Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu: A Refreshing Twist

Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu is a light and refreshing variation of the classic Italian dessert, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

This delightful dessert combines the zesty flavors of lemon with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a velvety mascarpone cream.

The result is a dessert that’s both rich and tangy, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu is a perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu

Bright and Refreshing: The lemon adds a citrusy twist that lightens up the traditional tiramisu, making it perfect for warmer weather.
Fruity and Flavorful: Fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely contrast to the creamy mascarpone.
No Baking Required: Like classic tiramisu, this dessert is no-bake, making it easy to prepare without heating up the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tiramisu is best when it has time to chill and develop flavors, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients for Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu

Mascarpone Cheese (16 ounces): The creamy foundation of the tiramisu, providing a rich and smooth texture.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Whipped to lighten the mascarpone mixture, adding a fluffy texture.
Ladyfingers (24-30 pieces): The classic Italian cookies that form the layers of the tiramisu, soaked in lemon syrup instead of coffee.
Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, sliced): Washed, hulled, and sliced; these add a sweet and fruity element.
Lemon Juice (½ cup, freshly squeezed): Provides the tangy base for the soaking syrup and the mascarpone cream.
Lemon Zest (from 2 lemons): Adds a concentrated citrus flavor that enhances both the cream and the syrup.
Sugar (¾ cup, divided): Sweetens the lemon syrup and the mascarpone mixture.
Limoncello (optional, ¼ cup): For an extra kick, you can add this Italian lemon liqueur to the soaking syrup.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Balances the flavors in the mascarpone cream.
Cocoa Powder or Lemon Zest for Dusting: A finishing touch that adds visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu

1. Prepare the Lemon Soaking Syrup

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, ½ cup of sugar, and limoncello (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Cool the Syrup: Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. This syrup will be used to soak the ladyfingers, replacing the traditional coffee.

2. Make the Mascarpone Lemon Cream

Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with ¼ cup of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Blend with Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. Add lemon zest and fold again until evenly distributed.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu Layers

Dip the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup. Ensure they are coated but not overly soaked to maintain structure.
Layer the Ladyfingers: Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread Mascarpone Cream: Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it with a spatula.
Add Sliced Strawberries: Evenly distribute half of the sliced strawberries over the mascarpone layer.
Repeat Layers: Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream and strawberries.

4. Chill and Serve

Chill the Tiramisu: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Decorate: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder, additional lemon zest, or extra strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give the tiramisu a bright, natural citrus flavor.
Quick Dips for Ladyfingers: To prevent sogginess, dip the ladyfingers quickly in the lemon syrup.
Chill Well: Letting the tiramisu chill for several hours or overnight enhances the texture and allows the flavors to develop fully.

Variations to Try

1. Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu

Replace the strawberries with fresh blueberries for a delicious berry twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon flavors.

2. Limoncello Tiramisu

Enhance the lemon flavor by adding extra limoncello to the mascarpone cream for a boozy, citrusy kick.

3. Strawberry Lemonade Tiramisu

Add a layer of lemon curd between the mascarpone layers for a sweet and tangy twist reminiscent of strawberry lemonade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chilled: This dessert is best served straight from the fridge, as it maintains its refreshing texture and flavor.
Garnish Ideas: Add edible flowers, fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of lemon glaze for a decorative touch.

Storing Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu

Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the ladyfingers may soften over time.
Freezing: Although not ideal due to the mascarpone’s texture, the tiramisu can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdipping Ladyfingers: Quick dips are essential to avoid a soggy base.
Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and high-quality mascarpone are key to achieving the best flavor.
Rushing the Chill Time: Allow ample time for the tiramisu to chill and set to achieve the ideal consistency.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (12 servings):

Calories: 380
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 5g
Sugars: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh are not available. Be sure to drain any excess liquid.

2. Can I make this dessert without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the limoncello for a non-alcoholic version. You can add extra lemon juice or water to the syrup if needed.

3. Can I substitute the mascarpone with cream cheese?

While mascarpone is preferred, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

4. How long can I store the tiramisu in the fridge?

Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The ladyfingers will continue to soften, so it’s best enjoyed within this time frame.

5. Can I add other fruits to this tiramisu?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even mango slices can add delightful variations to this dessert.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu is a refreshing and elegant dessert that combines the beloved elements of classic tiramisu with the vibrant flavors of lemon and strawberries. This no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. With its bright citrus notes and sweet strawberry layers, this tiramisu is sure to impress and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, layer up, and enjoy every bite of this delightful and zesty dessert!