Description
This elegant Limoncello Mascarpone Cake features tender lemon-infused cake layers soaked in a vibrant limoncello syrup, all enveloped in a luscious, less-sweet mascarpone frosting. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60ml) neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- For the Limoncello Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- ¼ cup (60ml) limoncello
- For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 16 ounces (450g) cold mascarpone cheese
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup (60ml) limoncello
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) cold heavy cream
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh lemon zest, thin lemon slices, or fresh berries
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Cake Layers. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment. Whisk dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients (melted butter, oil, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon zest). Gradually add dry to wet, mixing until just combined. Divide batter, bake 25-30 mins. Cool 10 mins in pans, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 2: Make Limoncello Simple Syrup. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water; heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in limoncello. Let cool completely. Once cakes are cool, poke holes over tops and brush/spoon syrup evenly over both layers.
- Step 3: Whip Mascarpone Frosting. In a stand mixer, beat cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat cold mascarpone, powdered sugar, limoncello, and lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until just combined. Chill 15-20 mins if soft.
- Step 4: Assemble and Decorate. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread ⅓ of frosting over top. Place second layer on top. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting. Garnish with lemon zest, slices, or berries. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins