Limoncello Mascarpone Cake: A Easy and Simple (In 30 min)

Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s for a Limoncello Mascarpone Cake that’s an absolute dream. Imagine a light, lemony cake soaked in bright limoncello syrup, then topped with the creamiest, tangiest mascarpone frosting. It’s a little taste of Italy, and it’s perfect for any celebration (or just because!).

This cake is special because it’s all about balance. The limoncello adds a zingy, almost floral citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of the mascarpone. And the cake itself? It’s fluffy, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. Trust me, this Limoncello Mascarpone Cake recipe is a keeper.

The Star of the Show: The Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Recipe

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s get this gorgeous recipe front and center. You’re going to want to have this on hand!

Yields: 10-12 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup limoncello
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Limoncello Syrup:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup limoncello

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

• 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, cold
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup limoncello
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven & Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the Cake Batter: Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt). In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla and zest. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the 1/4 cup of limoncello.
3. Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool: Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Limoncello Syrup: While cakes cool, combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in limoncello.
6. Make the Mascarpone Frosting: Beat cold mascarpone until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Add limoncello and salt, beat until fluffy.
7. Assemble: Brush cooled cake layers with limoncello syrup. Frost one layer, top with the second, and frost the entire cake.
8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with lemon zest or fresh berries, if desired.

Baking Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing leads to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Use a kitchen scale if you have one to ensure even cake layers.
• If your cakes are browning too quickly, tent them with foil.

Flavor Tweaks and Fun Ideas

• Add a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for extra zing!
• Get creative with garnishes! Candied lemon peels, fresh berries, or even a dusting of powdered sugar all look beautiful.
• If you don’t have limoncello, you can use another citrus liqueur or even just extra lemon juice (though the flavor will be different).

Why We Love This Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Recipe in Our House

This cake has become a special occasion staple in our family. It’s elegant enough for birthdays and holidays, but easy enough for a weekend treat. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic (if there are any!).

FAQs – Your Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Questions, Answered!

• What is a limoncello mascarpone cake? It’s a heavenly combination of moist lemon cake, limoncello syrup, and rich mascarpone frosting. The flavors are bright, tangy, and utterly delicious.
• Can you add lemon juice to mascarpone? You sure can! A little lemon juice brightens the flavor of mascarpone frosting.
• Does mascarpone frosting go with lemon cake? Absolutely! They are a match made in dessert heaven. The creamy mascarpone perfectly complements the zesty lemon.
• Is mascarpone good in cakes? Yes! Mascarpone adds a beautiful richness and creaminess to frostings and fillings. It’s a fantastic addition to many cakes, not just lemon-flavored ones.

Enjoy Your Limoncello Mascarpone Cake!

I hope you adore this limoncello mascarpone cake recipe as much as I do! It’s a showstopper dessert, guaranteed to impress. From the bright citrus aroma to the first bite of moist cake layered with limoncello syrup and creamy mascarpone frosting, it’s a true delight. Elegant enough for special occasions, yet easy enough for a weekend treat, this cake is sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking!