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Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake: Refreshing Bliss for Any Celebration

A delightful Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, bursting with citrus flavor, perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder Ensure it's fresh.
  • 4 large eggs (separated) Use aquafaba for a vegan version.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Brown sugar can deepen flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Consider using Meyer lemon zest.
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed for vibrant flavor.
  • 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur Can swap with lemon juice or another citrus liqueur.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese Cream cheese can be a substitute.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Coconut cream works for dairy-free.
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Adjust for sweetness preference.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure extract for best results.

Equipment

  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • electric mixer
  • mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour and baking powder in a medium bowl and set aside.
  3. Beat egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes) and set aside.
  4. In another bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and limoncello.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into yolk mixture until just combined.
  6. Fold in whipped egg whites gently to keep the batter airy.
  7. Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 22-25 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Prepare limoncello syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar, then adding limoncello and remove from heat.
  9. Beat mascarpone until smooth, then add whipped cream until thick, followed by powdered sugar and vanilla.
  10. Once cooled, layer one cake with limoncello syrup and frosting, then top with the second layer and frost the top and sides.
  11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to meld flavors.
  12. Garnish with lemon zest or powdered sugar if desired before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients and be gentle when mixing for best results. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

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