Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Highlighted under: World Taste Recipe Collection

Experience a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert with this Limoncello Tiramisu featuring a rich mascarpone cream. Perfectly balanced with citrus flavors, it's a refreshing treat for any occasion.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-12T20:37:49.505Z

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with this Limoncello Tiramisu. It's a perfect dessert for warm days or any festive occasion, combining the richness of mascarpone with the zesty brightness of limoncello.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A refreshing citrus twist on a classic dessert
  • Luxurious mascarpone cream that's irresistibly smooth
  • Perfect for summer gatherings or special celebrations

A Refreshing Take on Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. This Limoncello Tiramisu takes that tradition and gives it a vibrant twist with the addition of limoncello liqueur and fresh lemon zest. The result is a dessert that feels light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions. Each bite balances the sweetness of mascarpone with the zesty brightness of lemon, leaving your taste buds tingling with delight.

Unlike traditional tiramisu, which can feel heavy, this version is designed to invigorate. The limoncello adds a unique depth of flavor, enhancing the overall experience. You’ll find that the citrus notes cut through the richness of the mascarpone, creating a harmonious blend that’s not just delicious, but also visually appealing. With its stunning layers and delightful flavors, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Limoncello Tiramisu is an excellent choice. Its elegant presentation and refreshing flavors make it a versatile dessert that fits seamlessly into any event. You can serve it in individual cups for a sophisticated touch or in a large dish for a more casual gathering.

Moreover, this dessert can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests. Just prepare it the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures a stress-free serving when the time comes. It's a fantastic option for those who want to impress without the last-minute hustle.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Limoncello Tiramisu, be sure to use high-quality mascarpone cheese. The creaminess and flavor of the mascarpone are crucial to the overall taste of the dessert. Additionally, when whipping the cream, ensure you reach stiff peaks—this will help create a light and airy texture in your mascarpone mixture.

Another tip is to dip the ladyfingers quickly in the limoncello. Over-soaking can lead to a soggy dessert, which detracts from the intended texture. A quick dip allows the ladyfingers to absorb just enough flavor while remaining sturdy enough to hold the layers together. Lastly, feel free to adjust the amount of limoncello based on your taste preference, making it as citrusy or subtle as you like.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Tiramisu

  • 2 cups mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
  • 12 ladyfinger cookies
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to chill the dessert for at least 4 hours before serving for the best flavor.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese and sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Add the limoncello and lemon zest, mixing until well incorporated.

Assemble the Tiramisu

Dip each ladyfinger briefly in limoncello, making sure not to soak them. Layer half of the ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining mascarpone cream.

Chill and Serve

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.

Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing dessert!

Serving Suggestions

This Limoncello Tiramisu can be served on its own, but consider pairing it with a refreshing summer drink for a complete experience. A glass of chilled Prosecco or a spritz can complement the citrus flavors beautifully. You might also serve it alongside a light fruit salad or sorbet to balance the richness of the mascarpone.

For a more decadent experience, drizzle a bit of limoncello over each serving just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the overall presentation. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can also elevate the dish, making it a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), Limoncello Tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

However, avoid freezing this dessert, as the texture of the mascarpone can change, becoming grainy once thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation. With proper storage, you'll be able to savor the delightful flavors of this unique tiramisu for longer!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different liqueur?

Yes, you can substitute limoncello with other citrus liqueurs such as orange or grapefruit.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This tiramisu is perfect for making a day in advance to let the flavors meld.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, you can replace limoncello with lemon juice mixed with a little sugar and water for a non-alcoholic version.

Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Experience a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert with this Limoncello Tiramisu featuring a rich mascarpone cream. Perfectly balanced with citrus flavors, it's a refreshing treat for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time4 hours

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: World Taste Recipe Collection

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Tiramisu

  1. 2 cups mascarpone cheese
  2. 1 cup heavy cream
  3. 1/2 cup sugar
  4. 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
  5. 12 ladyfinger cookies
  6. Zest of 1 lemon
  7. Powdered sugar for dusting

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese and sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Add the limoncello and lemon zest, mixing until well incorporated.

Step 02

Dip each ladyfinger briefly in limoncello, making sure not to soak them. Layer half of the ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining mascarpone cream.

Step 03

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.

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