Description
This Limoncello Mascarpone Cake is pure sunshine on a plate. With fluffy layers of lemon-soaked sponge, creamy mascarpone filling, and a silky limoncello glaze, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between zesty and sweet. It’s light, luscious, and elegant enough for any occasion — from spring brunches to summer weddings.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon
For the Limoncello Syrup:
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½ cup Limoncello liqueur
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¼ cup water
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¼ cup sugar
For the Mascarpone Filling:
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1½ cups mascarpone cheese
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Limoncello Glaze:
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp Limoncello
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Lemon zest, to garnish
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Fresh lemon slices and mint, optional for decoration
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Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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Make the Sponge:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick (about 5–7 minutes). Fold in vanilla and lemon zest. Gently fold in dry ingredients. Divide batter between pans and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cool completely. -
Limoncello Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and Limoncello. Heat until sugar dissolves. Let cool. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add whipped cream and beat until light and fluffy. -
Assemble the Cake:
Slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers. Brush each layer generously with limoncello syrup. Spread mascarpone filling between layers. Chill for 1 hour. -
Finish & Decorate:
Drizzle the limoncello glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Dust with powdered sugar, garnish with lemon slices, zest, and fresh mint. Serve chilled.
Notes
For a stronger flavor, add 1–2 tbsp Limoncello to the mascarpone filling.
Cake can be made 1 day in advance and stored in the fridge.
For a non-alcoholic version, use lemon simple syrup instead of Limoncello.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg