Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake 

Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake 🍋✨

A sun-kissed Italian-inspired dessert with layers of tender lemon cake, limoncello-soaked syrup, and cloud-like mascarpone cream.

Ingredients *(Serves 10-12)*

For the Lemon Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 3 eggs, room temperature

• ½ cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons)

• Zest of 2 lemons

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Limoncello Syrup:

• ½ cup limoncello liqueur

• ¼ cup water

• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Mascarpone Cream:

• 16 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon

For Decoration:

• Thin lemon slices

• Fresh mint leaves

• Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions

1. Bake the Lemon Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.

4. Mix in lemon zest, juice, and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.

5. Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

2. Make the Limoncello Syrup

• In a saucepan, heat limoncello, water, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Simmer 2 mins. Let cool.

3. Whip the Mascarpone Cream

• Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

• In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold into mascarpone gently. Add lemon zest.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Brush each cake layer with limoncello syrup.

2. Spread ½ mascarpone cream on the first layer, top with the second cake layer, and cover with remaining cream.

3. Chill 2+ hours (or overnight) to set.

5. Decorate & Serve

• Garnish with lemon slices, mint, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

🍋 Tips for Success

• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace limoncello with lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon extract in the syrup.

• Extra Fluff: Add a layer of lemon curd between cake layers.

• Serving Suggestion: Pair with prosecco or iced tea.

Bright, creamy, and irresistibly citrusy—this cake tastes like a Mediterranean dream! 🌞🍰