Limoncello Tiramisu Cups

Imagine the elegance of classic Italian tiramisu reimagined with the bright, sun-kissed flavors of the Amalfi Coast. These Limoncello Tiramisu Cups are a no-bake dessert that captures the essence of summer in every spoonful. Delicate ladyfinger biscuits are gently soaked in a limoncello syrup, then layered with a cloud-like mascarpone cream infused with fresh lemon zest. The result is a refreshing twist on tradition—light, sophisticated, and irresistibly citrusy. Perfect for warm-weather entertaining or whenever you crave a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortlessly airy.

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The beauty of this dessert lies in its balance. The limoncello and fresh lemon juice bring vibrant acidity, while the rich mascarpone and whipped cream provide luxurious smoothness. Each layer tells a story—from the delicate savoiardi biscuits that soften just enough to create the perfect texture, to the citrus-kissed cream that melts on your tongue. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, these individual cups deliver restaurant-quality elegance with home kitchen ease.

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

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 and build

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 and set

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

The key to perfect Limoncello Tiramisu Cups is controlling moisture. When dipping the ladyfingers into the limoncello syrup, work quickly—a brief dip of one to two seconds is all you need. Over-soaking will result in mushy layers that lose their delicate structure. Keep your mascarpone and cream well-chilled before whipping, as this ensures the cream holds its peaks and the mascarpone incorporates smoothly without becoming runny. When folding the mascarpone into the whipped cream, use gentle strokes to preserve the airy texture you've created. An electric mixer makes the whipping process easier, but a hand whisk works beautifully if you're patient. Allow the full two hours of chilling time—this isn't just about temperature, it's about letting the flavors meld and the layers set into their final, spoonable perfection.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the limoncello with a lemon syrup made from equal parts fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, adding a splash of lemon extract for depth. If you want extra tanginess, add a thin layer of lemon curd between the mascarpone cream layers—the contrast between sweet cream and tart curd is divine. For a more decadent twist, try using limoncello-flavored liqueur mixed with a touch of elderflower cordial for floral notes. You can also experiment with different citrus: substitute orange zest and Grand Marnier for an Arancello variation, or use lime and tequila for a tropical take. Gluten-free ladyfingers are available if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, and for a lighter version, you can replace half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.

Serviervorschläge

These elegant individual cups are naturally suited to sophisticated presentation. Serve them in clear glass tumblers or stemless wine glasses so the beautiful layers are visible. Just before serving, add a fresh twist of lemon zest over the top and tuck in a small sprig of fresh mint for color and aroma. For a special occasion, consider serving alongside a small glass of chilled limoncello or Prosecco. These cups pair beautifully with fresh berries—raspberries and blueberries add a pop of color and complementary tartness. If you're hosting a dinner party, prepare them the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator; they'll actually taste even better as the flavors have more time to develop. For an extra touch of elegance, dust the tops very lightly with powdered sugar just before presenting them to your guests.

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With their perfect balance of citrus brightness and creamy indulgence, these Limoncello Tiramisu Cups bring a taste of Italian sunshine to any table. The no-bake preparation means you can create an impressive dessert without turning on your oven, making them ideal for warm weather or busy schedules. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor and texture—the tender, syrup-kissed ladyfingers, the silky mascarpone cream, and that unmistakable limoncello zing. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply ending a weeknight dinner on a high note, these individual desserts prove that elegance and ease can coexist beautifully in your kitchen.

Recipe Guide

→ How is the limoncello syrup prepared?

Combine limoncello, fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely to create a bright citrus syrup.

→ What is the best method to achieve the creamy layer?

Whip cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then gently fold in mascarpone and lemon zest for a smooth, airy texture.

→ Can the ladyfingers be soaked longer in the syrup?

It's recommended to dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess and preserve layers' texture within the cups.

→ Is chilling necessary before serving?

Yes, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set properly.

→ Are there alternatives to limoncello for a non-alcoholic version?

Replace limoncello with a homemade lemon syrup made from equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup for a similar citrus effect.