Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Highlighted under: Dreamy Dessert Lab

Indulge in the delightful layers of Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream, a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert that combines rich flavors with a zesty lemon punch.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-12T17:55:16.343Z

Limoncello Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for those who love a sweet treat with a zesty kick. This version is made with creamy mascarpone and a hint of refreshing lemon, making it ideal for warm weather or special celebrations.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Zesty lemon flavor that brightens your palate
  • Creamy mascarpone cream that offers a luxurious texture
  • A delightful twist on the traditional tiramisu that's sure to impress

A Refreshing Take on a Classic

Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream is not just a dessert; it's a vibrant celebration of flavors that brings a taste of Italy right to your table. The traditional tiramisu, known for its rich coffee and cocoa profiles, takes on a bright twist with the addition of Limoncello, a sweet and zesty lemon liqueur. This unique variation is perfect for those looking to elevate their dessert game while enjoying a refreshing and lighter option.

Each bite of this tiramisu is layered with the rich creaminess of mascarpone and the invigorating zing of lemon, creating an irresistible combination that dances on your taste buds. Whether served at a summer gathering or a festive dinner party, this dessert will leave a lasting impression on your guests, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Limoncello Tiramisu is versatile enough to be enjoyed on various occasions. Its light and refreshing flavor profile makes it an ideal dessert for warm weather gatherings, barbecues, or after a heavy meal. The bright flavors add a cheerful touch to celebratory events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday feasts.

Moreover, the make-ahead nature of this dessert means you can prepare it the day before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This feature not only saves you time on the day of your event but also ensures that the tiramisu is perfectly chilled and ready to serve when your guests arrive.

Tips for the Best Tiramisu

To achieve the best results with your Limoncello Tiramisu, start with high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh mascarpone cheese and a good-quality Limoncello to ensure the flavors shine through. Additionally, using fresh eggs will enhance the creamy texture of the mascarpone cream, making it even more luxurious.

When assembling the tiramisu, be careful not to soak the ladyfingers too long in the coffee and Limoncello mixture. A quick dip is all that's needed to impart flavor without turning them into mush. Finally, a generous dusting of cocoa powder right before serving adds a beautiful finish and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cream.

Ingredients

For the Tiramisu

  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/2 cup Limoncello liqueur
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 24 ladyfinger cookies
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Combine these ingredients for a refreshing and delightful dessert experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Coffee Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee and Limoncello. Set aside.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and creamy. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

Assemble the Tiramisu

Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Lay them in a single layer in a 9x9 inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.

Chill and Serve

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with lemon zest.

Enjoy your homemade Limoncello Tiramisu with friends and family!

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Limoncello Tiramisu, consider pairing it with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries. Their natural tartness complements the dessert's sweetness and adds a pop of color to your presentation. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet for an extra refreshing treat that echoes the lemony flavors of the tiramisu.

For a more elegant touch, consider garnishing each serving with a sprig of fresh mint. The mint not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a crisp aroma that perfectly complements the zesty lemon notes.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious dessert!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Limoncello Tiramisu will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors for a little longer. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly as it sits, but it will still taste delightful.

Avoid freezing the tiramisu, as the cream may separate and the ladyfingers could become overly soggy upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience, but rest assured, it’s so delicious that you might not have any leftovers!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Limoncello Tiramisu tastes even better after it has chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

→ What can I substitute for Limoncello?

You can use any lemon-flavored liqueur or even a homemade lemon syrup for a non-alcoholic version.

→ How long does it last in the fridge?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it's best enjoyed within the first 2 days.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free ladyfinger cookies or sponge cake as a substitute.

Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Indulge in the delightful layers of Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream, a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert that combines rich flavors with a zesty lemon punch.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time4 hours

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Dreamy Dessert Lab

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Tiramisu

  1. 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  2. 1/2 cup Limoncello liqueur
  3. 3 large eggs, separated
  4. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  5. 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  6. 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  7. 24 ladyfinger cookies
  8. Zest of 1 lemon
  9. Cocoa powder for dusting

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee and Limoncello. Set aside.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and creamy. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

Step 03

Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Lay them in a single layer in a 9x9 inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.

Step 04

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with lemon zest.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g