Vegan Lemon Tiramisu is a refreshing and delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, bringing a vibrant citrusy flair to this beloved treat. This version maintains the creamy, layered essence of traditional tiramisu but swaps in lemon for coffee, making it a bright and zesty alternative that’s perfect for those who prefer a dairy-free and vegan dessert.
At its core, this vegan tiramisu features a rich and creamy lemon filling made from soaked cashews blended with coconut cream, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice and zest. This combination creates a silky texture and a tangy lemon flavor that mimics the traditional mascarpone cream found in classic tiramisu. The cashews provide a wonderfully smooth and creamy base, while the coconut cream adds a luscious, velvety texture.
The dessert’s structure is built upon layers of vegan ladyfingers or sponge cake, which are briefly soaked in a brewed lemon tea mixture. This soaking process imbues the cake layers with a subtle lemony flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy lemon filling. The soaked layers are then alternated with the lemon cream filling, resulting in a beautifully layered dessert that offers both texture and taste in every bite.
Chilling the assembled tiramisu allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly, resulting in a well-integrated and cohesive treat. The final presentation is often enhanced with a garnish of lemon zest and fresh mint leaves, adding a burst of color and an extra hint of citrus aroma.
The Vegan Lemon Tiramisu is a perfect choice for a light, summery dessert that provides a refreshing and sophisticated alternative to more traditional, rich desserts. Its bright, tangy flavor profile and creamy texture make it a standout option for both casual gatherings and special occasions, offering a delightful way to end any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours or overnight)
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (chilled)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Soaked Layers:
- 1 cup strong brewed lemon tea (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Assembly:
- 1 package of vegan ladyfingers or sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
- Lemon zest (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure an even texture.
- Prepare the Lemon Soaked Layers:
- In a shallow dish, mix the cooled lemon tea, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Briefly dip each vegan ladyfinger or sponge cake into the lemon mixture, ensuring it is coated but not overly soggy.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- In a serving dish or individual cups, place a layer of the soaked ladyfingers or sponge cake at the bottom.
- Spread a layer of the lemon cream filling over the soaked layers.
- Repeat the process, ending with a layer of lemon cream filling on top.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with additional lemon zest and fresh mint leaves if desired.
Tips:
- Soaking Cashews: Ensure the cashews are thoroughly soaked to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the lemon filling. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 10 minutes.
- Avoid Over-soaking: Dip the ladyfingers quickly into the lemon tea mixture to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- Chill Time: Allow enough time for the tiramisu to chill and set properly. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency and flavor.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an added touch, you can incorporate a bit of lemon zest into the lemon cream filling or sprinkle it on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Enjoy your light and zesty Vegan Lemon Tiramisu, a refreshing twist on a classic dessert!
