Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-Bake Convenience: Ideal for warm weather, this dessert requires no oven time.
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Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon curd and lemonade-soaked ladyfingers offers a refreshing citrus taste.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let it chill until you're ready to serve.
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Versatile Presentation: Serve in a traditional dish or individual cups for a personalized touch.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Its light and tangy profile appeals to a wide range of palates.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Lemon curd
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Mascarpone cheese
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Heavy whipping cream
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Powdered sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Lemon zest
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Ladyfingers
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Lemonade
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Optional: Fresh lemon slices or zest for garnish
Directions
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Prepare the Lemonade Soak: Pour lemonade into a shallow dish.
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Make the Mascarpone Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese. Stir in lemon zest.
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Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemonade and arrange a layer in the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, followed by a layer of lemon curd. Repeat the layers, ending with the mascarpone mixture on top.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
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Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 9 servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chill Time: At least 4 hours (preferably overnight)
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Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
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Berry Lemon Tiramisu: Add a layer of fresh berries between the mascarpone and lemon curd layers for added flavor and color.
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Limoncello Infusion: Replace lemonade with limoncello for an adult version with a boozy kick.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ladyfingers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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Vegan Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and use vegan lemon curd.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the mascarpone filling.
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Reheating: Not applicable; this dessert is best served chilled.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, store-bought lemon curd works well and saves time.
What can I use instead of ladyfingers?
Sponge cake or pound cake slices can be used as substitutes.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely, it's best when made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for limoncello?
Yes, lemonade or lemon juice with a bit of sugar can replace limoncello.
How do I prevent the dessert from becoming too soggy?
Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the lemonade to avoid oversaturation.
Can I add fruit to this tiramisu?
Yes, adding layers of fresh berries can enhance the flavor.
What size dish should I use?
An 8x8-inch square dish works well for this recipe.
Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
While possible, real whipped cream provides a better texture and flavor.
How long does it need to chill?
Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferable for best results.
Is this dessert suitable for children?
Yes, especially when using lemonade instead of limoncello.
Conclusion
Lemon Tiramisu offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the creamy richness of mascarpone with the bright zest of lemon. Its no-bake nature and make-ahead convenience make it an ideal choice for entertaining or a refreshing treat any time. Whether you're a lemon lover or simply seeking a new dessert to impress, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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