Name: Limoncello Tiramisu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484639H27M26S
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Ladyfingers (savoiardi) – 1 package (around 24 pieces, depending on the size of the dish); Limoncello liqueur – 1/2 cup (120 ml); Mascarpone cheese – 8 oz (227g); Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml); Powdered sugar – 1/4 cup (30g); Lemon zest (freshly grated) – 2 tablespoons (about 1 lemon); Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons (1 medium lemon); Optional garnish: Lemon zest or fresh berries – As desired (a few teaspoons of lemon zest or a handful of berries like raspberries or blueberries)

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Short Description

Limoncello Tiramisu is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert. With layers of airy mascarpone cream, delicate ladyfingers soaked in zesty limoncello liqueur, and a touch of lemon zest, this dessert brings the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang. It’s an elegant and flavorful treat that will wow your guests at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re a fan of tiramisu, this Limoncello version is about to steal your heart! It combines the traditional creamy mascarpone layers with the vibrant, citrusy zing of limoncello. The result is a light, refreshing dessert that still has that rich, indulgent tiramisu texture we all crave. Perfect for warm weather, special occasions, or any time you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little different from the ordinary. Plus, it’s no-bake and super easy to assemble—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright and creamy Limoncello Tiramisu. (The full ingredient list is below.)

Ladyfingers (savoiardi)
Limoncello liqueur
Mascarpone cheese
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Lemon zest (freshly grated)
Vanilla extract
Fresh lemon juice
Optional garnish: Lemon zest or fresh berries

Directions

1. Prepare the Limoncello Soak

In a shallow dish, pour the limoncello and add a small splash of fresh lemon juice. You’ll dip the ladyfingers in this mixture, so make sure the soak is flavorful but not too strong. Set it aside for now.

2. Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and freshly grated lemon zest. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s smooth, thick, and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. The cream should form soft peaks but not be too stiff.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu

Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the limoncello mixture, making sure they don’t get too soggy. Lay the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch or similar-sized serving dish, arranging them in a single layer. Once the first layer is complete, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.

4. Add the Second Layer

Repeat the process: dip the remaining ladyfingers in the limoncello soak and arrange them on top of the mascarpone layer. Then, spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers.

5. Chill and Set

Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together, creating that perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness.

6. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the tiramisu with a little extra lemon zest on top for an extra burst of citrus. You can also add fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy this light, decadent dessert!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t Over-Dip the Ladyfingers: When dipping the ladyfingers, be quick! If you let them sit in the limoncello too long, they’ll become too soggy and fall apart. Just a quick dip is all it takes to soak them without losing their structure.
Adjust the Limoncello: If you want a stronger limoncello flavor, feel free to add a little more liqueur to the soak. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate lemon flavor.
Mascarpone Substitution: If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor and texture.
Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest is key to the citrus flavor in this dessert. It adds a fresh, aromatic touch that really elevates the taste.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Alcohol-Free: If you’d like to make this tiramisu without alcohol, simply substitute the limoncello with fresh lemon juice or a lemon-flavored syrup.
Berry Twist: Try adding a layer of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, between the mascarpone layers for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Flavored Cream: For added richness, you can flavor the mascarpone cream with a bit of lemon curd, or even fold in some whipped cream for a lighter texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Limoncello Tiramisu is a wonderful stand-alone dessert, but it pairs beautifully with a light glass of prosecco or a refreshing lemon iced tea. For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a scoop of lemon sorbet or a small biscotti on the side for extra crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Limoncello Tiramisu stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Be sure to let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop. It is not recommended to freeze tiramisu, as the texture can change after freezing.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Limoncello Tiramisu tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight for the best results.

2. Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Absolutely! While limoncello gives this tiramisu a lovely lemony flavor, you can swap it for another liqueur like Grand Marnier, Amaretto, or even a splash of rum if you prefer.

3. What if I can’t find ladyfingers?
You can substitute ladyfingers with other sponge cakes or biscuit-style cookies. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up in the creamy layers without falling apart.

4. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can use cream cheese as a substitute for mascarpone. Just make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients, and add a bit more lemon zest to balance the flavor.

Conclusion

Limoncello Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for those who want to add a little Italian flair to their next gathering. Its creamy layers, tangy lemon, and hint of limoncello make it a unique twist on the classic tiramisu. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this refreshing dessert is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a bit of citrus in their sweets. Light, indulgent, and full of flavor—this Limoncello Tiramisu will have you coming back for more!

Short Description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the Limoncello Soak

2. Make the Mascarpone Cream

3. Assemble the Tiramisu

4. Add the Second Layer

5. Chill and Set

6. Garnish and Serve

Expert Tips and Tricks

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Storage and Reheating Tips

4 FAQs

Conclusion

Limoncello Tiramisu

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition