Dessert

Easy Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

Name: Easy Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Water; 1/2 cup Granulated sugar; 2-3 pcs Lemon peels; 2-3 tbsp Lemon juice; 3/4 cup Cream (30-35% fat); 1 lb Mascarpone cheese; 3/4 cup Icing sugar; 3/4 cup Lemon curd (Homemade or store-bought); 20-24 Ladyfinger cookies; 2 tbsp Lemon curd (for topping, optional); Lemon slices (for garnish)

ByMatteo Rossi January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

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Introduction

This Easy Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining zesty lemon flavors with creamy mascarpone. Perfectly layered with lemon syrup-soaked ladyfingers and a luscious lemon curd filling, it’s a bright and elegant treat for any occasion.

A rectangular baked dessert in a white ceramic dish with handles shows a thick, creamy white top layer swirled with bright yellow sauce in irregular patterns. Four thin, round lime slices are neatly placed on the upper left corner as decoration. The dish sits on a green-striped cloth on a white marbled surface with a gold spatula on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20-24 Ladyfinger cookies
1 cup Water
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
2-3 tbsp Lemon juice
2-3 pcs Lemon peels
3/4 cup Cream (30-35% fat)
1 lb Mascarpone cheese
3/4 cup Icing sugar
3/4 cup Lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp Lemon curd (for topping, optional)
Lemon slices (for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare a non-metallic serving dish of your choice, such as a 6″x9″ casserole dish.
Step 2: Make the lemon syrup by combining water, sugar, and lemon peels in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Let the syrup cool, whisk in the lemon juice, remove the lemon peels, and transfer the syrup to a bowl. Set aside.
Step 4: Whip the cream in a chilled bowl for 4-5 minutes until it holds soft to medium peaks.
Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese and icing sugar until smooth.
Step 6: Gently fold the whipped cream and lemon curd into the mascarpone mixture without overmixing.
Step 7: Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the lemon syrup, then arrange a single layer in the serving dish.
Step 8: Spread half of the mascarpone-lemon curd mixture evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers.
Step 9: Add another layer of syrup-soaked ladyfingers on top of the filling.
Step 10: Spread the remaining mascarpone filling over the second layer of ladyfingers.
Step 11: (Optional) Spoon small dollops of lemon curd over the top and swirl gently for decoration.
Step 12: Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 13: Garnish with lemon slices before serving. Enjoy your refreshing lemon tiramisu!

Tips & Variations

For extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the mascarpone mixture.
Use store-bought lemon curd for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste.
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the icing sugar slightly in the filling.
Make sure to dip ladyfingers quickly in the syrup to avoid sogginess.

Storage

Store the lemon tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this time. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture of the cream and ladyfingers.