Limoncello Tiramisu Cups

Imagine the sun-drenched lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast captured in a single, elegant dessert. These Limoncello Tiramisu Cups bring together the beloved Italian classic with a bright, citrusy twist that transforms every bite into a celebration of summer. Delicate ladyfingers soaked in limoncello syrup are layered with cloud-like lemon mascarpone cream, creating a no-bake dessert that's as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sophisticated treat, these individual cups deliver elegance without the fuss.

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The secret to these luminous cups lies in the balance of sweet and tart. Fresh lemon zest brightens the creamy mascarpone, while limoncello liqueur adds a sophisticated depth that elevates the entire dessert. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—just a few quality ingredients and minimal hands-on time yield a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from an Italian pasticceria.

Ingredients

• Cream Layer: 250 g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese, chilled; 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream, cold; 80 g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Limoncello Syrup: 120 ml (1/2 cup) limoncello liqueur; 60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice; 60 ml (1/4 cup) water; 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• Base & Assembly: 150 g (about 18) ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi); Lemon zest, for garnish; Fresh mint leaves (optional), for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the limoncello syrup

In a small bowl, combine limoncello, lemon juice, water, and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the mascarpone cream

In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone and lemon zest until smooth and creamy; do not overmix.

Step 3: Assemble the cups

Break each ladyfinger into 2–3 pieces to fit your serving glasses (about 250 ml/8 oz each). Quickly dip ladyfingers, one at a time, into the limoncello syrup (do not soak; a quick dip is enough).

Step 4: Layer the dessert

Layer the bottom of each glass with dipped ladyfingers. Spoon a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of syrup-dipped ladyfingers and finish with a final layer of mascarpone cream.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and chill.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Just before serving, garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh mint leaves if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Cold ingredients are crucial for achieving the perfect mascarpone cream texture. Make sure both your mascarpone and heavy cream are well chilled before whipping. When folding the mascarpone into the whipped cream, use gentle, sweeping motions to maintain the airiness—overmixing can cause the cream to deflate or become grainy. The ladyfingers should be dipped quickly; a brief moment in the syrup is all they need. Over-soaking will make them fall apart and create a soggy texture rather than the desired tender-yet-structured layers.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute limoncello with a lemon syrup made from equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup. Add a layer of lemon curd between the mascarpone and ladyfingers for extra tang and a beautiful visual stripe. Try incorporating other citrus flavors like orange or grapefruit by adjusting the zest and juice accordingly. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ladyfingers or substitute with cubed gluten-free sponge cake. You can also prepare these in one large trifle dish instead of individual cups for family-style serving.

Serviervorschläge

These elegant cups shine as the centerpiece of a summer dinner party or al fresco gathering. Serve them chilled, garnished with fresh lemon zest curls and a small sprig of mint for a pop of color. Pair with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a limoncello digestif to echo the citrus notes. For a beautiful presentation, consider serving on individual dessert plates with a small lemon wedge and a delicate butter cookie on the side. These tiramisu cups are best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation, making them perfect for entertaining with advance preparation.

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With their bright citrus flavor, creamy texture, and effortless elegance, these Limoncello Tiramisu Cups prove that the best desserts often come from simple combinations of quality ingredients. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this refreshing twist on tiramisu delivers Italian indulgence with every spoonful. Buon appetito!

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Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the ladyfingers from becoming soggy?

Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the limoncello syrup rather than soaking them to maintain a delicate texture and prevent sogginess.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, assembly can be done up to one day before serving, allowing the flavors to meld while chilling in the refrigerator.

→ What substitutes can be used for limoncello?

For a non-alcoholic option, replace limoncello with lemon juice combined with simple syrup for a similar citrus sweetness.

→ How should the mascarpone cream be whipped?

Whip cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then gently fold in mascarpone and lemon zest to keep the mixture smooth and airy.

→ Is there a garnish suggestion for extra flavor?

Adding fresh lemon zest and optional mint leaves provides a bright aroma and an elegant touch to the dessert.