Easy Lemon Tiramisu No Bake (Printable)
No-bake tiramisu with lemon syrup-soaked cookies and mascarpone cream, ideal for spring and summer.
# What You Need:
→ Lemon Syrup
01 - 1 cup water
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 cup)
04 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Mascarpone Cream
05 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
06 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
07 - 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Assembly
10 - 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
11 - Lemon slices and extra zest for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Combine water, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using.
02 - In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
03 - In a separate bowl, gently beat mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy, taking care not to overmix.
04 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Fold until fully incorporated and mixture is light and fluffy.
05 - Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup. Ensure each cookie is moistened but not saturated or soggy. Dip just before placing to prevent excessive softening.
06 - Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers using an offset spatula.
07 - Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. Smooth the top surface evenly with spatula. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set properly.
09 - Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve chilled.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The lemon syrup soaks into the ladyfingers creating bright citrus pockets in every bite
- No oven required means your kitchen stays cool even when making an impressive dessert
02 -
- The ladyfolding dipping technique takes practice, too long and they disintegrate, too quick and they stay dry
- Room temperature mascarpone blends much smoother than cold which prevents those tiny white lumps
03 -
- Use a microplane for the lemon zest to avoid the bitter white pith
- Make the syrup the day before for even faster assembly