Once upon a time in a quaint little café tucked away in the heart of an Italian village, I stumbled upon a dessert that instantly captured my heart — Tiramisu. However, the café’s twist was a refreshing citrus infusion, which inspired me to create my own version. This Heavenly Citrus Tiramisu bursts with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate, combining the classic richness of mascarpone with zesty lemon and orange. Perfect for a gathering or a sweet indulgence at home, this dessert will transport you to sunlit terraces overlooking rolling hills.
Ingredients
1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
3 large egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
24 ladyfinger cookies
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The sweet aroma of sugar and eggs mixing fills the air, a gentle reminder of the sweet treat to come.
Next, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until fully incorporated. The mixture should be velvety and smooth, whispering promises of indulgence. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then carefully fold this into the mascarpone mixture. The light and airy texture will be the key to that heavenly experience.
Now, add the zests of lemon and orange, along with the vanilla extract, to the creamy mixture. Stir until combined. The citrus notes will brighten the overall flavor, making this tiramisu truly unique. In a shallow dish, combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur. Dunk each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for a mere second — you want them to soak up the flavor without becoming mushy.
Begin assembling your tiramisu by layering half of the soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Repeat the process with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone, creating a beautiful two-layer dessert. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to let all the flavors meld together.
When ready to serve, dust the top with cocoa powder for that classic finish, and add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Each slice reveals the luscious layers of creamy citrus bliss, inviting everyone to indulge. This Heavenly Citrus Tiramisu is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brightens any occasion. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine, and let the culinary magic unfold!