If you’re craving a dessert that’s refreshingly bright, silky smooth, and totally irresistible, this Best Lemon Tiramisu is about to become your new obsession. It’s a zesty twist on the classic Italian favorite—light layers of lemon-soaked ladyfingers, whipped mascarpone cream, and a pop of citrus that makes every bite feel like sunshine on a spoon. No baking required, just a bit of mixing, layering, and chilling. This dessert is unbelievably easy to make, and it delivers maximum wow-factor with minimal effort—perfect for entertaining or treating yourself on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Bake, No Fuss: Just layer and chill—no oven needed! It’s a dream for summer or any time you want dessert without breaking a sweat.
Bright, Fresh Flavor: The bold lemony tang balances the creamy mascarpone like a charm, giving you a sweet-tart combo that’s super satisfying.
Elegant but Easy: This dessert feels fancy enough for guests, but comes together with simple steps and everyday ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly: In fact, it gets better as it sits. Ideal for prepping in advance and having dessert ready to go.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Lemon Tiramisu so delightful:

Ladyfingers: These act as the delicate, spongey base that soaks up the lemon syrup. Make sure to use the crisp Italian-style ones, not the soft cake-like version.
Lemon Juice + Zest: Fresh lemon is key. The juice adds tang, and the zest adds aromatic citrus oils that elevate the flavor beautifully.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy Italian cheese is rich and smooth, and gives tiramisu its signature texture. Don’t substitute with cream cheese—mascarpone is milder and silkier.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it lightens the mascarpone mixture into an airy mousse-like consistency.
Sugar: Sweetens both the lemon syrup and mascarpone filling—just enough to balance the tartness without overwhelming it.
Limoncello (optional): Adds a lovely boozy depth to the lemon syrup. Totally optional, but it really levels up the flavor for adults.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the creamy layers without competing with the lemon.
Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the whipped cream smoothly and without grittiness.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this sunshiney delight? Here are a few ideas:

Berry Burst: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries between the cream layers for extra freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon Curd Swirl: Swirl in a bit of lemon curd between the mascarpone layers for added richness and intensity.
Alcohol-Free: Skip the limoncello entirely and just use extra lemon juice for a kid-friendly version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers (available in most specialty stores) to make this dessert celiac-friendly.

How to Make Best Lemon Tiramisu

Step 1: Make the Lemon Syrup

In a bowl, mix fresh lemon juice, a bit of sugar, and optional limoncello. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture will be used to soak the ladyfingers, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a cold bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will lighten the mascarpone and give the tiramisu its airy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture

In a separate bowl, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until smooth and well combined. Be gentle—you want it fluffy, not deflated.

Step 4: Dip and Layer

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lemon syrup (don’t soak too long or they’ll fall apart). Layer them in a baking dish, then spread a thick layer of the mascarpone cream on top. Repeat for a second layer.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This gives the layers time to meld and the texture to set up beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, dust with lemon zest or garnish with thin lemon slices or mint leaves for a fresh, pretty finish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Over-Soak: A quick dip is all the ladyfingers need—too long and they’ll disintegrate.
Use Cold Cream: Make sure your heavy cream is cold before whipping for the best volume and texture.
Chill Well: Give it plenty of fridge time. The longer it sits, the better it gets—flavors meld and the layers firm up perfectly.
Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled juice won’t cut it here. You need that bright, vibrant flavor only fresh lemons can deliver.

How to Serve

Serve this Lemon Tiramisu chilled, straight from the fridge. It’s amazing on its own, but here are some fun pairings:

With Berries

A side of fresh strawberries or blueberries adds a juicy contrast to the creamy layers.

After Dinner

Perfect as a light, refreshing end to a heavy meal—especially seafood or Italian-style mains.

With a Drink

Pair with limoncello, prosecco, or an herbal tea like chamomile or mint for a truly elegant experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor only gets better with time!

Freezing

You can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly. Freeze in individual portions, and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

No reheating needed—it’s best served cold! Just take it out of the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just leave out the limoncello and replace it with extra lemon juice. The flavor is still vibrant and delicious.

How long does it need to chill before serving?
A minimum of 4 hours is good, but overnight is ideal. The flavors deepen and the texture becomes beautifully firm and creamy.

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
You can, but it will change the flavor and texture. Cream cheese is tangier and denser. For the best results, stick with mascarpone.

Do I need to cook anything in this recipe?
Nope! This is a no-bake recipe from start to finish. Just mix, layer, chill, and serve.

Final Thoughts

This Best Lemon Tiramisu is everything you want in a dessert—easy to make, bursting with fresh citrus flavor, and absolutely luxurious in texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this is the kind of recipe that brings smiles with every spoonful. Don’t wait—grab those lemons and whip this one up soon!

Best Lemon Tiramisu Recipe