Craving a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with citrusy goodness? This Lemon Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian treat, swapping coffee for bright lemon and cocoa for creamy layers. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert to brighten any day, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. If you love lemon desserts, this easy tiramisu is a must-try!
Imagine sinking your spoon into layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in a zesty lemon syrup, nestled between a luscious, creamy mascarpone mixture infused with even more lemon zest. It’s a vibrant and refreshing dessert that’s surprisingly simple to assemble, making it ideal for both casual enjoyment and elegant entertaining.
A Zesty Twist on a Classic
Tiramisu, traditionally known for its coffee and cocoa flavors, gets a sunny makeover in this lemon version. The creamy mascarpone filling, a hallmark of classic tiramisu, is beautifully enhanced with the bright and aromatic essence of lemon. This creates a dessert that’s both familiar in its creamy texture and excitingly new in its vibrant flavor profile.
This Lemon Tiramisu offers a delightful no-bake alternative that’s especially appealing during warmer months when you crave something light and refreshing. The layers of flavor and texture make each bite a truly enjoyable experience.
Layers of Lemon Bliss
The magic of this Lemon Tiramisu lies in its simple yet elegant layering. Delicate ladyfingers are briefly dipped in a tangy-sweet lemon syrup, giving them a soft and flavorful base. These soaked biscuits are then layered with a rich and creamy mascarpone mixture, generously infused with fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus. This process is repeated to create a beautiful and delicious layered dessert.
The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, transforming the individual components into a harmonious and utterly irresistible treat.
Perfect for Any Bright Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a summer garden party, or simply want a refreshing dessert to brighten your week, this Lemon Tiramisu is a fantastic choice. Its vibrant flavor and elegant presentation make it suitable for a wide range of occasions.
Being a no-bake dessert, it’s also a convenient option when you don’t want to turn on the oven, especially during warmer weather. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both light and satisfying.
Simple Assembly for Maximum Flavor
Assembling this delightful Lemon Tiramisu is surprisingly easy. You’ll start by whisking together the lemon syrup ingredients. Then, you’ll create the creamy mascarpone filling by combining mascarpone cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and often a touch of cream or eggs for richness.
The ladyfingers are quickly dipped in the lemon syrup and then layered in a dish with the mascarpone mixture. Repeating these layers creates the signature tiramisu look and taste. A final dusting of lemon zest adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Tiramisu
Serve this Lemon Tiramisu chilled for the best flavor and texture. Its refreshing citrus notes make it a wonderful palate cleanser after a meal. You can serve it in individual glasses or assemble it in a larger dish and slice it.
Garnishing with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, a few fresh berries, or a delicate mint sprig can enhance its visual appeal. Its bright and cheerful presentation is as delightful as its taste.
A Light and Luscious Treat
This Lemon Tiramisu offers a lighter and brighter alternative to traditional tiramisu. The tanginess of the lemon cuts through the richness of the mascarpone, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and refreshingly light. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart that will leave you wanting another bite.
It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The ease of assembly makes it a winner for busy bakers who still want to create something special.

Brighten Your Palate: Easy Lemon Tiramisu Recipe!
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size shallow dish)
- Mixing bowls (2-3)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small shallow bowl for lemon syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese 2 x 8 oz containers, cold
- 1 cup heavy cream cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Approximately 1 7 oz package of ladyfingers
- Lemon zest or powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Mascarpone Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate cold bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the smooth mascarpone cheese. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract (if using) until just combined.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Lightly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup for just a few seconds on each side (don’t soak them). Arrange a layer of the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfinger layer.
- Arrange another layer of lemon-soaked ladyfingers over the mascarpone mixture.
- Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with extra lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and enjoy this refreshing Lemon Tiramisu!
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