Ingredients
For the Lemon Curd
- 1/3 cup Lemon juice
- 1/3 cup Butter
- 2/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 Egg
- 3 Egg yolks
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
For the Tiramisu Filling
- 2 cups Heavy cream (cold)
- 4 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Lemon zest
- 1/2 cup Lemon curd (prepared from above)
- 2/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 15.87 oz Mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
For Assembly
- 27 Ladyfingers
- 1 cup Lemon syrup
- 1/4 cup Limoncello
Instructions
- Make the lemon curd: Combine lemon juice, butter, sugar, salt, whole egg, egg yolks, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook until thickened: Once the butter melts, the mixture will be thin. Do not increase the heat; continue whisking for about 5 minutes until the curd thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Strain the curd: Pour the curd through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove lumps for a smooth texture.
- Cool the curd: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to cool.
- Prepare the mascarpone cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon curd, lemon juice, and sugar with an electric mixer until medium peaks form.
- Incorporate mascarpone: Add the room-temperature mascarpone cheese to the cream mixture and blend on low speed until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemon syrup mixed with Limoncello to soak lightly.
- Assemble the first layer: Arrange soaked ladyfingers evenly in a 10.5-inch by 7.5-inch baking pan.
- Add mascarpone layer: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and smooth with a spatula.
- Add lemon curd layer: Spoon 4 tablespoons of lemon curd on top of the mascarpone layer and smooth out carefully.
- Second ladyfinger layer: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers over the curd.
- Finish with mascarpone: Spoon the remaining mascarpone mixture over the second layer of ladyfingers and smooth with an offset spatula.
- Chill the tiramisu: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
- Final topping: Before serving, spread lemon curd evenly on top and smooth out with a spatula for garnish.
Notes
- Use cold heavy cream for better whipping and firmer peaks.
- Dip ladyfingers quickly in syrup to avoid sogginess.
- Ensure mascarpone is at room temperature to blend smoothly.
- Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor development.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian