Description
This Limoncello Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is a bright and refreshing dessert featuring moist layers infused with Limoncello liqueur and fresh lemon zest and juice. Topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting enhanced with vanilla, this cake delivers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and rich sweetness, ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup Limoncello liqueur
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (estimated as it is a typical amount for frosting sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to aerate the batter for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Liquids: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then add the Limoncello liqueur and lemon juice along with the lemon zest for bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cakes bake and cool, beat together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, creating a rich and creamy frosting.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, spread frosting on top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the entire cake for a beautifully finished dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- The powdered sugar amount in the frosting is estimated; adjust sweetness to taste.
- Limoncello adds alcohol flavor; for a non-alcoholic version, substitute with lemon juice and an equal amount of water.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
