Here’s a luxurious and light dessert recipe for Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake — a luscious, Italian-inspired layer cake featuring fluffy sponge, zesty limoncello syrup, and creamy mascarpone frosting. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy.
🍋 Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake
Ingredients:
For the cake (makes two 9-inch layers):
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1¾ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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2¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup milk (room temperature)
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Zest of 2 lemons
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the limoncello syrup:
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½ cup limoncello
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¼ cup water
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¼ cup sugar
For the mascarpone frosting:
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1 (8 oz) tub mascarpone cheese (cold)
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1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional for extra zing)
Instructions:
🔹 1. Make the cake layers:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add dry ingredients to wet in 3 batches, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined.
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Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
🔹 2. Make the limoncello syrup:
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In a small saucepan, combine limoncello, water, and sugar.
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Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.
🔹 3. Make the mascarpone frosting:
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In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
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In another bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
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Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined and fluffy.
Do not overmix or it can curdle.
🔹 4. Assemble the cake:
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Level cake layers if needed.
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Brush each cake layer generously with cooled limoncello syrup.
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Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides.
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Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
✅ Garnish Ideas:
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Lemon curls or candied lemon slices
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Fresh berries (especially blueberries or raspberries)
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Dusting of powdered sugar
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Edible flowers
🔄 Tips & Variations:
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Use store-bought sponge cake layers to save time.
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For an alcohol-free version, substitute the limoncello with lemon simple syrup.
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Add a thin layer of lemon curd between layers for extra punch.
Would you like this adapted into a trifle, mini cake, or no-bake version?