These gorgeous Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits put my fresh twist everyone's favorite dessert—tiramisu. The individual parfaits are perfect for parties, holidays, showers or anytime you need a dessert recipe with "Wow!" factor.
The tart fruit flavors of these Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits are perfect with the rich, creamy mascarpone filling. You won't miss the coffee flavor of traditional tiramisu one bit!
I came up with this dessert years ago, when one of my nieces got married and I needed to make a "show stopping" dessert for her bridal shower. These Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits have been a family favorite ever since.
The first time I served this dessert, I was serving them for a spring/summer luncheon with fun young bridesmaids and, of course, the "Mom-in-Laws-to-Be." Since that time, my family and friends have requested the parfaits for all kinds of events like Christmas buffets (the red berries are GOR-geous!), New Year's Eve Buffets, black-tie dinners and even my parent's "big number" anniversaries.
Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits have remained one of our most favorite dessert recipes for years.
You may have seen these Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits the first time I shared them on MothersNiche.com. I was a contributor there a few years ago but, I feel like these little cuties need to come home, here, to Everyday Southwest so that I can share them with you.
Originally, I served the Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu in the traditional way—layered in a pan, cut into squares and plated with a drizzle of raspberry sauce. But, I realized how beautiful the lady fingers look when you cut them and the beautiful, berry red juice surrounds the white center. Kind of "artsy" don't you think? So, I started serving the desert as a parfait instead.
I mean who doesn't love parfaits?
Don't worry if you can't find fresh berries, I make the syrup with frozen berries and use fresh berries for the garnish. You will get more juice from frozen berries. If you can't get fresh berries for the garnish, just buy an extra bag of frozen berries and pick out the nicest looking berries to thaw and use as the garnish. Frozen berries will be darker than fresh berries.
Here is how to make Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits:
The biggest trick to making this tiramisu is dipping the lady fingers into the liquid. Whether it is coffee or this raspberry syrup, you need to dip it quickly and only for a second or two. I like to get enough raspberry syrup onto the lady fingers so that when you cut into them, they have a little red ring around the outside. You may have to dip a few as practice to get the feel of how long it takes.
Pour the raspberry syrup into a shallow dish that is flat on the bottom (I use an 8 by 8 pyrex dish). Then, put one or two lady fingers into the dish at a time. Count to two then, turn the lady fingers over and count to two again. Remove the lady fingers from the raspberry syrup and cut into one inch segments. If the red ring of syrup is not visible enough, dip in the syrup again. Repeat with all of the lady fingers.
Layer the lady fingers, lemon mascarpone cream, remaining raspberry syrup and whole raspberries in the serving glasses.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill until the lady fingers have softened or until ready to serve.
Garnish with a sprig of mint (optional).
Tools and Ingredients for Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits:
Italian-Style Lady Fingers (the "hard" kind)
Clear Plastic Disposable Cups (a lifesaver for large parties)
Strainer Set for berry sauce (any fine sieve will do)
Print the recipe for Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu Parfaits:
- 12 ounces frozen raspberries
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- ¼ water
- 2 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam
- 12 ounces heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs, optional
- 2 large egg yolks, optional
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- pinch of salt
- 4 ounces lemon curd
- 1 large package Lady Fingers (the hard, Italian-style)
- 8 ounces fresh raspberries
- mint leaves for garnish, optional
- Place the frozen raspberries, ½ cup sugar and water in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Combine the raspberry mixture and the raspberry jam in a food processor and blend until smooth. Strain the raspberry syrup, if desired. Set aside to cool.
- If using the eggs, combine the eggs, egg yolks and ½ remaining sugar in a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy and the eggs are pale in color. Add the mascarpone cheese, lemon curd and pinch of salt, beat until well combined, set aside.
- If the eggs are not used, combine the mascarpone cheese, remaining ½ sugar, lemon curd and pinch of salt in a mixing bowl and beat with a mixer until well combined, set aside.
- Whip the cream in a separate bowl and then divide into thirds and fold into the lemon curd mixture in 3 batches.
- Dip the lady fingers into the raspberry syrup for a second or two until coated, but not soggy. Cut the lady fingers into segments and layer one to two in the bottom of a glass or dessert dish. Spoon a layer of lemon mixture over the lady fingers and top with several fresh raspberries and a drizzle of raspberry syrup. Repeat the layers if desired and if there is room in the glass. Chill until ready to serve.
I hope you love this recipe! Be sure to let us know what you think, you can always leave us a comment here on this post or follow Everyday Southwest on Facebook. We have a lot of fun things planned for the new year so don't forget to sign up for our free email updates so you don't miss a thing!
See you soon!
—Sandy
Donna
Beautiful AND tasty - a winning combo!
Carol Hicks
This beautiful dessert is to die for! The last thing I want to taste before I die.
Wendy
I totally agree with all of your friends and family. This dessert IS a show stopper! The colors and the flavors make this parfait a dessert for all seasons.
Elaina Newton (@TheRisingSpoon)
Oh my gosh, these are gorgeous! I love the red rings around the lady fingers with the golden centers left intact. This recipe looks so simple, too, especially since you can use frozen berries. I'm a big fan of the coffee flavors in classic tiramisu, but I would love this version. 🙂
Kim
Sounds devine...just the name of this dessert made my mouth water. Thanks for the recipe
Debbie Welchert
Wow, this dessert sounds so good. My grandson loves raspberries and I know he would love this. I can't wait to try it.
Sandy
Hi Debbie, Be sure to try this recipe! I can honestly say it is a real family favorite and I make it for all kinds of occasions.
Dee Lafrenz
These look amazing. We love raspberries, and will have to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing
Jerry Marquardt
This recipe looked so good, I copied it down. I am going to make it this coming weekend. I thank you so much for the share.
Richard Hicks
Never had this combo of fruit. Would love to try this
Jodi Hunter
These are so beautiful, can't wait to give them a go.
Carol Hicks
Reading this recipe makes my mouth water!
Kelli Miller
Apparently I am too heavy handed with the lady fingers. LOL! I gave up and gave that task to my middle son who dances - so his attention to detail is better than mine. After we got that part figured out, this was a super easy (and yummy) recipe.
Corinne
This was amazing!! Dipping the ladyfingers in the raspberry syrup is genius. It adds the perfect extra dose of color and flavor. I loved the combination of tart and sweet in this recipe. Definitely a keeper!
Christina
I love parfaits and this was a refreshing combination!