Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert we all love. By swapping the traditional coffee flavor for zesty lemon and sweet raspberries, this recipe brings a bright and fruity vibe that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. It’s light yet indulgent, combining creamy mascarpone with layers of tangy fruit and delicate ladyfingers.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu, we gather fresh and vibrant ingredients that balance creamy texture with zesty fruitiness.
For the Lemon Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup (240g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Sauce
- 2 cups (300g) fresh raspberries
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Cake Layers
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi), store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice, for soaking
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, for soaking liquid
- ½ cup (120ml) water, for soaking liquid
Additional Ingredients
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish
- Lemon zest curls, for garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
| Ingredient Group | Key Components |
|---|---|
| Lemon Mascarpone Cream | Mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla |
| Raspberry Sauce | Fresh raspberries, sugar, lemon juice |
| Cake Layers | Ladyfingers, lemon juice, sugar, water |
| Additional Ingredients | Fresh raspberries, lemon zest, powdered sugar |
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu with precision and ease, we need the right equipment at hand. The following tools will help us achieve the perfect texture, balance, and presentation for this refreshing dessert.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | For combining mascarpone, cream, and other ingredients |
| Electric mixer or whisk | To whip the heavy cream into soft peaks |
| Saucepan | To gently cook the raspberry sauce |
| Fine mesh sieve | For straining seeds from raspberry sauce |
| Shallow dish | To soak ladyfingers in the lemon juice mixture |
| Spatula | To fold mascarpone cream and to spread layers evenly |
| 8×8-inch square or similar glass dish | To assemble and chill the tiramisu |
| Zester or microplane | For grating fresh lemon zest |
| Measuring cups and spoons | To ensure exact ingredient quantities |
| Plastic wrap or lid | To cover the tiramisu during refrigeration |
Having these items ready before starting allows us to focus on crafting the dish without interruptions. Each piece of equipment contributes to layering the Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu smoothly and flavorfully — from whipping to soaking to chilling — ensuring the best result every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing the Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu ahead of time not only enhances the flavors but also simplifies serving for your next gathering. Here are the key steps and tips to ensure your dessert stays fresh and delicious.
Layer and Chill
- After assembling the tiramisu layers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably 8 to 12 hours. This resting period allows the ladyfingers to absorb the lemon syrup fully and the mascarpone cream to set perfectly.
- For best texture and flavor, avoid assembling more than 24 hours ahead.
Raspberry Sauce Storage
- Prepare the raspberry sauce ahead and store it separately in an airtight container.
- Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Before serving, gently rewarm the sauce to drizzle, or use it chilled for a more refreshing effect.
Garnish Preparation
- Pre-prepare garnishes such as lemon zest curls and fresh raspberries.
- Store garnishes in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
- Add garnishes just before serving to keep them bright and vibrant.
Freezing Guidelines
If you need to store the dessert for longer than 24 hours:
| Step | Instructions | Freezing Time | Thawing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully assembled tiramisu | Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight in refrigerator |
| Raspberry sauce (separately) | Store in airtight freezer-safe container | Up to 3 months | Thaw in refrigerator for 8 hours |
- Note: Frozen tiramisu might lose some creaminess. Use freezing only when necessary.
Serving Tip
“For the best flavor experience serve the tiramisu chilled but not too cold.” Let it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This enhances the lemon and raspberry aromas without losing the creamy texture.
Following these make-ahead instructions ensures that our Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu stays fresh and flavorful, ready to impress guests with every bite.
Directions
Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu that bursts with bright citrus and sweet berry flavors.
Preparing the Raspberry Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups fresh raspberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture begins to thicken, about 8–10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, pressing gently with a spatula to extract maximum flavor.
- Transfer the smooth raspberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool completely before using.
Making the Lemon Mascarpone Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it forms soft peaks, about 3–5 minutes. The cream should be light and fluffy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill while preparing the rest of the tiramisu.
Assembling the Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu
| Step | Ingredient/Component | Quantity/Notes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladyfinger cookies | About 24 pieces | Briefly soak each in lemon syrup (1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar) for 2 seconds |
| 2 | Soaked ladyfingers | Layer in an 8×8-inch glass dish | Arrange evenly covering the bottom |
| 3 | Raspberry sauce | Half the cooled amount | Drizzle evenly over ladyfingers |
| 4 | Lemon mascarpone cream | Half of the prepared cream | Spread gently over raspberry sauce |
| 5 | Repeat layers | Remaining soaked ladyfingers, raspberry sauce, mascarpone cream | Layer again to complete the tiramisu |
- Smooth the top layer of lemon mascarpone cream with a spatula, preparing it for chill time.
Chilling the Tiramisu
- Cover the assembled Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably 8 to 12 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set beautifully.
- For best texture and flavor, serve chilled but let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature before slicing.
Tip: Garnish just before serving with fresh raspberries, lemon zest curls, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a visually stunning and flavorful finish.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy our Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu, presentation and accompaniments play a vital role. Here are our top recommendations to serve this refreshing dessert in the best way possible:
Ideal Serving Temperature
- Serve the tiramisu chilled but not ice-cold.
- Remove from the refrigerator about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
- This resting time allows the flavors to open up for a more intense and balanced taste.
Portioning Tips
- Use a sharp, clean knife to slice the tiramisu into even squares.
- Warm the knife slightly by running it under hot water and drying it. This ensures smooth cuts without disturbing the layers.
- Suggested portion size:
| Portion Size | Description |
|————–|———————–|
| 3 x 3 inch | Perfect for individual servings |
| 2 x 2 inch | Ideal for tasting or petites portions |
Garnish & Presentation Enhancements
Before serving we recommend adding the following garnishes to elevate the visual appeal and enhance the flavor contrast:
- Fresh raspberries: scatter them generously on top to echo the raspberry sauce within.
- Lemon zest curls or thin strips: add brightness and a fresh citrus fragrance.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
- Optional: a sprig of fresh mint to add a pop of green and fresh aroma.
Pairing Recommendations
Complement the Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu by pairing it with beverages that highlight its citrusy and fruity notes:
| Beverage Type | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Tea | Earl Grey or chamomile to match the lemon notes |
| Coffee | Light roasted or decaf to avoid overpowering |
| Wine | Moscato d’Asti or a dry Prosecco for sparkle |
| Non-alcoholic Drink | Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or raspberry syrup |
Serving Ideas for Different Occasions
- For a casual brunch or afternoon tea, serve tiramisu in individual glasses or ramekins layered with extra raspberry sauce on the side.
- At formal dinners, plate slices on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of raspberry sauce and a lemon zest spiral on each serving.
- For alfresco summer gatherings, a chilled shot glass of lemon limoncello alongside a small portion of tiramisu offers a delightful palate cleanse.
By carefully considering presentation, temperature, garnish, and pairings, we maximize the enjoyment of our Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu. This luscious dessert becomes the perfect finale to any special meal or seasonal celebration.
Storage Instructions
To keep our Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu fresh and flavorful, following proper storage guidelines is essential. Here’s how we ensure every bite stays just as delightful as when it was first made.
Refrigeration
- Cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight lid on your glass dish to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
- Store the tiramisu in the fridge for up to 3 days. This time frame preserves the creaminess and the bright citrus-raspberry flavors without compromise.
- Before serving, let the tiramisu rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance its taste and achieve the ideal softness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is an option, though it slightly affects texture:
- Wrap the fully assembled tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Note: Frozen tiramisu may lose some creaminess but retains its beautiful flavors.
Raspberry Sauce Storage
If we prepare the raspberry sauce in advance:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Bring it to room temperature or gently warm before adding to the tiramisu to maintain the dessert’s freshness and flavor contrast.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Cover tightly, rest before serving |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Wrap well, thaw overnight in fridge |
| Raspberry Sauce | Up to 3 days | Store separately, warm before use |
Conclusion
This Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu is the perfect balance of bright citrus and sweet berries with creamy indulgence. It’s a fresh twist that brings a light yet decadent touch to any gathering.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dessert we’re excited to make again and again. Whether for a casual get-together or a special celebration, it’s sure to impress and delight every time.
Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant flavors that make this tiramisu stand out from the classic. We’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu?
Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu is a fresh twist on classic tiramisu, replacing coffee with zesty lemon and sweet raspberries, layered with mascarpone cream and ladyfingers for a light, fruity dessert.
What ingredients are needed for the Lemon Mascarpone Cream?
The cream includes mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
How is the raspberry sauce made?
Fresh raspberries are cooked with sugar and lemon juice, then strained to create a smooth, tangy sauce.
What are the best tools to prepare this dessert?
You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, a saucepan, fine mesh sieve, shallow dish, spatula, 8×8-inch glass dish, zester, measuring cups/spoons, and plastic wrap or a lid.
Can Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu be made ahead?
Yes, refrigerate the assembled tiramisu tightly covered for 6-12 hours to let flavors meld. Raspberry sauce can be stored separately for up to 3 days.
How long can I store Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when tightly covered and refrigerated.
Is it possible to freeze the tiramisu?
Yes, freeze for up to 1 month. Note that freezing may slightly affect its creaminess.
How should I serve Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu?
Serve chilled but allow it to rest 10-15 minutes at room temperature before slicing for best flavor and texture.
What are some garnish ideas for presentation?
Use fresh raspberries, lemon zest curls, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an attractive finish.
Which drinks pair well with Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu?
Try Earl Grey tea, lightly roasted coffee, Moscato d’Asti, or sparkling water to complement the flavors.