Limoncello Mascarpone Cake – A Citrus Delight! 🍰🍋✨
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour 🥖
1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder 🧂
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 🥤
1⁄4 teaspoon salt 🧂
3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar 🍬
3 large eggs 🥚
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 🍦
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 🍋
1 tablespoon lemon zest 🍋
3⁄4 cup buttermilk 🥛
1⁄4 cup Limoncello liqueur 🍸
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for syrup) 🍬
8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature 🍰
1 cup heavy whipping cream 🥛
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting) 🍬
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) 🍦
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) 🍬
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze) 🍋
1 tablespoon Limoncello (optional, for glaze) 🍸
Fresh lemon slices (for garnish) 🍋
Mint leaves (for garnish) 🌿
Powdered sugar (for dusting) 🍬
Directions:
1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease and line those two 8-inch cake pans! In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla, lemon juice, and zest. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until everything is just combined. Divide that luscious batter between the pans and bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely.
2. Make the Limoncello Syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the Limoncello and sugar until it dissolves. Let it cool slightly—this syrup is going to add a delightful twist!
3. Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting: In a chilled bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until everything is smooth and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake: Time to layer! Brush each cooled cake layer with that tasty Limoncello syrup. Then spread a generous amount of mascarpone frosting between the cakes and over the top.
5. Drizzle the Lemon Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and optional Limoncello until it’s smooth and ready to drizzle. Go ahead and pour it over the cake like a pro!
6. Decorate: Finally, garnish your stunning cake with fresh lemon slices, mint leaves, and give it a dusting of powdered sugar for that elegant finish.
Enjoy your delicious creation! 🎉