Easy Limoncello tiramisu recipe

I think this limoncello tiramisu is absolutely delicious. It has the brightness of fresh lemons with the sweetness and creaminess of the mascarpone. The lemon curd makes it a nice sweet and fresh dessert, and this tiramisu is perfect to finish off an Italian dinner. With an (extra) glass of limoncello on the side (totally optional of course). It’s a nice lemony twist to a classic tiramisu, featuring limoncello liqueur.

How to make Limoncello Tiramisu

I love quick and easy recipes, so that was the starting point for this Limoncello Tiramisu. I used my basic recipe for a quick tiramisu and replaced the coffee with limoncello and the cocoa powder with lemon curd. This really brings out the limoncello and lemon curd flavors in the dessert.

If you have already prepared the candied lemon slices and the lemon curd, it will take you no more than half an hour to make this tiramisu. Making the tiramisu a day in advance is also good for the taste, as the flavors will be better absorbed the next day.

Baking tip: If you make your own lemon curd, you’ll probably have enough left over for another recipe. I usually store the leftover lemon curd in glass jars with lids.

What goes into the limoncello tiramisu?

Apart from the candied lemon slices you will need the following ingredients. Make sure to double check the full quantities in the recipe card below

• double cream – or heavy cream
• mascarpone cream – you can use another cream cheese if you prefer
• caster sugar
• lady fingers – you can also use different cookies if you prefer
• lemon curd
• limoncello – for an alcohol free version check below. Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur.
• candied lemon or lemon peels

Making the tiramisu

Make sure to have prepared the candied lemon slices and the lemon curd (if making your own). Next step is to take a large bowl and to mix the mascarpone with the heavy whipped cream till it’s creamy, firm and smooth. Set aside.

Now take a separate bowl (preferably a shallow bowl) and pour the limoncello in. While the recipe states 200 ml (little less than one cup) you will not be using all of that. You use the limoncello to dip the ladyfinger cookies in so you need the volume but you won’t be using it all.

Now dip each lady finger into the limoncello and place the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in a rectangular or square baking dish. Add a layer of mascarpone ( a little less than half the total amount) and using a offset spatula or a large rubber spatula spread it out over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat this with the remaining ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone. End the limoncello tiramisu with a layer of lemon curd on top.

Eggless Tiramisu

All my tiramisu recipes are made without eggs. Wherever possible, I avoid using raw eggs in recipes. So the base of my tiramisu is a mixture of mascarpone and whipped cream. I don’t think you miss the eggs at all. It really is a perfect dessert for any festive occasion or dinner parties and so simple to make!

Candied lemon slices

As you can see, I made candied lemon slices for this recipe. Personally, I think they look really cool as a decoration and they are also edible. Candied lemon slices are not difficult to make (very easy in fact), but you will need plenty of time to make them.

Making candied lemon peel is a little quicker. I describe how to do this in the recipe for candied lemon peel in the FAQ section. It’s up to you, maybe you want to leave them out altogether. That’s fine too, but I think it does add an extra fancy look on top of the tiramisu.

Which lemons should I use?

If you are using lemon zest in a recipe, try to buy organic lemons. Non-organic lemons are treated with pesticides to make them last longer, and a layer of wax is added to make them shine. Unfortunately, scrubbing and washing won’t get rid of this, so there’s only one solution: organic lemons.

Limoncello tiramisu with raspberries

If you decide to skip the candied lemon slices, I have another tasty tip for you. Replace them with raspberries! It looks incredibly cheerful and besides, this limoncello tiramisu goes really well with the flavor of raspberries.

Tiramisu recipes without alcohol

Don’t like limoncello and wondering if you can leave it out of this recipe? I will soon be sharing more tiramisu recipes that are without alcohol but for this recipe it is an essential part of the flavor. That said; you can always leave out the alcohol and replace the limoncello with lemon syrup or lemonade instead. Test the liquid before using to make sure it is not too sour. If it is, add a few tablespoons of sugar (or a bit of water). That will transform this into a lemon tiramisu.

I myself am not a huge fan of alcohol in my food, but the Laura’s Bakery team who tested this limoncello tiramisu gave it a big thumbs up.