Sweet Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu

Name: Sweet Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 2 lemons; 24 ladyfinger cookies; 1 cup fresh blueberries; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Desserts

I love creating desserts that combine refreshing flavors, and this Sweet Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu does just that. The bright notes of lemon paired with the juicy blueberries really elevate this classic dessert. It’s light yet indulgent, making it perfect for a summer gathering or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. With just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, this tiramisu is bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-01-25T18:10:27.995Z

When I first experimented with a twist on traditional tiramisu, I decided to incorporate lemon and blueberries for a refreshing twist. I was pleasantly surprised by how well these flavors blended together, creating a dessert that feels both decadent and refreshing. The lemon zest adds a bright, zesty kick that perfectly complements the creamy mascarpone layers.

One detail I love about this recipe is the use of ladyfingers soaked in lemon juice instead of coffee. This not only gives a unique flavor but also enhances the overall freshness of the dish. The addition of blueberries adds a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty flavor of lemon that brightens your palate
Sweet bursts of blueberries throughout each layer
Light and airy texture makes it a delightful dessert

Understanding the Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Sweet Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. The mascarpone cheese provides a rich, creamy base, while the heavy cream adds lightness and volume when whipped. This combination creates a delicate balance that’s essential for the characteristic airy texture of tiramisu. Lemon juice and zest not only enhance flavor with bright acidity but also help the dessert maintain a fresh taste, cutting through the sweetness.

Furthermore, the choice of ladyfinger cookies cannot be overlooked. They act as a sponge, soaking up the lemon juice without becoming overly soggy, which is vital for maintaining structure between the layers. If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can use a light sponge cake or angel food cake, cutting them into strips and applying the same soaking method. This ensures that every bite remains delightful and moist.

Layering Techniques for Success

When assembling your tiramisu, pay careful attention to layering. Start by spreading the mascarpone mixture gently over the soaked ladyfingers, ensuring an even coverage that reaches all corners—this seals in the flavors and moisture, which is particularly important for the texture. A spatula works best for this; aim for smooth, level layers to create an appealing finished product. Remember, visual cues like an even surface will help you achieve a professional appearance.

It’s also important to allow each layer to set a bit before adding the next. This doesn’t mean waiting for hours, but a quick chill for about 15 minutes after layering the blueberries can help ensure they stay suspended within the mascarpone. This technique results in a stunning presentation when you cut into the dessert, showcasing distinct layers of cheese, blueberries, and ladyfingers.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dessert:

Ingredients

1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons
24 ladyfinger cookies
1 cup fresh blueberries
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are prepared before starting the preparation process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Sweet Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu:

Prepare the Cream Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whip until soft peaks form.

Soak the Ladyfingers

In a shallow dish, mix the lemon juice with a splash of water. Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the lemon juice and layer them in the bottom of a serving dish.

Add Layers

Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers. Add a layer of fresh blueberries on top.

Repeat the Layering

Dip the remaining ladyfingers in the lemon juice and layer them over the blueberries. Top with the remaining mascarpone mixture and smooth out the surface.

Chill

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Serve

Garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves before serving. Enjoy your refreshing dessert!

Serve immediately after garnishing for the best presentation!

Pro Tips

Make sure to not soak the ladyfingers for too long to maintain their texture. You can also layer additional blueberries between the mascarpone layers for an extra fruit boost.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great advantages of this Sweet Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, I recommend letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and intensifies the refreshing lemon and blueberry flavors. If you’re planning for a gathering, prepare it one day in advance and garnish just before serving to keep the mint leaves vibrant.

If you're looking to save some time, you can prepare the mascarpone mixture and soak the ladyfingers the day before. Just keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. This not only helps with time management but also makes assembling the tiramisu a quick and easy process, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your guests.

Storing and Serving

To store any leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions into airtight containers. The tiramisu will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, although it’s best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness. Beyond three days, the freshness of the berries may start to degrade, and the texture can change as moisture builds up.

When serving, I love to take a few extra fresh blueberries and mint leaves and place them atop the tiramisu for an eye-catching presentation. For a twist, consider offering a side of lemon curd as a drizzle or serve alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet for added zest. This pairing enhances the lightness and tartness, making your dessert experience even more delightful!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert actually tastes better when made a day in advance as the flavors meld together.

→ Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone for a lighter version. However, it will change the texture and flavor.

→ How long does it last?

The tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap.

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dessert.