Description
This Limoncello Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is a refreshing and moist dessert that perfectly balances the bright citrus flavors of lemons with the smooth richness of mascarpone cheese. Infused with Limoncello liqueur and fresh lemon zest and juice, it’s an elegant choice for any celebration or a sophisticated summer treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup Limoncello liqueur
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
Frosting
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air and ensures a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and liquids: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the Limoncello liqueur and fresh lemon juice, combining them thoroughly with the wet ingredients.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just blended to maintain the cake’s light texture.
- Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare mascarpone frosting: While the cakes bake and cool, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a layer of mascarpone frosting over one cake layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor in zest and juice.
- Allow cakes to fully cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Limoncello adds a distinct citrus flavor and alcohol content; to reduce alcohol, bake cakes slightly longer to let some alcohol evaporate.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator due to the dairy content in the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
