Perfect Limoncello Tiramisu Cups Recipe with Lemon Curd and Candied Zest
A bright and creamy twist on classic tiramisu featuring limoncello, homemade lemon curd, mascarpone cream, and crunchy candied lemon zest. This easy, elegant dessert is perfect for entertaining or a refreshing treat.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 52 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
- About 3 large lemons (for zest and juice)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) limoncello liqueur
- About 20 ladyfinger cookies
- 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Candied lemon zest from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the candied lemon zest: Peel strips of lemon zest avoiding the white pith. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (100 g) sugar and ½ cup (120 ml) water. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves. Add zest strips and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until translucent. Remove and let dry on parchment paper.
- Make the lemon curd: In a heatproof bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks, ¾ cup (150 g) sugar, and juice from 2 lemons until combined. Add 4 tbsp (55 g) butter cut in pieces. Place bowl over simmering water and whisk continuously until thickened and creamy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp (30 ml) limoncello. Cool.
- Whip the mascarpone cream: Beat 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and ½ cup (100 g) sugar to soft peaks. Lightly beat mascarpone to loosen, then fold into whipped cream. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) limoncello and fold gently to combine.
- Assemble the cups: Quickly dip ladyfingers one by one into limoncello (1-2 seconds). Place a layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of each cup. Spoon a layer of mascarpone cream over, then a dollop of lemon curd. Repeat layers ending with mascarpone on top.
- Chill and garnish: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, top each cup with candied lemon zest and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Dip ladyfingers quickly (1-2 seconds) to avoid sogginess. Whip cream to soft peaks for light texture. Chill assembled cups overnight for best flavor and texture. Use quality limoncello for best flavor. Candied zest must be dried properly to avoid sogginess. Lemon curd requires gentle whisking over low heat to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (individual se
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: limoncello tiramisu, lemon curd dessert, candied lemon zest, easy tiramisu cups, lemon dessert, mascarpone dessert, gluten-free dessert option, dairy-free dessert adaptation