Description
This authentic Limoncello Mascarpone Layer Cake features tender citrus-infused sponge layers filled with silky mascarpone cream. A stunning Italian dessert perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 pound mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup limoncello
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh berries for garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round pans with butter, flour, and parchment paper
2. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
4. In separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour
6. Fold in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract gently
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans
8. Bake 25-28 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out with few moist crumbs
9. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely
10. For mascarpone cream: Beat mascarpone until smooth in large bowl
11. In separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks
12. Gradually add powdered sugar to whipped cream, beat to stiff peaks
13. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone with limoncello and vanilla
14. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread with half the mascarpone cream
15. Top with second layer, spread remaining cream on top
16. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving
17. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries before serving
Notes
Bring all ingredients to room temperature for best mixing results.
Cake layers can be made 1 day ahead and wrapped tightly.
Mascarpone cream can be prepared day before assembly.
Store finished cake covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
For alcohol-free version, substitute limoncello with lemon simple syrup.
Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 28
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: limoncello, mascarpone, layer cake, Italian dessert, citrus cake