Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

Indulge in the refreshing and zesty flavor of Limoncello Tiramisu, layered with rich mascarpone cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:30:49.920Z

This Limoncello Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens every bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Zesty limoncello flavor that invigorates your taste buds
  • Creamy mascarpone texture that provides a luxurious mouthfeel
  • A perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, ideal for warm weather

The Perfect Summer Dessert

Limoncello Tiramisu is the quintessential summer dessert that combines the lightness of a classic tiramisu with the bright, invigorating notes of lemon. This dessert is particularly appealing during warmer months when you're looking for something refreshing yet indulgent. The zesty limoncello elevates the traditional coffee flavors of tiramisu, making it a unique twist that delights the senses.

The creamy mascarpone cheese adds a luxurious texture, perfectly complementing the citrusy limoncello. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, creating a delightful experience that dances on your palate. This dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with its elegant layers and finishing dusting of cocoa powder.

An Easy Yet Impressive Treat

One of the best aspects of Limoncello Tiramisu is its simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. The preparation is straightforward, making it an accessible recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. It’s perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself after a long day.

The layering process allows for creativity; you can adjust the amount of lemon zest or limoncello to suit your tastes. You can even experiment with different flavored liqueurs if you want to try something new. Whether you're serving it at a summer barbecue or as a light finish to a holiday feast, this Limoncello Tiramisu is sure to impress your guests.

Tips for the Best Tiramisu

For the best results, use high-quality mascarpone cheese and fresh lemon zest. The flavors of your ingredients will shine through in this dessert, so it’s worth investing a little more in quality. Additionally, when dipping the ladyfingers, be careful not to soak them too long. A quick dip is all that’s needed to infuse them with limoncello without making them soggy.

Allowing the tiramisu to chill for at least four hours, or overnight if possible, is crucial. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set properly. When ready to serve, a light dusting of cocoa powder not only adds a touch of elegance but also balances the sweetness of the mascarpone with a hint of bitterness.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients for Limoncello Tiramisu

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package ladyfinger cookies
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, limoncello, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whip until soft peaks form.

Layer the Tiramisu

Dip each ladyfinger briefly in limoncello, then layer them at the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

Finish the Layers

Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Chill and Serve

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Limoncello Tiramisu!

Serving Suggestions

Limoncello Tiramisu is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a range of accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a pop of color and added freshness. A dollop of whipped cream can also enhance its creaminess and add an extra layer of indulgence.

For an authentic Italian experience, serve this dessert with a glass of chilled limoncello or a light sparkling wine. The refreshing notes of the drink will complement the zesty flavors of the tiramisu, creating a delightful combination that will elevate your dessert experience.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Limoncello Tiramisu, you’ll be pleased to know that it stores well in the refrigerator. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid to preserve its freshness. It can be kept for up to three days, although the texture and flavor are at their best within the first two days after preparation.

Avoid freezing this dessert, as the mascarpone cream may separate upon thawing, compromising its smooth texture. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best taste and experience. Each bite will remind you of sunny days and leisurely afternoons, making it a delightful treat to savor.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, Limoncello Tiramisu can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute limoncello with lemon juice and a bit of sugar for a non-alcoholic option.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I use a different type of liqueur?

Certainly! You can experiment with other citrus liqueurs like orange liqueur for a different flavor.

Limoncello Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream

Indulge in the refreshing and zesty flavor of Limoncello Tiramisu, layered with rich mascarpone cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Fresh Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Limoncello Tiramisu

  1. 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  2. 1 cup heavy cream
  3. 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
  4. 1/2 cup sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1 package ladyfinger cookies
  7. Zest of 1 lemon
  8. Cocoa powder for dusting

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, limoncello, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whip until soft peaks form.

Step 02

Dip each ladyfinger briefly in limoncello, then layer them at the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

Step 03

Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 04

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

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