Zesty Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Italian Delight

Sweet memories of italian summers dance through this creamy limoncello mascarpone cake that promises pure indulgence.

Sunshine-bright citrus notes weave elegantly between soft, billowing layers of delicate pastry.

Mascarpone brings luxurious richness to every single bite, creating a dessert that whispers sophistication.

Zesty lemons infuse each crumb with bright, tangy essence that makes taste buds sing.

Delicate and complex, this cake represents a perfect balance between traditional techniques and modern culinary creativity.

Smooth cream and liqueur combine in a symphony of flavors that transport you directly to coastal italy.

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake with Citrus Flair

• Craft a Citrus Celebration: Dive into a zesty flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary dessert into a spectacular culinary experience with bright lemon notes and luxurious mascarpone.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve professional-level baking results with simple steps that require minimal kitchen skills, making this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for multiple occasions like dinner parties, summer gatherings, or an elegant afternoon treat that will wow friends and family with its sophisticated taste profile.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a stunning dessert in under an hour, using readily available ingredients that come together seamlessly to create a restaurant-quality cake right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

• Mascarpone Cheese: A rich, creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth texture and depth of flavor to the cake.
• Limoncello: An Italian lemon liqueur that adds a vibrant citrus kick and enhances the cake's overall zesty profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's light and fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm undertone that complements the citrus flavors.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Lemon Zest: Provides an intense, fresh lemon flavor and aromatic citrus notes.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, sweet dusting on top of the cake.
• Lemon Slices, Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional garnishes that add visual appeal and a fresh touch to the presentation.

How to Bake Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Base

• Mascarpone cheese
• Limoncello
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Lemon zest

Step 4: Blend Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the batter becomes uniform and velvety.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Decorate With Flair

Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. For extra elegance, garnish with delicate lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Cut into generous slices and indulge in this luxurious, citrus-infused dessert that promises a burst of Mediterranean sunshine with every bite.

Tips for Moist Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

• Use exact measurements for mascarpone and limoncello to maintain the cake's delicate texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Grate lemon zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith, to ensure a bright, pure citrus essence in your cake.
• Bring eggs, mascarpone, and cream to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a gentle folding motion to prevent overmixing and maintain a light, airy cake texture.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful, even coating.

Variations on Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

• Lavender Limoncello Dream: Infuse the batter with dried lavender flowers, creating a fragrant and sophisticated flavor profile that complements the citrusy limoncello.
• Olive Oil Citrus Splash: Replace some butter with extra virgin olive oil to enhance moisture and add a subtle Mediterranean undertone to the cake.
• Berry Limoncello Fusion: Fold fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter for bursts of fruity color and tangy sweetness that contrast with the creamy mascarpone.
• Almond Citrus Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top and mix ground almonds into the flour mixture for a nutty texture and rich, warm undertones.

Pairings to Serve with Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

• Pair with Zesty Limoncello Cocktail: Create a refreshing drink using extra limoncello, sparkling water, and a twist of lemon to complement the cake's citrus notes and enhance the overall flavor experience.
• Complement with Lavender Honey Gelato: Serve a small scoop of delicate lavender honey gelato alongside the cake, balancing the bright citrus with a smooth, floral sweetness that elevates the dessert's complexity.
• Match with Prosecco Spritz: Pour a light, bubbly Prosecco spritz that cuts through the cake's richness, bringing out the lemon zest and providing a crisp, elegant drinking companion to the dessert.

Storing Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Safely

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain its moisture.
• Slice the cake and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap each slice in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a gentle defrosting process.

FAQs

• What makes this cake different from other lemon cakes?

This cake uses mascarpone cheese and limoncello, which creates a uniquely creamy and rich texture with a sophisticated Italian-inspired flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional lemon cakes.

• Can I substitute limoncello if I don't have it?

Yes, you can replace limoncello with fresh lemon juice or non-alcoholic lemon extract. However, the flavor will be slightly different from the original recipe, as limoncello provides a more complex citrus taste.

• Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! The elegant combination of limoncello, mascarpone, and delicate lemon flavor makes this cake perfect for dinner parties, birthdays, or sophisticated dessert gatherings.

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian magic shines through this limoncello mascarpone cake, blending zesty citrus with creamy elegance. Silky layers of mascarpone and bright limoncello create a dessert you’ll savor with Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 ounces) mascarpone cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) limoncello liqueur
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Mint leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C). Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with grease and flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking mascarpone cheese, limoncello, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform in texture.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest to create the dry ingredient mixture.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, incorporating heavy cream until the batter becomes consistent and free of lumps.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring even distribution. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
6. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
7. Once cooled, enhance the cake’s presentation by delicately dusting powdered sugar across the top. Optional: Garnish with thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for added visual appeal.
8. Slice the cake and serve, savoring the delightful blend of citrus and creamy mascarpone flavors.

Notes

• Swap limoncello with orange liqueur or extra lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers vibrant citrus flavor.
• Ensure mascarpone and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter with better volume.
• Fold dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense, tough cake texture instead of light and tender crumb.
• Store leftover cake covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days, letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore optimal softness and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 316 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 107 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg