Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of spring, you’ve come to the right place! This Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a joyful twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings. Fresh raspberries and zesty Meyer lemon curd blend beautifully with creamy mascarpone, creating a bright and refreshing treat that’s hard to resist.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and no baking required, you can whip it up in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, which means you can enjoy more time with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for last-minute gatherings.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavors in this dessert—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it a day in advance, and let the flavors meld overnight for even better taste.
• Light and refreshing: The combination of raspberries and lemon makes this dessert feel light, making it ideal for warm weather.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze! You’ll find that they are all wholesome and straightforward, allowing you to focus on creating something delicious.

For the Raspberry Sauce

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

For the Mascarpone Mixture

• 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (preferably Meyer lemons)
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup sugar

For Assembly

• 2 packages Lady Fingers
• 1 cup lemon curd
• About 2 pints of raspberries for garnish

Variations

This Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu is quite flexible! If you want to switch things up a bit, here are some fun ideas:

• Use different berries: Swap out raspberries for strawberries or blueberries based on your preference or what’s in season.
• Try different citrus: Use regular lemons or even limes if Meyer lemons aren’t available; they will add their own unique flavor!
• Add a layer of chocolate: A sprinkle of cocoa powder between layers adds a rich contrast to the fruity flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine your 1 cup of raspberries, 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This process helps release the natural sweetness from the raspberries while also thickening the sauce slightly. Once everything is simmering nicely and the raspberries have broken down, remove it from heat.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

If you prefer a smooth raspberry sauce, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree until smooth. This step is optional but adds an elegant touch! Set it aside to cool slightly while you move on to preparing your mascarpone mixture.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In your mixer bowl, beat together your 1 cup whipping cream and 1/4 cup sugar until soft peaks form. This not only adds texture but also lightness to your tiramisu. In another bowl, mix together your mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth—this creates that luscious filling we all adore!

Step 4: Combine Cream with Mascarpone

Gently fold in one-third of your whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until incorporated. This will lighten up the mascarpone base. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully so you don’t deflate all that wonderful air you’ve just whipped in!

Step 5: Assemble Your Tiramisu

Now it’s time for assembly! Start by lining the bottom of an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with half of the ladyfingers. Pour half of your raspberry puree over them and spread half of your mascarpone mixture on top. Next, layer half a cup of lemon curd followed by half of the fresh raspberries.

Step 6: Repeat Layers

Repeat this layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, raspberry puree, mascarpone mixture, lemon curd, and fresh raspberries. Each layer adds depth and flavor—trust me; it’s worth every step!

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Cover your creation tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least three hours or overnight if possible. Chilling allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Slice & Serve!

When you’re ready to serve your Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu, slice it into squares. It serves about 9-10 people but feel free to double up if you’re hosting a crowd! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert with friends and family—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu

Creating the perfect Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen! Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out absolutely delightful.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opting for fresh raspberries and lemons will enhance the flavors significantly. Fresh produce not only tastes better but also gives your dish a vibrant look.

• Chill thoroughly: Allowing your tiramisu to chill overnight makes a world of difference. This extra time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dessert.

• Layer with care: When layering, ensure each layer is even and spreads smoothly. This helps maintain structure when slicing and serving, making each piece look as good as it tastes.

• Experiment with sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to adjust the sugar levels in both the raspberry puree and mascarpone mixture. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance!

• Consider dairy alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be an excellent substitute for mascarpone. It imparts a lovely tropical flavor that complements the lemon nicely!

How to Serve Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu

Serving Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu is all about presentation and creating an inviting atmosphere. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a beautiful pop of color and a refreshing hint of flavor.
• Zest of lemon: Sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top just before serving for an added zing that enhances the citrus profile.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only looks elegant but also adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Light salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly. The freshness balances the richness of the tiramisu.
• Herbed crostini: Toasted slices of baguette topped with olive oil, herbs, and garlic provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy tiramisu.
• Fruit platter: An assortment of seasonal fruits, like strawberries and blueberries, can complement the dessert’s fruity notes while adding variety to your spread.
• Iced tea or lemonade: Refreshing beverages like iced herbal tea or lemonade will cleanse your palate between bites and keep things light and cheerful!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu—it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu is not only a showstopper at any gathering but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other aspects of your meal or event.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy it within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
• Avoid freezing leftovers, as the texture may change upon thawing.

Freezing

• This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it:
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• This dish is served chilled and does not require reheating.
• If stored properly, simply remove from the fridge and serve directly.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions about this delightful dessert!

Can I make Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes! This Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu is ideal for making ahead. It tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese in Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu?

If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture. Just ensure to whip it until smooth!

How do I store leftover Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Can I use frozen raspberries for Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before using and adjust the sugar if necessary.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Raspberry Lemon Tiramisu! It’s a light, refreshing twist on a classic dessert that’s simple yet elegant. Perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet treat at home, I’m sure you’ll love every creamy bite. Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to share your experience!