The Perfect Zesty Lemon Lasagna Recipe For Sweet Cravings

Creamy, dreamy lemon lasagna dances between tangy and sweet, promising a dessert that breaks all traditional rules.

Layers of zesty goodness await your taste buds with each delightful bite.

Soft, cloud-like mascarpone cream weaves through crisp graham cracker elements, creating a symphony of textures.

Bright citrus notes promise a refreshing twist on classic dessert expectations.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to infuse every single layer of this magical treat.

Delicate and light, this dessert whispers summer memories with incredible softness.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that will become your new obsession.

Lemon Lasagna A Zesty Twist on Classic Favorite

• Surprise Sweet Twist: Break away from traditional savory lasagna with this delightful dessert version that transforms classic comfort food into a refreshing treat.
• Create Without Complexity: Navigate this recipe easily with basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Craft a showstopping dessert that brings excitement to gatherings, impressing friends and family with its unique lemon-infused layers.
• Customize with Creativity: Personalize the recipe by adjusting lemon intensity, adding extra zest, or experimenting with different garnishes to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients Included in Lemon Lasagna

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta that provides the structural foundation for this sweet layered dessert.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth, rich base for the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and creates a luxurious texture when whipped.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the ricotta mixture and helps create a delicate consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to complement the bright lemon flavor.
• Lemon Curd: Provides a tangy, bright citrus flavor that defines the dessert’s zesty profile.
• Lemon Juice: Intensifies the citrus notes and adds a fresh, sharp taste.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers concentrated citrus oils for a vibrant lemon aroma.

• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, aromatic touch.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent excessive browning during initial baking.

How to Prepare Lemon Lasagna Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). This will create the perfect environment for our lemony masterpiece.

Step 2: Noodle Preparation

Boil lasagna noodles following package directions until they’re perfectly tender. Carefully drain and let them rest on a clean surface to cool down.

Step 3: Create Creamy Ricotta Base

• Ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 4: Whip Up Some Clouds

In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks form.

Gently fold this cloud-like cream into the ricotta mixture, creating a light and airy texture.

Step 5: Build Your Lemony Layers

• Spread a thin layer of lemon curd across the bottom of the dish
• Carefully arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the curd, letting them slightly overlap
• Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles
• Drizzle half of the remaining lemon curd
• Repeat the layering with another 4 noodles, remaining ricotta, and lemon curd
• Top with final 4 noodles
• Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and squeeze lemon juice over the top

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden color.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the layers to set.

Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips That Help With Lemon Lasagna

• Expert Tips
• Remove ricotta and cream cheese from the refrigerator 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother blending and better texture.
• Adjust lemon zest and juice quantities based on personal preference, starting with less and gradually adding more to balance sweetness.
• Pat lasagna noodles dry after cooking to reduce excess moisture and maintain a firmer, more defined layered structure.
• Refrigerate the lasagna for 2-3 hours after cooling to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Sprinkle additional lemon zest or fresh mint leaves just before serving to enhance visual appeal and provide a burst of fresh flavor.

Variations to Try on Lemon Lasagna Dish

• Tropical Paradise Lasagna: Replace lemon curd with mango puree and add shredded coconut between layers for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Berry Bliss Lasagna: Swap lemon curd with mixed berry compote and sprinkle crushed graham crackers between layers for added crunch.
• Chocolate Orange Fusion: Use orange marmalade instead of lemon curd and fold dark chocolate shavings into the ricotta mixture for a rich, decadent version.
• Lavender Lemon Dream: Infuse the ricotta mixture with dried lavender and use lemon curd, creating a floral and citrusy elegant dessert.

Pairing Suggestions With Lemon Lasagna

• Pair Refreshing Citrus Cocktails: Mix a bright limoncello spritz or zesty lemon martini that complements the dessert’s tangy profile, enhancing the citrus notes and cutting through the creamy ricotta layers.
• Recommend Crisp White Wines: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with subtle acidic undertones that beautifully match the lemon lasagna’s light and refreshing character.
• Serve Complementary Herbal Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or lavender sprigs alongside the dessert, adding an aromatic dimension that elevates the lemon’s bright flavor and provides a sophisticated touch.

Storing Lemon Lasagna Properly for Freshness

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.

Wrap the lasagna securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.

Place a single portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Typically requires 1-2 minutes total, depending on portion size.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly fine. If you prefer, you can make your own homemade lemon curd for a fresher taste.

• Is this dessert very sweet?

The dessert has a balanced sweetness with tangy lemon flavor. The powdered sugar and ricotta provide sweetness, while the lemon adds a zesty kick.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll just need basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, whisk, baking dish, and electric mixer for whipping cream. Nothing complicated or specialized is required.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and become more pronounced overnight.

Lemon Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon lasagna dances with zesty brightness, promising a refreshing twist on classic Italian comfort. Cool citrus layers and velvety mascarpone cheese create a delightful dessert you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 lasagna noodles (454 grams)

Dairy:

• 2 cups (454 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Flavor Components:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) lemon curd
• 2 lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt

Garnish:

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean 9×13 inch baking dish by spreading a thin, even layer of lemon curd across the bottom, creating a tangy foundation for the dessert.
2. Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
4. Using a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture, incorporating them seamlessly without deflating the cream’s volume.
6. Create the first layer by arranging lasagna noodles across the lemon curd, slightly overlapping to ensure complete coverage.
7. Spread half of the ricotta cream mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by a generous drizzle of lemon curd, creating a vibrant, citrusy layer.
8. Repeat the layering process with another set of noodles, remaining ricotta cream, and additional lemon curd, building complex flavor profiles.
9. Crown the lasagna with a final layer of noodles, then sprinkle fresh lemon zest and a delicate splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during initial baking.
11. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes until the top achieves a golden, appetizing hue.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to rest and cool for 30-40 minutes, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.
13. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated presentation, then slice and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add tangy flavor, creating a lighter version of this dessert.
• Transform this into a gluten-free dish by using alternative lasagna noodles made from rice or chickpea flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a splash of limoncello or lemon extract to intensify the citrusy notes without overwhelming the dessert.
• Experiment with different citrus variations like lime or orange zest to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the dessert’s signature texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 152 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg