Limoncello Mascarpone Cake: Delicious 20-Min Prep

Name: Limoncello Mascarpone Cake: Delicious 20-Min Prep
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.75 cup milk; 0.5 cup limoncello; 8 ounces mascarpone cheese; 0.5 cup powdered sugar; 1 lemon, zested

by Jannet Lisa

28 de August de 2025

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Limoncello mascarpone cake has a special place in my heart, reminding me of sunny afternoons in Italy. The first time I tried a slice, the bright lemon flavor combined with the creamy, sweet mascarpone was pure bliss. It’s such an easy limoncello mascarpone cake to whip up, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is simply divine. If you’ve ever wondered how to make limoncello mascarpone cake that tastes like it came straight from a Tuscan bakery, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

This cake is an absolute dream for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: The zingy lemon and sweet limoncello create a bright, unforgettable taste.
Effortless Prep: It’s a quick 20-minute prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: You likely have most of the ingredients already, making it an affordable treat.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters adore this moist and delicious dessert.
Simply Delicious: The combination of tangy lemon and creamy mascarpone frosting is divine.
Perfect Texture: It boasts a wonderfully spongy crumb that melts in your mouth.
A Crowd-Pleaser: This creamy limoncello mascarpone cake is always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Impressive Presentation: It looks as beautiful as it tastes, a true showstopper.

Ingredients for Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Gathering the right limoncello mascarpone cake ingredients is the first step to baking this delightful Italian-inspired treat. You’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our spongy cake
1.5 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and tender crumb
1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise beautifully
0.5 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds richness and moisture
2 large eggs – bind everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
0.75 cup milk – for a moist texture
0.5 cup limoncello – the star flavor, giving it that signature Italian kick
8 ounces mascarpone cheese – the creamy heart of the frosting
0.5 cup powdered sugar – to sweeten and smooth the mascarpone
1 lemon, zested – for a bright, fresh citrus note in the frosting

These essential limoncello mascarpone cake ingredients combine to create a truly special dessert experience.

How to Make Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Ready to create your own slice of Italian sunshine? Making this homemade limoncello mascarpone cake is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress.

Preparing the Cake Batter

Step 1: Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to properly grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan. This ensures our beautiful homemade limoncello mascarpone cake releases perfectly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, grab a whisk and combine the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended.
Step 3: Now, add the 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to the dry ingredients. Use your mixer on low speed, or a pastry blender, to combine everything until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 0.75 cup milk, and the star of the show, 0.5 cup limoncello.
Step 5: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender crumb for our homemade limoncello mascarpone cake.

Baking the Cake

Step 6: Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
Step 7: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cake is a beautiful golden brown.

Making the Limoncello Mascarpone Frosting

Step 8: While the cake is cooling, it’s time for that irresistible frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, 0.5 cup powdered sugar, and the zest from 1 lemon.
Step 9: Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. The aroma of lemon and sweet mascarpone is heavenly!
Step 10: Once your cake has cooled completely on a wire rack, spread this glorious limoncello mascarpone frosting evenly over the top. Slice and savor your delicious homemade limoncello mascarpone cake!

Pro Tips for the Best Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Want to elevate your cake game? These tips guarantee a truly exceptional dessert experience:

Always use good quality limoncello; its flavor shines through beautifully.
Ensure your butter and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and frosting.
Don’t overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined; this keeps the cake tender.
A simple syrup made with limoncello and sugar brushed onto the warm cake adds extra moisture and flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect spongy limoncello mascarpone cake?

The key to a perfectly spongy limoncello mascarpone cake lies in not overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients. This ensures the gluten in the flour develops just enough for a tender crumb, not a tough one. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.

Can I make limoncello mascarpone cake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the cake and frosting separately. Store the cooled cake at room temperature, covered, and the mascarpone frosting in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with limoncello mascarpone layer cake?

To avoid common pitfalls with a limoncello mascarpone layer cake, be sure not to overbake, which leads to dryness. Also, ensure your mascarpone frosting is smooth by beating it well; lumpy frosting can detract from the overall appeal. If you’re looking for other dessert ideas, consider these cosmic brownie bites.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

This delightful cake is a celebration in itself, but here are a few ways to make serving it even more special. For a truly authentic experience, serve this Italian limoncello mascarpone cake alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. You could also pair it with a side of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, which complement the bright lemon flavor beautifully. A small glass of chilled limoncello on the side makes for an elegant finish to any meal.

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake: Delicious 20-Min Prep - Limoncello Mascarpone Cake - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per slice of this delightful Limoncello Mascarpone Cake. It’s a wonderful balance of flavor and sweetness, perfect for enjoying as a special dessert.

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, the exact serving size, and how the limoncello mascarpone cake is prepared.

How to Store and Reheat Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Properly storing your homemade limoncello mascarpone cake is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. Once your beautiful limoncello mascarpone dessert cake has completely cooled to room temperature, you’ll want to store it correctly. For short-term storage, place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep it fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this delightful limoncello mascarpone cake for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bring frozen slices to room temperature for about an hour before enjoying. You can also gently warm slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Can I substitute the limoncello in this cake?

While limoncello is key to the unique flavor of this cake, you can experiment with other lemon-infused liqueurs or even a good quality lemon extract mixed with a little vodka if limoncello isn’t available. However, for the authentic taste, nothing beats the real thing for this Italian limoncello mascarpone cake. For other Italian-inspired dishes, explore our latest recipes.

How can I make my limoncello mascarpone pound cake moister?

To ensure your limoncello mascarpone pound cake is extra moist, make sure you don’t overbake it. Also, consider making a simple syrup by simmering equal parts limoncello and sugar until dissolved, then brushing it over the warm cake. This adds a wonderful boost of moisture and flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover limoncello mascarpone cake?

Leftover limoncello mascarpone cake should be stored in an airtight container. If it has the mascarpone frosting, it’s best kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoilage. For longer storage, you can freeze slices as mentioned before.

Can I make this a limoncello mascarpone layer cake?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe into a beautiful limoncello mascarpone layer cake. Simply double the cake batter recipe and bake it in two separate 9-inch cake pans. Once cooled, frost between the layers and on top with the mascarpone frosting for a stunning tiered dessert. You might also enjoy our Nutella layer cake.

Variations of Limoncello Mascarpone Cake You Can Try

While this classic recipe is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this delightful dessert to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter version, consider a no-bake limoncello mascarpone cake. Instead of baking, you can create a base from crushed amaretti cookies mixed with butter, layer it with a no-bake mascarpone filling infused with limoncello, and chill until firm.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. The texture might change slightly, but the delicious mascarpone lemon cake limoncello flavor will still shine through. You could also experiment with adding fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to the batter for a fruity twist on this Italian limoncello mascarpone cake.