Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake

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.

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🍋 Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake (makes two 9-inch layers):

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1¾ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup milk (room temperature)

• Zest of 2 lemons

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the limoncello syrup:

• ½ cup limoncello

• ¼ cup water

• ¼ cup sugar

For the mascarpone frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) tub mascarpone cheese (cold)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for extra zing)

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Instructions:

🔹 1. Make the cake layers:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

4. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. Add dry ingredients to wet in 3 batches, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined.

7. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

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🔹 2. Make the limoncello syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine limoncello, water, and sugar.

2. Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.

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🔹 3. Make the mascarpone frosting:

1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.

2. In another bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.

3. Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone until fully combined and fluffy.

   Do not overmix or it can curdle.

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🔹 4. Assemble the cake:

1. Level cake layers if needed.

2. Brush each cake layer generously with cooled limoncello syrup.

3. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides.

4. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

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✅ Garnish Ideas:

• Lemon curls or candied lemon slices

• Fresh berries (especially blueberries or raspberries)

• Dusting of powdered sugar

• Edible flowers

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🔄 Tips & Variations:

• Use store-bought sponge cake layers to save time.

• For an alcohol-free version, substitute the limoncello with lemon simple syrup.

• 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?