5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu

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After a busy after-school shuffle or a late workday where everyone’s hungry and the last thing you want is a complicated dessert, I reach for simple recipes that actually make life easier. This 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu is one of those lifesavers: fast to pull together, forgiving if your kids want to help, and bright enough that picky eaters often ask for seconds. It’s a make-ahead, minimal-dish dessert that feels special without any fuss.

A Quick Look at This 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

This 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu blends two family favorites—whipped cream and zesty lemon curd—into a layered, spoonable dessert that both kids and adults love. It only needs common ingredients like double cream, sponge fingers, and lemon curd, so no late-night ingredient hunts. The recipe is quick to assemble and best when it’s made ahead, freeing up your evening for homework or play. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it’s forgiving (easy to fix if a layer isn’t perfect) and keeps well in the fridge. Promise: it’s simpler than it looks and reliably delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need for 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu

I list what I always keep on hand and a few helpful swaps so you can adapt this 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu to your pantry and timing.

Essentials

350 ml cold double cream (heavy cream) — the base that whips into the lemon-scented cream.
50 g icing sugar (for sweetening the whipped cream).
1 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness to the cream).
Zest from 1 lemon (use a microplane for the best flavor).
20 g icing sugar (for the lemon syrup that soaks the sponge fingers).
60 ml lemon juice (mixed with sugar to make a light lemon syrup).
26 sponge fingers (ladyfingers — the classic tiramisu sponge).
320 g lemon curd (ready-made or homemade — the tangy layer everyone loves).
Sliced lemons (optional, for garnish).
Fresh mint (optional, for fragrance and color).

These ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store and simple to work with, even when time is tight.

Optional Add-ons

Fresh berries (blueberries or raspberries) for a colorful topping that kids often ask for.
A thin dusting of icing sugar on top for a pretty finish.
Crushed shortbread or digestive biscuits between layers for extra crunch.
A smooth dollop of mascarpone folded into the cream for a richer texture (if you have it and want to upgrade).
Vanilla extract (a half-teaspoon) for a warmer cream flavor.

Add-ons are optional—this 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu tastes great as written, and extras are for when you have a spare five minutes or want to dress it up for guests.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

Double cream swap: If you can’t find double cream, use heavy whipping cream. If dairy-free is needed, try a stable coconut cream whipped with a little icing sugar (flavor shifts slightly).
Lemon curd shortcut: Use a good-quality store-bought jar; it saves time and tastes consistently great.
Sponge finger alternatives: Use thin slices of pound cake, store-bought ladyfingers, or even graham crackers in a pinch (the texture changes a bit).
Quick whip: Use an electric hand whisk or stand mixer to whip the cream in 2–3 minutes—faster and less tiring than a manual whisk.
Less sugar: If your lemon curd is very sweet, reduce the icing sugar slightly in the whipped cream or syrup to balance the tartness.
Single-serve jars: Instead of one big dish, make individual servings in small jars or ramekins. They’re grab-and-go and cut down on portioning fuss.

These swaps keep the recipe flexible for busy family schedules and different pantry realities.

How to Make 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu Step-by-Step

I keep this process simple and fast. Everything you need to know is in clear, no-fuss steps so you can get it in the fridge and move on with your evening.

Chill your mixing bowl and whisk for a few minutes if you can — cold equipment helps cream whip faster. Pour 350 ml cold double cream into the chilled bowl.
Add 50 g icing sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and the zest from 1 lemon. Whip until soft peaks form. The cream should hold shape but still be glossy. Stop whipping as soon as soft peaks appear to avoid over-whipping.
- Time-saver tip: Use an electric mixer and stop as soon as the cream can hold a peak to save time and energy.
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk 20 g icing sugar with 60 ml lemon juice to make the lemon syrup. Taste and adjust—if the lemon is very tart, add a little extra icing sugar.
- Efficiency tip: Use a shallow dish for quick dipping of sponge fingers; this cuts assembly time.
Quickly dip each sponge finger into the lemon syrup. Don’t soak them—just a quick dip on both sides. Arrange a single layer of 13 sponge fingers in the base of your chosen dish (a 9×9 inch works well) or split between small jars.
- No-fuss reassurance: If a finger gets soggy, just fold it into the layers or replace it. Precision isn’t required here.
Spread half of the whipped lemon cream over the first sponge finger layer evenly.
Spoon half of the 320 g lemon curd over the cream and spread gently to cover.
Repeat: Dip the remaining 13 sponge fingers and place them over the lemon curd. Top with the remaining whipped cream and any leftover lemon curd — you can swirl it on top for a pretty finish.
- Clean-up tip: Work with a rubber spatula and wipe the spoon on the bowl edge to minimize bowls and tools.
Cover the dish with cling film or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Chilling lets the layers soften and the flavors meld.
- Make-ahead advantage: This is ideal for preparing the night before a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
Before serving, garnish with thin sliced lemons and fresh mint if using. Slice with a warm, dry knife for clean servings.
- Serving shortcut: If serving kids, spoon into bowls directly from the dish; adults often appreciate a neat slice.

I find that these clear steps and small time-saving choices make assembling this 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu effortless, even after a long day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A little planning keeps this dessert fast and stress-free. Avoid these common hiccups and you’ll save time and cleanup—and keep everyone happy at the table.

Mistake 1: Over-soaking the sponge fingers

Dipping the sponge fingers too long turns them into mush rather than a soft layer. A quick one- or two-second dip on each side is all you need. Use a shallow dish and dip horizontally for speed.

Mistake 2: Over-whipping the cream

If you whip the double cream until it’s stiff or grainy, the texture becomes dense and can split when mixed with lemon curd. Watch carefully and stop at soft peaks. If you accidentally over-whip, fold in a tablespoon of fresh cream to soften it.

Mistake 3: Skipping the chill time

Serving immediately means runny layers and a weak flavor meld. Plan for at least 4 hours in the fridge (overnight is best). If you’re pressed, assemble early in the day and refrigerate until dinnertime.

Serving Suggestions for 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu

This dessert is versatile and pairs well with simple, family-friendly sides. I recommend light pairings that keep prep minimal and kid-appeal high.

Start with a small scoop-style serving—kids are often happier with a petite ramekin than a big slice. The tart-sweet lemon is refreshing after heavier family dinners.

Kid-Friendly Pairings

Serve with plain yogurt or a small bowl of fresh berries on the side. Kids often enjoy dipping spoonfuls into berries, and the colors make the dessert feel special without extra work.

Quick Add-Ons

Sprinkle crushed shortbread, a few toasted almonds, or a pinch of finely grated lemon zest on top right before serving for a simple texture boost. These add-ons are optional but give grown-ups a little extra crunch.

Minimal-Prep Sides

If you want a light dinner to match the dessert, serve with a quick green salad and roasted chicken or a simple pasta. For busy nights, a store-roasted rotisserie chicken and a bagged salad keep dinner fast and let this lemon tiramisu be the star.

Conclusion

I love that this 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu saves time and energy without sacrificing a homemade feel—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or last-minute guests. It’s forgiving for picky eaters (you can control sweetness and tartness) and flexible with substitutions when your pantry isn’t perfect. Make it the night before, and you’ll have dessert ready while you finish homework, clean up, or simply sit down together.

If you want another easy take on lemon tiramisu for inspiration or slightly different techniques, I often compare recipes to find the fastest, most family-friendly method. For a simple variation you can try this Easy Lemon Tiramisu Recipe – Tatyanas Everyday Food, and if you’re curious about a more classic approach with extra tips, I also like the detailed walkthrough in Lemon Tiramisu — THE Best Recipe | The Kitchn.

FAQs About 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu

How long does this 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu keep in the fridge?

I store the 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the sponge fingers can get too soft and the texture changes. If you need to keep it longer, consider assembling without the sponge fingers and adding them a few hours before serving.

Can I make the 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu ahead for a party?

Yes—you can make the 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu the day before and chill it overnight. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld. For a party, I sometimes prepare individual jars the day before for easy serving and minimal cleanup.

Is the 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The flavors are bright and familiar—kids often enjoy the sweet lemon curd and the creamy whipped layer. To make it more kid-friendly, reduce the lemon syrup slightly or skip the extra lemon zest on top. Portion into small cups for little hands.

Can I freeze the 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu?

I don’t recommend freezing the finished 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu because the cream and sponge textures change. If you want to freeze elements, freeze the lemon curd separately in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge before assembling.

What’s the easiest way to adapt the 5-ingredient Lemon Tiramisu for dietary needs?

For a quicker dairy-free option, use canned coconut cream whipped with a little icing sugar, and choose dairy-free sponge fingers or thin slices of a dairy-free cake. The lemon curd flavor will still shine, though the texture shifts slightly. I always taste and adjust sugar levels to keep the dessert balanced for little eaters.