Description
This light, fluffy Limoncello Mascarpone Cake is the perfect blend of zesty lemon flavor and creamy mascarpone frosting! Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup Limoncello liqueur
- 1 cup whole milk
- Zest of 2 lemons
For the Limoncello Syrup:
- ½ cup Limoncello liqueur
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries)
- Lemon slices or zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Incorporate Limoncello: Slowly pour in the Limoncello, mixing until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.
- Make the Syrup: Combine Limoncello, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sugar dissolves. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Brush each cake layer with Limoncello syrup. Spread mascarpone frosting between layers and over the entire cake.
- Decorate: Garnish with lemon slices, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and mascarpone are at room temp for a smooth batter and frosting.
- Don’t Skip the Syrup: It keeps the cake moist and enhances the lemony flavor.
- Chill the Frosting: If it gets too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before spreading.
- Perfect Slices: Use a sharp serrated knife and clean between cuts for neat portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes