Zesty Limoncello Tiramisu Recipe: Sunshine in Every Bite

Sweet Italian desserts never tasted as magical as this limoncello tiramisu that blends zesty citrus with creamy mascarpone.

Unexpected flavor combinations can spark real culinary joy in your kitchen.

Layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in bright limoncello create a dessert that feels both elegant and playful.

Soft mascarpone cream whispers sophisticated notes of lemon and comfort.

Light, refreshing textures dance between traditional tiramisu and sunny Mediterranean vibrancy.

Each spoonful promises a delightful escape to coastal Italian charm.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this tempting treat.

Limoncello Tiramisu With a Cool Citrus Twist

• Speedy Sweet Delight: Whip up this no-bake dessert in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick and impressive treat.
• Citrusy Twist on Classic: Swap traditional coffee with bright limoncello, transforming the familiar tiramisu into a zesty summer dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Elevate any gathering with this sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert that looks like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, making party prep stress-free and guaranteeing a delicious finale to your meal.

Limoncello Tiramisu Ingredient List

• Limoncello: Signature Italian lemon liqueur that adds a bright, zesty flavor to the dessert.
• Water: Helps dilute the limoncello and balance its intensity.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the citrus profile and adds natural tartness.

• Mascarpone Cheese: Rich, creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides lightness and helps create a fluffy, airy filling.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the cream mixture.

• Ladyfingers: Light, spongy Italian cookies that soak up the limoncello mixture and form the base of the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream mixture and balances the tartness of the lemon.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon flavor and aromatic notes to the tiramisu.

Limoncello Tiramisu Dessert Assembly

Step 1: Prepare Limoncello Dipping Liquid

In a shallow dish, combine limoncello, water, and fresh lemon juice.

This mixture will create a bright, zesty base for soaking the ladyfingers, infusing them with a delightful citrusy flavor.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Mascarpone Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend mascarpone cheese, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.

Gently fold in whipped cream to create a light, airy texture that will make your tiramisu irresistibly silky.

Step 3: Dip and Layer Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the limoncello mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not soggy.

Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish, creating a solid foundation for the dessert.

Step 4: Spread Mascarpone Layer

Carefully spread a generous layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, making sure to cover them completely.

Use a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that will showcase the dessert’s elegant layers.

Step 5: Repeat Layering

Continue the process by adding another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by another layer of the mascarpone mixture.

Repeat until you’ve used all your ingredients, typically creating 2-3 layers.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set perfectly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with powdered sugar and sprinkle some additional lemon zest for extra brightness.

Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing, lemony twist on the classic Italian dessert.

Sweet Finishing Tips for Limoncello Tiramisu

• Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the limoncello mixture to prevent them from becoming too soggy, ensuring a perfect texture in your dessert.
• Adjust the amount of sugar in the mascarpone cream to suit your taste preferences, making the tiramisu less or more sweet as desired.
• Let the tiramisu rest in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify beautifully.
• Select high-quality, fresh mascarpone and ripe lemons to elevate the overall taste and create a more authentic limoncello tiramisu experience.
• Dust the top with lemon zest or additional limoncello-soaked ladyfingers for an attractive and flavorful finishing touch.

Limoncello Tiramisu Keep Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Keeps fresh for 2-3 days.
• Place tiramisu in the coldest part of the refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• For best taste and texture, enjoy chilled straight from the refrigerator within 48 hours of preparation.

Perfect Sips for Limoncello Tiramisu

• Amplify Citrus Brightness: Pair with a crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio that echoes the zesty lemon notes and cuts through the creamy dessert's richness.
• Enhance Dessert Harmony: Serve alongside candied lemon peel or almond biscotti to complement the limoncello's sweet-tart flavor profile and add textural contrast.
• Cleanse Palate Perfectly: Follow with a small glass of chilled limoncello as a digestif, allowing the dessert's lemony essence to continue delighting taste buds.
• Balance Sweet Intensity: Select a light, refreshing sparkling water with a hint of lemon to cleanse the palate and prevent the dessert from feeling too heavy.

Limoncello Tiramisu Flavor Twists You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free ladyfingers or almond flour-based sponge cake for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Swap mascarpone with cashew cream cheese and use coconut whipped cream to create a plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener and incorporating Greek yogurt for a lighter, less caloric dessert.
• Alcohol-Free Treat: Substitute limoncello with fresh lemon juice and lemon extract, creating a family-friendly version that retains the bright citrus flavor profile.

FAQs

• What is limoncello, and where does it come from?

Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur made from lemon zest, alcohol, water, and sugar. It originates from the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento region of Southern Italy, where lemons are abundant and known for their intense, sweet flavor.

• Can I make limoncello tiramisu without alcohol?

You can substitute the limoncello with lemon syrup or lemon juice mixed with a bit of sugar. However, the alcohol adds depth and authenticity to the dessert’s flavor profile.

• What are ladyfingers, and can I replace them?

Ladyfingers are light, sweet sponge cookies used in tiramisu. If unavailable, you can substitute with pound cake, sponge cake, or vanilla biscuits cut into finger-like shapes.

• Is limoncello tiramisu difficult to make?

This dessert is relatively simple to prepare. The key steps involve making the cream, dipping ladyfingers, and layering the ingredients. No baking is required, making it an easy no-cook dessert.

Limoncello Tiramisu Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian magic meets zesty citrus in this Limoncello Tiramisu, blending classic dessert charm with Mediterranean brightness. Silky mascarpone layers and lemon liqueur create a refreshing twist that will transport you to sunny Italian coastlines.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquids:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) limoncello
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice

Dairy and Eggs:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (226 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 large egg yolks

Dry Ingredients and Flavorings:

• 24 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• White chocolate shavings or lemon zest (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a delicate citrus-infused liquid by combining limoncello with water and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a wide, shallow container.
2. Whisk mascarpone cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Gradually incorporate sugar into the mascarpone, blending until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a silky and airy texture.
5. Swiftly dip each ladyfinger into the prepared limoncello mixture, ensuring a quick coating without oversaturating.
6. Layer the lemon-soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a rectangular serving dish, creating a uniform base.
7. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer, using a spatula to achieve a smooth surface.
8. Repeat the dipping and layering process with another set of ladyfingers, creating a second layer.
9. Cover the second ladyfinger layer with the remaining mascarpone cream, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
11. Before serving, dust the top with finely grated lemon zest and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Optimal ladyfinger selection matters: Choose crisp, dry ladyfingers that will absorb the limoncello mixture without becoming overly soggy.
• Temperature control is crucial: Chill the tiramisu for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
• Customize alcohol levels: Adjust limoncello quantity based on personal preference or replace with lemon syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
• Serving tip: Garnish with fresh lemon zest or candied lemon peel to enhance the citrusy profile and add a beautiful visual touch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg