Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 Cups All-purpose flour (240g)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/2 Cup Milk (120ml)
- 1/2 Cup Limoncello (120ml)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (30ml)
- 1 1/2 Cups Sugar (300g)
- Zest of two lemons
- 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature
- 1 Cup Olive oil (240ml)
Mascarpone Frosting
- 1 recipe Mascarpone frosting (ingredients as per your mascarpone frosting recipe)
Lemon Curd
- 1 recipe Lemon curd (ingredients as per your lemon curd recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake pan and preheat oven: Line a nine-inch cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 345°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the batter is mixed.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside; these leavening agents will help the cake rise beautifully.
- Combine wet liquids: In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the milk, limoncello, and lemon juice. This blend adds essential moisture and a bright lemon flavor to the cake.
- Incorporate sugar and lemon zest: Rub the zest of two lemons into the sugar to release fragrant oils, intensifying the lemon flavor. Using a mixer on medium-high speed, beat the sugar and zest mixture with the eggs for about one minute until fluffy.
- Add olive oil and wet ingredients: With the mixer still on medium-high, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, followed by the milk, limoncello, and lemon juice mixture. Mix until everything is just combined to keep the batter light.
- Combine dry ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low, then gradually mix in the dry flour mixture. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent the cake from sinking. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before assembly.
- Spread mascarpone frosting: Once the cake is chilled, place it on your serving plate. Using a spoon or spatula, dollop mascarpone frosting onto the cake and spread it evenly over the surface.
- Add lemon curd topping: Finish by dolloping or drizzling the lemon curd over the mascarpone frosting, adding bursts of bright, tangy flavor and a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Do not open the oven door during baking to avoid sinking the cake’s center.
- Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification and a lighter texture.
- Rubbing lemon zest into sugar helps release more flavor into the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- If you don’t have limoncello, substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or lemon-flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian