Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Recipes

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Limoncello Tiramisu, where classic Italian dessert meets zesty lemon liqueur and creamy mascarpone.

Lena

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:28:51.236Z

This Limoncello Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a luscious mascarpone cream infused with zesty limoncello. Perfect for summer gatherings or a fancy dinner party!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A refreshing twist on a classic dessert
  • Light and fluffy texture with a zesty kick
  • Perfect for any occasion, from casual to elegant

A Unique Dessert Experience

Limoncello Tiramisu is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that transports you to the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast with each bite. This delightful twist on the traditional tiramisu combines the rich, creamy textures of mascarpone with the bright, zesty notes of Limoncello liqueur. The combination of flavors creates a refreshing palate cleanser, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or celebration.

The addition of lemon not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a vibrant color to the dish. As you enjoy this dessert, you'll appreciate how the citrus notes brighten the creamy mascarpone, resulting in a dessert that feels both indulgent and light. It’s perfect for those warm summer nights or as a refreshing end to a hearty meal.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or an elegant soirée, Limoncello Tiramisu fits seamlessly into any setting. Its sophisticated flavor and presentation make it a standout dish, while the ease of preparation allows you to focus on your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. You can whip it up ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the company.

This dessert is also versatile; it can be served in individual cups or as a large trifle, making it easy to scale depending on the size of your gathering. Its unique flavor profile not only appeals to tiramisu lovers but also attracts those who might be unfamiliar with the classic dessert, making it a great conversation starter.

Storage and Serving Tips

To ensure the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to chill your Limoncello Tiramisu for at least four hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For optimal results, preparing it the night before serves as a perfect solution. This not only enhances the taste but also allows the ladyfingers to soak up the coffee and Limoncello mixture, creating a moist and flavorful dessert.

When serving, dust with cocoa powder just before placing it on the table. This final touch not only adds an appealing contrast to the bright flavors but also enhances the visual presentation. For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing with lemon zest or thin lemon slices, which will complement the dessert and impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Limoncello Tiramisu

  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/2 cup Limoncello liqueur
  • 24 ladyfingers
  • 16 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Make sure to use high-quality mascarpone for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Coffee Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee and Limoncello. Set aside.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone, then stir in the lemon zest.

Assemble the Tiramisu

Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture briefly (do not soak). Layer half of the dipped 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 the remaining cream.

Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder.

Enjoy this delightful dessert chilled!

Culinary Tips

For the best results, use high-quality Limoncello and fresh mascarpone cheese. Authentic ingredients can significantly elevate the taste of your tiramisu. If you’re not familiar with Limoncello, look for a brand that is well-reviewed, as the quality of the liqueur will directly impact the final flavor of this dessert.

Additionally, when whipping the cream, ensure your equipment is cold; this helps achieve stiff peaks more easily. You can also experiment with different types of coffee for a unique flavor twist, such as espresso or flavored brews, which can add depth to the dish.

Variations to Try

While this recipe offers a delightful take on the classic tiramisu, feel free to explore variations that suit your taste. For instance, you can substitute Limoncello with other citrus liqueurs like orange or grapefruit liqueur for a different flavor profile. Each variation provides a unique twist while maintaining the essence of the beloved dessert.

For a more decadent version, consider adding a layer of lemon curd between the mascarpone layers. This not only enhances the lemon flavor but also adds a delightful tang that complements the creaminess beautifully. Be creative and make this dessert your own!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, it's best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

→ Is there an alcohol-free version of this recipe?

You can replace Limoncello with lemon juice and a bit of sugar, but the flavor will differ.

→ Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

While you can, it may alter the texture and flavor of the dessert.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

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

Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Limoncello Tiramisu, where classic Italian dessert meets zesty lemon liqueur and creamy mascarpone.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time4 hours

Created by: Lena

Recipe Type: Quick Dessert Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Limoncello Tiramisu

  1. 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  2. 1/2 cup Limoncello liqueur
  3. 24 ladyfingers
  4. 16 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
  5. 1 cup heavy cream
  6. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  7. Zest of 1 lemon
  8. Cocoa powder for dusting

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee and Limoncello. Set aside.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone, then stir in the lemon zest.

Step 03

Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture briefly (do not soak). Layer half of the dipped 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 the remaining cream.

Step 04

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder.

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