1. Make the Raspberry Jam:
- Add the frozen raspberries, 100g granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries thaw, break down, and the mixture comes to a bubble.
- Once bubbling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let it simmer for 23-25 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing down the raspberries with a rubber spatula, until the jam has thickened significantly.
- Test for thickness: Dip a cold spoon into the jam, then run your finger through the jam on the back of the spoon. If the line holds and doesn’t immediately run back together, it’s done.
- Pour the thickened jam into a shallow bowl to help it cool faster. Cover with plastic wrap (press it onto the surface to prevent a skin) and place it in the fridge to cool completely (at least 1 hour, or until room temperature or colder).
2. Make the Raspberry Syrup:
- While the jam cools, make the syrup. Place 100g granulated sugar, 120g water, and 30g frozen raspberries in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Turn down the heat to a simmer and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Stir occasionally and gently break down the berries with a spatula.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract liquid. Discard the solids (seeds/pulp).
- If using, stir the 3 tablespoons of limoncello into the warm syrup.
- Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature.
3. Make the Mascarpone Filling:
- Ensure mascarpone cheese and heavy cream are cold, and jam/syrup are cooled.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer and large bowl), combine the cold mascarpone cheese, sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla paste.
- Whisk on medium speed until just combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the cold heavy cream.
- Once all cream is added, increase the speed to medium-high and whip until the mixture thickens and holds medium-stiff peaks (the peak holds its shape but the tip might curl slightly). Be careful not to overwhip into grainy territory.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Choose your assembly dish (approx. 8×10.5 inch or 9×9 inch).
- Spread a very thin layer of the mascarpone cream on the bottom of the dish (this helps anchor the ladyfingers).
- Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled raspberry syrup – just a quick dip on each side (about 1-2 seconds total). Do not oversaturate them.
- Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer covering the bottom of the dish. Break cookies as needed to fit snugly.
- Spread half of the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer.
- Dollop half of the cooled raspberry jam over the mascarpone cream and gently swirl or spread it slightly (it doesn’t need to be perfectly even).
- Arrange another layer of quickly-dipped ladyfingers over the jam/cream layer.
- Spread the remaining half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers, smoothing the top.
5. Chill Overnight:
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the ladyfingers to soften perfectly and the flavors to meld.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once ready to serve, uncover the tiramisu.
- Gently spread the remaining half of the cooled raspberry jam over the top mascarpone layer in an even layer.
- Optionally, decorate with fresh raspberries and thin lemon slices.
- Slice into portions using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Serve chilled.