Discover a beloved Italian dessert anew with chef Valentina Harris

mascarpone cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Ricotta provides a lighter texture and is often more affordable.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: whipped topping

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

limoncello

🥗Healthier: lemon juice + simple syrup

💰Cheaper: lemon extract

Lemon juice and syrup provide a similar flavor without the cost.

ladyfingers

🥗Healthier: sponge cake

💰Cheaper: homemade biscuits

Sponge cake can be made easily at home and is lighter.

Heat 350 ml of water with 2 tablespoons of caster sugar until it reaches a gentle boil and the sugar melts.

In a bowl, blend 4 egg yolks with lemon curd until smooth.

Add mascarpone cheese to the egg yolk and lemon curd mixture and stir to combine.

Pour the syrup into the mixture to cool, then add limoncello by eye and blend until smooth.

Whisk heavy cream until soft peaks form and fold into the mascarpone mixture.

Whisk egg whites until soft peaks form and fold into the mixture for added lightness.

Add lemon zest and juice to the mixture.

Dip ladyfingers into the syrup and layer them in serving glasses.

Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture on top of the ladyfingers.

Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish with the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Refrigerate the assembled dessert until set.

Garnish with lemon zest and fresh basil before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens