Easy Lemon Tiramisu No Bake (Print version)
A zesty no-bake dessert with lemon syrup-soaked ladyfingers and smooth mascarpone cream.
# 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 (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine water, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly 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 medium-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, combining until fully incorporated and fluffy. Do not deflate the whipped cream.
05 - Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger into the cooled lemon syrup for just 1-2 seconds per side. The cookies should be moistened but not saturated or soggy.
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, smoothing with a spatula.
07 - Repeat with remaining dipped ladyfingers, creating a second layer. Top with the remaining mascarpone cream, spreading smoothly and evenly to create a flat surface.
08 - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set completely.
09 - Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve chilled.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Requires zero oven time during sweltering months when heating up the kitchen feels unbearable
- The make ahead nature means dessert is done hours before guests even arrive
02 -
- Room temperature mascarpone is non negotiable, cold cheese will seize up into tiny lumps that never smooth out
- The ladyfipping technique matters more than you think, too much syrup turns everything into soup
03 -
- Grate your lemon zest before juicing, it is nearly impossible to zest a squeezed lemon
- A little limoncello in the syrup creates an adults only version that is absolutely sublime