The trials and tribulations of tiramisu

Here's the thing – lots of people like trifle, lots of people dislike coffee – even if you like coffee chances are you don't like coffee flavoured desserts – it's not high up on the favourite flavour list of kids either.

If you like the idea of tiramisu but not the coffee, here's an alternative that I hope will appeal – especially to the kids.

I've mentioned this recipe way back on the blog but thought it worth repeating – especially since we're getting into summer now and a recipe for a light dessert will be very useful. In addition to which, this is easy. You can dress it up for a supper or dinner party dessert in individual glasses, or make one large version for a party pud.

Lemon Tiramisu

Serves 4 large or 6 smaller

servings

Lemon syrup – 4 tbsp lemon juice, 100g icing sugar

20 fl oz whipping cream

4 tbsp Limoncello liqueur (optional)

20 sponge fingers or Madeira cake * see note

4 tbsp caster sugar

225g Mascarpone

2 heaped tbsps lemon curd to fold into Mascarpone mixture

2 x Cadbury's Flake for decoration

To make the syrup place the lemon juice and icing sugar into a small saucepan and heat gently so that the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.

If you are using Limoncello liqueur then add to the syrup.

Mix the cream carefully with the caster sugar and mascarpone, gently fold the lemon curd into the mixture so that it gives a ribbon effect. If you're using a hand mixer use the blades to fold through the lemon curd :

For one large tiramisu and using sponge fingers, a rectangular dish is the best shape. Dip the fingers into the syrup and arrange in a row, then add the mascarpone mixture and repeat.

For the kids, bash a Flake in its packet so that it doesn't fly all over the kitchen worktop, open carefully and sprinkle over to decorate. If you want grown-up “sprinkles” bash a chocolate disc to decorate instead. Check out “Here goes nothing” and “Not a bad effort” if you'd like the recipe for the discs.

Cling film and fridge until you're ready to serve.

*Cake note :

You could bake your own Madeira case if you wish but it seems unfair on the cake when you're going to dunk it in syrup! Why note use an “economy” range Madeira cake available in most supermarkets – a word to the wise – they vary in size so I'd buy two to be on the safe side. You could use a lemon drizzle cake instead of the Madeira.

The “tiddy” (individual) version is coming next!