Lemon Tiramisu Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining zesty lemon flavors with the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese. zesty lemon desserts The aroma of freshly squeezed lemons and the sweet scent of coffee will dance through your kitchen, making your taste buds tingle in anticipation.
Imagine serving this Lemon Tiramisu Cake at a family gathering where everyone’s eyes light up as they take their first bite. It’s perfect for birthdays, summer picnics, or just a sunny afternoon when you need something refreshing and indulgent to brighten your day. healthy meal ideas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Tiramisu Cake is easy to whip up, even for novice bakers
- The flavor profile blends citrusy brightness with creamy decadence, creating a dessert that’s unforgettable
- Its visually appealing layers make it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with different citrus fruits or flavorings
I still remember the first time I made Lemon Tiramisu Cake for my best friend’s birthday party. The look on her face was priceless when she took that first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ladyfingers: These sponge-like cookies are essential for soaking up that lemony goodness while keeping their structure.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Choose high-quality mascarpone for a rich and creamy texture that elevates the whole cake.
- Fresh Lemons: Look for bright yellow lemons; they should feel heavy for their size and have a nice shine.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly to balance out the tartness of the lemons. perfect drink pairings.
- Coffee: Brewed strong coffee adds depth; feel free to use decaf if you prefer.
- Heavy Cream: Whipping it into soft peaks creates a light and airy layer in your cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the dessert. For more inspiration, check out this peppermint truffles recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and tools—mixing bowls, whisk, and an 8-inch round cake pan are essential. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you’re at it.
Make the Lemon Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. You want a luscious filling that smells like sunshine!
Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving that cloud-like texture. Gently fold this whipped cream into your lemon mixture until combined.
Prepare Coffee Soak: Brew some strong coffee and allow it to cool slightly. You’ll dunk those ladyfingers in this aromatic goodness; trust me; it’s worth it!
Layer It Up!: Now comes the fun part! Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak and layer them in your prepared cake pan. Spread half of the lemon filling over them and repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers followed by more filling.
Chill and Serve!: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together. When ready to serve, slice and garnish with extra lemon zest or berries!
With each bite of this Lemon Tiramisu Cake, you’ll experience layers of zesty lemon flavor balanced by rich creaminess—a dessert that truly sings! Enjoy every moment as you indulge in this delightful treat that brings smiles around any table! traditional cake options. For more inspiration, check out this vanilla custard cream bars recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful Lemon Tiramisu Cake combines zesty lemon with creamy mascarpone for a refreshing twist
- The balance of tart and sweet makes it perfect for any occasion, leaving everyone asking for seconds
- Its beautiful layers will impress your guests while keeping the preparation simple and fun!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the lemon-infused mascarpone cream while the sponge cake cools. Layer the cake with cream and lemon syrup for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding fresh berries or a splash of limoncello to the cream. You can also substitute vanilla extract with almond for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store the Lemon Tiramisu Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best taste, serve chilled straight from the fridge without reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to elevate flavor
- Ensure your sponge cake is completely cooled before layering; otherwise, it will get soggy
- Letting the cake sit overnight enhances its taste by allowing flavors to meld beautifully
Sharing this recipe takes me back to my sister’s birthday when I surprised her with this cake. She couldn’t believe I made such a delicious dessert, and we ended up eating half of it ourselves before anyone else arrived!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought sponge cake for Lemon Tiramisu Cake?
Absolutely! Store-bought sponge cakes save time and still deliver great flavor when layered with mascarpone cream and lemon syrup.
How long will the Lemon Tiramisu Cake last in the fridge?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. It tastes even better as it sits!
What can I substitute if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, a mixture of cream cheese and heavy whipping cream works well as an alternative, providing a similar creamy texture.
Lemon Tiramisu Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Lemon Tiramisu Cake is a refreshing and delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. With layers of zesty lemon-infused mascarpone cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a delightful treat on a sunny afternoon. Its beautiful presentation and unforgettable flavor will impress your guests, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 24 ladyfingers
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold into the lemon mixture.
- Dip ladyfingers in cooled coffee and layer them in an 8-inch round pan. Spread half of the lemon filling over the layer.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and remaining filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Garnish with lemon zest or berries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No cooking involved, just layering and refrigerating
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (115g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
