This delicious lemon dessert is topped with sweet candied lemons.

Characteristic	Detail
Prep Time	1 hour
Chill Time	4 hours (minimum)
Servings	8-10
Difficulty Level	Medium
Estimated Cost	$18
Ideal Occasion	Dessert, Celebrations
Origin	Italy
Diets	None in particular

Ingredients

Candied Lemons

• 3-4 lemons
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)

Mascarpone Cream

• 2 lemons
• 16 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup limoncello
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth)
• 20 ladyfingers (savoiardi cookies)

Tip: If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, click here to see how to make a good substitute at home.

Instructions

Candied Lemons

1. Thinly slice lemons.
2. Briefly blanch slices in boiling water (1 minute).
3. In a separate pan, combine sugar, water, and a pinch of salt (optional), bring to a boil.
4. Add lemon slices, simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until translucent.
5. Drain, cool, and finely chop. Reserve the syrup.

Mascarpone Cream

1. Zest 1 lemon, combine with sugar, and rub together.
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar/zest mixture until pale and fluffy.
3. Add mascarpone, limoncello, and vanilla extract (if using), whisk until smooth.
4. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
5. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.

Assembly

1. Combine lemon juice, limoncello, and some reserved syrup to taste.
2. Quickly dip ladyfingers in the mixture (don’t soak!), layer in the bottom of a dish.
3. Spread half the mascarpone cream over ladyfingers.
4. Sprinkle with half of the chopped candied lemon.
5. Repeat layers: ladyfingers, cream, lemon.
6. Finish with a final layer of cream, smoothing the top.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
8. Before serving, garnish with additional candied lemon slices, fresh lemon zest, and a dusting of powdered sugar (optional).

Tips

• For a stronger lemon flavor, add a tablespoon or two of lemon curd to the mascarpone cream.
• To make it a dessert for adults, add a splash of limoncello or vodka to the soaking syrup.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the candied lemons and mascarpone cream.
• You can use a square or rectangular dish, or individual ramekins for single servings.

Nutrition Facts per Serving (Limoncello Tiramisu)

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	450	23%
Total Fat	30g	38%
Saturated Fat	18g	90%
Cholesterol	200mg	67%
Sodium	100mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Sugars	30g
Protein	8g	16%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.