create a base layer in a 10.5 x 7.5-inch dish.
6. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then spoon over 4 tablespoons of lemon curd and spread evenly.
7. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish with the remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing with a spatula.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for flavors to meld.
9. 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.