Homemade Limoncello Tiramisu Cups (Print)

Zesty limoncello and creamy mascarpone layered with ladyfingers create a delightful chilled dessert experience.

# Ingredients:

→ Limoncello Syrup

01 - ½ cup limoncello liqueur
02 - ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon water
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Mascarpone Cream

05 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese, cold
06 - ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream, cold
07 - ½ cup powdered sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Assembly

10 - 20 to 24 ladyfinger biscuits, cut to fit cups
11 - Lemon zest for garnish
12 - White chocolate curls or shavings for garnish, optional

# Instructions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine limoncello, water, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy. Take care not to overbeat the mixture.
03 - Dip ladyfingers briefly into the cooled limoncello syrup, ensuring they absorb liquid without becoming soggy.
04 - Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of each serving cup.
05 - Spoon or pipe a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
06 - Repeat layering with additional soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream until cups are filled, finishing with cream on top.
07 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
08 - Just before serving, garnish each cup with fresh lemon zest and optional white chocolate curls.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • No baking required—perfect for warm weather when you want to keep the kitchen cool
  • Individual portions make serving and portion control effortless
  • The bright lemon flavor offers a refreshing twist on traditional coffee-based tiramisu
  • Make-ahead friendly: flavors deepen and improve after chilling overnight
  • Impressive presentation that looks bakery-worthy with minimal effort
  • Customizable for dietary needs with simple substitutions
02 -
  • Use high-quality limoncello for the best flavor—or make your own by steeping lemon peels in vodka for two weeks
  • Don't skip the chilling time; the dessert needs at least 3 hours for the layers to set and flavors to marry
  • Beat the mascarpone cream just until smooth and fluffy—overbeating can cause it to separate and become grainy
  • Cut ladyfingers to fit your cups for a professional, tailored appearance
  • Garnish just before serving to keep the lemon zest vibrant and the white chocolate crisp
  • For clean edges, wipe the inside rim of each cup with a damp cloth before adding the final cream layer
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