No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Tart

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and tangy lemon mascarpone filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, ready in under 30 minutes without baking. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then combine it with 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs and 3 tbsp granulated sugar in a bowl; stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Refrigerate the crust for 10 minutes to set.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Step 4: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 3/4 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  6. Step 6: Pour the lemon mascarpone filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Step 7: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours or until firm before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh lemon slices or zest.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Tart take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Tart?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Tart?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Tart for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Tart?

Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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