James Martin lemon tiramisu recipe

This vibrant lemon tiramisu offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of limoncello-kissed ladyfingers meet a luscious mascarpone cream, infused with bright lemon zest and tangy curd. A no-bake wonder, perfect for summer gatherings or any special occasion.

Why This Lemon Tiramisu is a Crowd-Pleaser

• Perfect Balance: The sweetness of ladyfingers, richness of mascarpone, and tartness of lemon create a harmonious flavor profile.
• Effortless Elegance: This no-bake dessert is surprisingly easy yet delivers a sophisticated result.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Refreshing Twist: Limoncello and lemon curd add a zesty brightness that distinguishes it from traditional tiramisu.

Recipe Card

• Yields: 6 servings
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Chill time: At least 2 hours (preferably overnight)

Ingredients:

• 250g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 300ml double cream (heavy cream)
• 100g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
• ½ cup Limoncello What is Limoncello?
• 24 Ladyfinger
• Lemon curd, for serving Lemon Curd Recipe

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone, double cream, and caster sugar until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice and zest; mix well.
3. Pour limoncello into a shallow dish.
4. Briefly dip each ladyfinger in limoncello, then layer them in a serving dish.
5. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
6. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone.
7. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
8. Before serving, dust with lemon zest or cocoa powder. Top each portion with lemon curd.

Variations and Substitutions

Fruit Variations:

• Raspberry Tiramisu: Substitute raspberry curd for lemon curd and use Chambord or another raspberry liqueur in place of limoncello. Adjust sweetness as needed. Fresh raspberries make a beautiful garnish.
• Passionfruit Tiramisu: Use passionfruit curd and omit the alcohol. A splash of passionfruit juice can enhance the flavor.

Other Flavor Twists:

• Chocolate Lemon Tiramisu: Add ¼ cup of good quality cocoa powder to the mascarpone mixture for a decadent twist. Types of Cocoa Powder
• Nutella Tiramisu: Spread a thin layer of Nutella between the ladyfingers and mascarpone layers for a nutty indulgence.
• Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu: Mix 2 tablespoons of matcha powder with 2 tablespoons of sugar and dust this over the top layer instead of lemon zest for a unique flavor profile. Matcha Information

Substitutions:

• Alcohol-Free: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water with sugar to taste. Simmer until sugar dissolves, then cool before using.
• Ladyfingers: Sponge cake or angel food cake, cut into similar shapes, can be substituted.
• Mascarpone: Cream cheese offers a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. Mascarpone vs. Cream Cheese
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake. Gluten-Free Baking Tips (Optional – good if you have a lot of GF recipes)
• Vegan: Opt for a dairy-free cream cheese, whipped coconut cream, and aquafaba (chickpea liquid) to create a vegan-friendly custard. Agar-agar can help set the dessert. Vegan Tiramisu Recipes (or a similar reputable source for vegan baking)

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