Limoncello Tiramisu

There’s something about the vibrant tang of limoncello that elevates this tiramisu to a whole new level. The citrusy kick from the lemon liqueur adds a refreshing twist to the traditionally rich, creamy dessert. As the flavors meld together, you can almost taste the sunny Italian coast in each bite. The limoncello syrup soaks into the ladyfingers, transforming them into delicate sponges that carry a subtle zesty note, balanced by the smooth mascarpone and whipped cream. It’s a dessert that feels light, yet indulgent—refreshing, yet comforting all at once.

One of my favorite parts of making Limoncello Tiramisu is the moment when I drizzle the liqueur over the ladyfingers. The scent of lemon fills the kitchen, and it’s as if the dessert is promising something extraordinary. The balance of tart and sweet, creamy and airy, makes every forkful feel like a mini celebration. It’s a perfect dessert for those warm evenings when you want something that feels special but still has that homemade charm. And let’s not forget how wonderfully it pairs with a chilled glass of limoncello, just for that extra touch of indulgence.

Key Ingredients in Limoncello Tiramisu

Each ingredient in this Limoncello Tiramisu plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich creaminess of the mascarpone to the bright citrusy punch from the lemon, every element comes together to form a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

• Mascarpone cheese
  This Italian cream cheese is the star of the tiramisu filling. It has a rich, creamy texture and a delicate flavor that forms the base of the dessert’s luxurious creaminess. It melts beautifully into the whipped cream for a smooth, velvety layer.
• Heavy cream
  Whipped to soft peaks, heavy cream adds lightness and airiness to the mascarpone mixture. It’s what gives the tiramisu its fluffy, cloud-like texture, perfectly complementing the creamy mascarpone.
• Limoncello liqueur
  The secret ingredient that takes this tiramisu to the next level. The zesty, citrusy liqueur infuses the dessert with a bright, tangy kick, transforming the classic tiramisu into something a bit more playful and refreshing.
• Sugar
  A touch of sugar balances the tanginess of the limoncello and the slight bitterness of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers. It sweetens the cream filling without overwhelming the other flavors, allowing the limoncello to shine.
• Vanilla extract
  This adds a subtle depth of flavor to the cream, rounding out the citrus notes of the limoncello and enhancing the overall sweetness of the dessert without overpowering it.
• Ladyfinger cookies
  The delicate, slightly dry texture of ladyfingers soaks up the coffee and limoncello syrup beautifully. These little sponges provide the base of the tiramisu, absorbing the flavors and creating a satisfying bite with every forkful.
• Brewed coffee
  Strong coffee provides a slight bitterness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cream and citrus. It balances the richness of the mascarpone, while giving the dessert a familiar depth of flavor.
• Lemon zest
  Fresh lemon zest brings a burst of bright, aromatic citrus to the cream filling. It enhances the limoncello’s lemony notes, adding a fragrant, zesty element that ties the entire dessert together.
• Fresh lemon juice
  A touch of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy, tart kick that brightens up the entire dessert. It plays off the limoncello and zest, contributing to the refreshing and citrus-forward profile of the tiramisu.

How to Make Limoncello Tiramisu

Serving Suggestions for Limoncello Tiramisu

• Chilled with a glass of limoncello
  Nothing complements the bright, citrusy flavors of this tiramisu like a chilled glass of limoncello. The crisp, zesty liqueur mirrors the dessert’s refreshing notes, making each bite and sip feel like a perfect pairing. It’s a little extra indulgence that takes this dessert from delicious to extraordinary.
• Garnished with fresh berries
  For a pop of color and a touch of tartness, serve your Limoncello Tiramisu with a handful of fresh berries—think raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. The juicy sweetness of the fruit contrasts beautifully with the creamy, citrusy tiramisu and adds a lovely balance of flavors.
• A dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of mint
  For a simple yet elegant presentation, finish your tiramisu with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a fresh sprig of mint. The mint adds a refreshing aromatic touch that enhances the citrusy flavors, while the powdered sugar gives the dessert a classic, delicate look.

How to Store Limoncello Tiramisu

To keep your Limoncello Tiramisu fresh and delicious, the key is all in the storage. After making it, be sure to cover the dish with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid before refrigerating. This helps the dessert maintain its moisture and prevents any odors from other foods in the fridge from seeping into your tiramisu. Let it chill for at least four hours (or even overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set perfectly.

If you have leftovers and need to store them, simply cover the individual servings with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. The tiramisu will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days in the fridge, though it’s at its best when enjoyed within the first 24 hours, when the ladyfingers are still at their softest and the flavors are most vibrant.

And if you’re looking to keep it for longer, you can freeze it, though I recommend doing so without the garnish. After wrapping it tightly, store it in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours and then add your fresh lemon zest and berries for that perfect finishing touch.

Conclusion

And there you have it, the perfect recipe for Limoncello Tiramisu—a refreshing twist on a classic Italian dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! The balance of zesty limoncello, creamy mascarpone, and the rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers creates something truly special. Whether you’re serving it on a warm summer evening, bringing it to a gathering, or just treating yourself, this dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful treat as much as I do. I’d love to hear about your experience—did it turn out just as you imagined? Any fun tweaks you made? Feel free to drop a comment or share your thoughts. If you have any questions or need a little help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. This recipe is all about making something delicious with a touch of love and creativity, and I’m here for it!

Print Recipe

Limoncello Tiramisu

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Rest Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Limoncello Tiramisu is a zesty twist on the classic dessert, where tangy lemon liqueur soaks into delicate ladyfingers, layered with creamy mascarpone. Each bite is a refreshing burst of citrus sweetness, perfectly balanced with velvety richness.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 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

• ¹⁄₂ cup brewed coffee

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mascarpone cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the mascarpone and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the mascarpone mixture.
4. Continue beating the mixture until it forms soft peaks and is fully incorporated.
5. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. In a shallow dish, pour 1/2 cup of brewed coffee.
7. Add 1/2 cup of Limoncello liqueur to the coffee and mix together gently.
8. Set the coffee and Limoncello mixture aside for a moment.
9. In a separate small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
10. Take a package of ladyfinger cookies and quickly dip each one into the coffee and Limoncello mixture, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy.
11. Begin layering the ladyfingers at the bottom of a serving dish, creating a single layer of cookies.
12. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.
13. Repeat the process by dipping another layer of ladyfingers into the coffee and Limoncello mixture, then place them over the mascarpone cream layer.
14. Top this second layer of ladyfingers with the remaining mascarpone cream mixture, smoothing it out evenly.
15. Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
16. Before serving, garnish the top of the tiramisu with the lemon zest and lemon juice mixture.
17. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing twist on the classic tiramisu.

Note

• Be sure to dip the ladyfingers quickly into the coffee and Limoncello mixture to avoid sogginess.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest and lemon juice to taste.
• If you prefer a less boozy dessert, reduce the Limoncello by half and replace with additional coffee.
• Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor; let it cool slightly before dipping the ladyfingers.
• Allow the tiramisu to chill for the full 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor and texture.

Keywords: Limoncello tiramisu recipe, Limoncello dessert, Italian limoncello tiramisu, tiramisu with limoncello, lemon tiramisu recipe