Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert
This Lemon Tiramisu is the perfect summer dessert. After making it dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it light and refreshing. The crispy ladyfingers soaked in lemon juice and sugar, combined with the creamy mascarpone and lemon curd, create a delightful balance of flavors. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe and Easy Roasted Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs and Mustard Dressing.
Why This Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert Is Pure Comfort
- Light and refreshing lemon flavor
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Better than takeout, perfect for summer parties
- Creamy mascarpone and tangy lemon curd layers
What You'll Need for Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Ladyfingers
- Mascarpone cheese
- Lemon curd
- Heavy cream
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Optional: Fresh berries
- Optional: Mint leaves
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Ladyfingers: You'll need about 18-20 ladyfingers for this recipe.
- Lemon curd: Homemade or store-bought lemon curd works well in this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer — Makes whipping cream and mascarpone easier → See on Amazon
- Silicone Spatulas — Gently fold ingredients without breaking them → See on Amazon
How to Make Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert
- Prepare ladyfingers: Dip ladyfingers in lemon juice and sugar mixture, then arrange in a single layer in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Make mascarpone mixture: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in mascarpone, lemon curd, and lemon zest.
- Assemble tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-soak the ladyfingers. They should be moist but not soggy. If they become too soggy, your tiramisu will be watery.
- Pro tip: Make the lemon curd from scratch for a fresher, more intense lemon flavor.
- Pro tip: For a lighter tiramisu, use low-fat mascarpone and Greek yogurt instead of all mascarpone.
- Pro tip: You can make this tiramisu up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storing & Reheating Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Freezing Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a boozy twist, add a splash of limoncello or vodka to the lemon juice mixture.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the mascarpone with an equal amount of cream cheese for a similar texture.
- Make-ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the tiramisu and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your tiramisu is too soft, you may have over-soaked the ladyfingers. To fix, drain some of the liquid and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the ladyfingers to firm up.
Want to level up this recipe?
Lemon Juicer — Easily extract fresh lemon juice for a better flavor → Check price on Amazon
Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ladyfingers
- Mascarpone cheese
- Lemon curd
- Heavy cream
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Lemon zest
Seasonings
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare ladyfingers: Dip ladyfingers in lemon juice and sugar mixture, then arrange in a single layer in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Make mascarpone mixture: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in mascarpone, lemon curd, and lemon zest.
- Assemble tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a boozy twist, add a splash of limoncello or vodka to the lemon juice mixture.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the mascarpone with an equal amount of cream cheese for a similar texture.
- Make-ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the tiramisu and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your tiramisu is too soft, you may have over-soaked the ladyfingers. To fix, drain some of the liquid and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the ladyfingers to firm up.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sat. Fat: 13g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert FAQs
Yes, you can make this tiramisu up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
You may have over-soaked the ladyfingers. To fix, drain some of the liquid and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the ladyfingers to firm up.
Yes, you can use other types of cookies or even sponge cake for a similar effect.
Use low-fat mascarpone and Greek yogurt instead of all mascarpone for a lighter version.
Leftover lemon curd can be used as a filling for cakes, cookies, or even spread on toast. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Refreshing Lemon Tiramisu Recipe for Summer Dessert and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
