Description
The Limoncello Mascarpone Dream Cake is a luscious Italian-inspired dessert made with layers of soft sponge cake soaked in limoncello syrup, filled with a light mascarpone cream, and topped with lemon curd and whipped cream. It’s tangy, creamy, and perfect for special occasions or summertime celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup lemon curd
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for garnish)
- Fresh berries or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake according to package instructions using two 8-inch round cake pans. Allow to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, mix the limoncello with 1/4 cup water to create a soaking syrup.
- Carefully slice each cake layer in half horizontally to make four thin layers.
- Brush each layer generously with the limoncello syrup.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the mascarpone.
- Layer the cake: place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with mascarpone filling, then top with the next soaked layer. Repeat until all layers are stacked.
- Spread remaining mascarpone cream on the top and sides of the cake.
- Spoon or swirl lemon curd over the top and garnish with lemon zest, berries, or mint if desired.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can make the cake layers from scratch if preferred, using a simple white or sponge cake recipe.
- For a non-alcoholic version, use lemon syrup or lemonade concentrate instead of limoncello.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for best results when whipping cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: limoncello cake, mascarpone dessert, lemon layer cake, Italian cake, summer dessert, lemon mascarpone cake