Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (2024)

By

Carroll Pellegrinelli

Expert baker and published author, Carroll Pellegrinelli shares her knowledge of bread baking and desserts.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 11/16/22

Tested by

Tracy Wilk

Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (1)

Tested byTracy Wilk

Tracy Wilk is a professional pastry chef, recipe developer and chef instructor, and, most importantly, a firm believer in sprinkles.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

(271)

Write a Review

Trending Videos

Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (2)

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Cool Time: 60 mins

Total: 115 mins

Servings: 16 servings

Yield: 1 (9-inch) 2-layer cake

271 ratings

Write a Review

Add a comment

Lemon lovers rejoice! This limoncello cake offers a decadent flavor and texture that's hard to beat. Incorporate lemon and limoncello liquor into the cake batter, and then indulge in the mascarpone icing that blends lemon curd and mascarpone cheese with whipped cream.

What is Limoncello?

Never heard of limoncello? It could be your next baking ingredient obsession.Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur that is produced mostly in Southern Italy (it is commonly referred to as limoncinoin northern areas of the country). It is one of the most popular types of liqueur in Italy, and it has gained popularity across the globe in more recent years. While limoncello is often served in co*cktails, this limoncello cake allows you to enjoy it for dessert, too.

"I loved this cake, but I really loved the mascarpone lemon frosting. I thought it would be a
really unique way to use extra lemon curd filling as well." - Tracy Wilk

Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (3)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

For the Cake:

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

Steps to Make It

Make the Limoncello Cake

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (4)

  2. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans and then line them with parchment paper. Grease and flour the parchment paper as well.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (5)

  3. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt with a wire whisk. Set aside.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (6)

  4. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl using an electric mixer.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (7)

  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (8)

  6. Combine the limoncello and lemon juice and zest in a small bowl. Add the flour alternating with the buttermilk and limoncello mixture. Mix until combined.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (9)

  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Cool completely in the pans.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (10)

Make the Frosting

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (11)

  2. Cream together the mascarpone cheese and lemon curd in a bowl.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (12)

  3. Whip the chilled whipping cream or heavy cream until almost stiff—about 5 to 6 minutes.

  4. Slowly add powdered sugar until completely combined.

  5. Fold the cheese and curd mixture into the whipped cream.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (13)

Assemble the Cake

  1. Once the cakes are cool, remove the limoncello cakes from the pans. Place one layer on serving plate.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (14)

  2. Frost top with 1/3 of the frosting.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (15)

  3. Place thesecond layer on top.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (16)

  4. Frost the top with 1/2 of the remaining frosting.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (17)

  5. Use the remaining frosting to frost the sides of the cake.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (18)

  6. Decorate the top with the optional white chocolate shavings.

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (19)

  7. Serve and enjoy!

    Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (20)

How to Store

This cake will keep for a few days covered and stored in the fridge. Because of the mascarpone and whipped cream frosting, it's important to keep it chilled.

Recipe Tip

  • Be sure to grease your pans before adding the batter, as this will help you release them when they are done baking and cooling. Would be a shame to have baked these lovely lemon cakes and have them not come out in one piece.

Recipe Variation

  • Instead of using whipping cream that has been whipped to soft peaks, you can use store-bought prepared whipped cream. If you make this substitution, we suggest cutting back on the confectioners' sugar for the frosting to 1/2 cup or less.

Make Ahead

Bake the cakes up to 3 days before frosting and keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. You may also freeze the cakes double-wrapped and placed inside plastic freezer bags for up to 3 months. Let the cakes thaw, still wrapped, on the counter overnight before frosting.

What Type of Alcohol Is in Limoncello?

Limoncello is typically made by steeping lemon peels in a high-proof neutral spirit like vodka, straining, and mixing the flavored alcohol with a sugar simple syrup. The result is a sweet, lemon-flavored liqueur with a proof similar to other liqueurs.

What Do You Do With Limoncello?

Limoncello can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif after a meal, mixed into co*cktails, used to spike lemonade or iced tea, or used in baked goods like cakes and frosty treats like ice cream.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
557Calories
34g Fat
57g Carbs
7g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories557
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 34g43%
Saturated Fat 20g102%
Cholesterol 148mg49%
Sodium 386mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 57g21%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Total Sugars 39g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 28mg141%
Calcium 78mg6%
Iron 2mg9%
Potassium 199mg4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Rate This Recipe

I don't like this at all.It's not the worst.Sure, this will do.I'm a fan—would recommend.Amazing! I love it!Thanks for your rating!

Limoncello Cake Recipe With Mascarpone Frosting (2024)

FAQs

What to mix with limoncello? ›

Limoncello liqueur has a concentrated zesty freshness which enlivens co*cktails, parring well with flavours such as basil, honey, agave and tea. With: Citrus vodka, limoncello, lemon juice and sugar syrup. We say: Lemon, lemon and lemon, but well-balanced, refreshing and tasty.

What is limoncello cake made of? ›

Add lemon cake mix, lemon pudding mix, eggs, oil, lemon juice, Limoncello, rind and pecans to large bowl. Mix for at least 3 minutes. Pour into buttered and floured bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

What is the proof of limoncello? ›

It's also common to clarify limoncello to make it less cloudy, though even this method retains limoncello's signature yellow color. Most limoncello is bottled between 28 percent and 32 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 56 to 64 proof).

Do you refrigerate limoncello? ›

The best-tasting Italian Limoncellos come from the Amalfi coast of Italy and use the sfusato Amalfitano lemon. It's used in many dishes and gives Limoncello its light and zingy taste. You should always store Limoncello either in the refrigerator or the freezer.

Does limoncello need a mixer? ›

It can be sipped on its own as digestif, mixed into sparkling water, shaken or stirred into co*cktails, like limoncello with tequila, limoncello gin or mixed melon and limoncello sangria.

What makes a good limoncello? ›

As in making a good risotto, a fine wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a bottle of traditional balsamic vinegar, good limoncello results from quality ingredients, generations of knowledge, small but critical tweaks in the recipe, and well-kept family secrets passed down over generations.

What are the two types of limoncello? ›

Sorrento & Sfusato lemons

Limoncello may not be a protected term, but true limoncello liqueurs are only made using the peel of one of two varieties of lemon, Sfusato and Sorrento.

What is Elvis Presley cake? ›

An Elvis Presley cake is a single-layer classic yellow cake that's topped with a pineapple glaze. Much like a poke cake, the syrup and juices of the pineapple will seep into the cake through fork holes, resulting in a decadent, ultra-moist cake.

Is limoncello high in alcohol? ›

Limoncello is made by steeping lemon zest (peels) in highly concentrated ethanol or vodka until oil is released, then mixing the resulting yellow liquid with simple syrup. Its alcohol content varies — especially among homemade varieties — but is usually measured somewhere in the 25-30% range.

Can bacteria grow in limoncello? ›

The high alcohol content of limoncello generally inhibits the growth of bacteria, making them unlikely to flourish. However, improper storage or contamination during the manufacturing process can potentially lead to the growth of bacteria.

Can you get drunk off limoncello? ›

Limoncello has about a 30% alcohol content so while it may jump start your digestive enzymes, it will also get you DRUNK.

What does limoncello mean in Italian? ›

Limoncello: about the name

The term limoncello derives from a term of endearment for the word lemon. For some, it referred to a smaller type of lemons, such as lime. In 1691, they used the word limoncello to mean the “cedar water”.

Can you drink 20 year old limoncello? ›

Can Limoncello Go Bad or Expire? You should generally try to consume limoncello within 2 years of creating or opening it. Limoncello only contains 4 ingredients, 2 of which are preservatives. So, it will never “go bad” like milk would but it does lose its lemon scent and flavor over time.

Does limoncello have a lot of sugar? ›

How much sugar is in Limoncello? 1 1,5 fl oz of Limoncello contains 8 g of sugar.

Do you mix limoncello with anything? ›

A Limoncello spritz is sure to whisk you away to the south of Italy, where Italians sip on the bright, sweet, and tart Limoncello liqueur as an aperitif or after-dinner drink. Add in Prosecco, club soda, and a few citrus slices and you have a festive sparkling co*cktail.

What is the best way to drink limoncello? ›

Drinking it straight (and straight from the freezer) is by far the most common and preferred way to consume limoncello. Limoncello is considered a digestif (after-dinner drink), thought to aid digestion. It is much sweeter and generally lower in alcohol content than hard alcohols like vodka or whiskey.

How do you pair limoncello? ›

Its dominant orange, lemon and citrus aromas can be paired with grapefruit, mango, black currant, blueberries, ginger, cinnamon, cheddar and triple sec.

What is the best food pairing for limoncello? ›

Limoncello is a natural companion to many classic Italian desserts, such as panna cotta, tiramisu and ricotta pie. It can also be added to these recipes for a nice twist. For simple yet sublime dishes, pour chilled limoncello over fresh fruit, gelato or pound cake.

How do Italians use limoncello? ›

Limoncello is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestif. Along the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, it is usually served in small ceramic glasses that are also chilled. This tradition has been carried into other parts of Italy.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5781

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.