Description
Limoncello Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, infusing vibrant lemon flavors and the bright, citrusy notes of limoncello. This no-bake dessert features crisp ladyfinger cookies soaked in a limoncello-lemon syrup, layered with a luscious mascarpone and lemon curd cream, and finished with a light whipped cream topping and fresh lemon zest. Perfectly chilled for a few hours, it offers a refreshing and elegant treat that serves 18 and is ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Syrup
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup limoncello
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Main Layers
- 48 crisp ladyfinger cookies (about two 7 oz packages)
- 24 oz mascarpone cheese (chilled)
- 15 oz prepared lemon curd
- 1/3 cup limoncello
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Optional Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions
- Prepare Limoncello Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat, then stir in limoncello and lemon juice. Pour the syrup into a shallow bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Mascarpone Layer: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat mascarpone cheese on medium-low speed for about 30 seconds to loosen it. Add lemon curd, mixing until combined. Then mix in limoncello and lemon juice carefully to avoid overbeating.
- Whip Cream for Filling: In a separate large bowl or stand mixer, whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1/3 cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Mascarpone and Cream: Stir about one-third of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully blended.
- Dip Ladyfingers: One at a time, dip each ladyfinger into the limoncello syrup for about 2 seconds on each side. Avoid soaking too long to maintain slight crispness.
- First Layer Assembly: Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in a 9×13 inch pan, cutting to fit as needed. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Second Layer Assembly: Dip the remaining ladyfingers as before and layer them on top of the mascarpone layer. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the top and smooth.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set and allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Optional Topping: Beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock with a corner cut off.
- Decorate: Pipe dollops of whipped cream over the tiramisu in rows and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest just before serving.
Notes
- Do not over-soak the ladyfingers to keep the dessert from becoming soggy; a quick 2-second dip on each side is enough.
- For best flavor, chill the tiramisu overnight to allow the cream to firm and the flavors to meld.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream topping by varying the powdered sugar amount between 2 to 3 tablespoons.
- Use chilled mascarpone and cream for easier whipping and better texture.
- Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing it to maximize the fresh lemon flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian