🍋💪 Lemon Protein Tiramisu Cups

Lemon Protein Tiramisu Cups are a refreshing, high-protein twist on the classic Italian dessert. Instead of coffee and cocoa, these cups feature bright lemon flavor, creamy protein-rich filling, and soft cake layers or cookies soaked in a citrus syrup. They’re light, creamy, and perfect for a healthier dessert option.

Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Chill: 2–4 hours
• Total: About 4 hours

Servings

4–6 dessert cups

Ingredients

Lemon Cream Layer

• 1½ cups Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• ½ cup cottage cheese, blended smooth
• ½ cup light mascarpone or cream cheese
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2–3 tablespoons powdered sweetener (or honey)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake Layer

• 12 ladyfinger cookies
  or
• Cubed vanilla sponge cake
  or
• Protein cake pieces

Lemon Soaking Syrup

• ½ cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar-free sweetener
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Lemon zest
• Fresh berries
• Mint leaves
• Crushed pistachios
• Sugar-free white chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Make the Protein Lemon Cream

1. Blend cottage cheese until smooth.
2. Add Greek yogurt, mascarpone, protein powder, sweetener, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Blend until creamy and thick.

2. Prepare the Lemon Soak

1. Mix warm water, lemon juice, vanilla, and sweetener.
2. Dip cake pieces or ladyfingers briefly into the mixture.

3. Assemble the Cups

In small glasses:

1. Add a layer of soaked cake.
2. Add a layer of lemon cream.
3. Repeat layers.
4. Finish with lemon cream on top.

4. Chill

• Refrigerate for 2–4 hours (overnight gives the best flavor).

Serving Suggestions

• 🍓 Add fresh strawberries or blueberries
• 🍋 Sprinkle extra lemon zest
• ☕ Serve with tea or espresso
• 🌿 Garnish with mint

Variations

🍓 Lemon Berry Protein Tiramisu

Add:

• Blueberry or strawberry layer between cream layers

🥥 Lemon Coconut Tiramisu

Add:

• Toasted coconut flakes
• Coconut extract

🍰 Low-Carb Version

Use:

• Almond flour cake cubes
• Sugar-free sweetener
• Low-carb cookies

Storage

• Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Best texture after chilling several hours.

Tips for the Best Lemon Tiramisu Cups

• Blend cottage cheese completely for a silky cheesecake-like cream.
• Use fresh lemon zest—it gives the strongest citrus aroma.
• Don’t oversoak the cake layers or they can become mushy.
• Let the cups chill well so the flavors combine. 🍋✨