Lemon Mascarpone Cake Recipe

Craving a cake that’s both refreshing and indulgent? This Lemon Mascarpone Cake is the perfect choice! With layers of zesty lemon cake, rich mascarpone frosting, and a hint of fresh lemon curd, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is bound to become your new favorite treat.

Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this beautiful cake that combines the best of tangy citrus and creamy sweetness.

Ingredients List

For the Lemon Curd:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
• 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• 1/3 cup (69g) sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 tbsp (42g) salted butter

For the Lemon Cake Layers:

• 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest

For the Whipped Mascarpone Frosting:

• 2 1/2 cups (600ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 1/2 cups (173g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 16 oz (452g) mascarpone cheese, chilled

Required Kitchen Tools

Before getting started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready to go. These tools will ensure that the process is smooth and efficient, giving you the best results:

1. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To mix and beat the batter and frosting to perfection.
2. Cake Pans: Use two 8-inch round cake pans, greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Whisk: For whisking together ingredients like lemon juice, zest, and eggs.
4. Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: A double boiler is essential for making the lemon curd to prevent it from overheating and curdling.
5. Offset Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly over the cake layers.

With these tools on hand, you’re all set to create this delightful dessert!

Preparing the Lemon Curd

The lemon curd is what gives this cake its irresistible burst of citrus flavor. It’s rich, silky, and perfectly complements the layers of moist lemon cake and mascarpone frosting. Follow these simple steps to make your own fresh lemon curd.

Steps for Making Lemon Curd

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and egg yolks until well combined. Place the bowl over a double boiler or a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
2. Cook the Mixture:
   Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. As it heats, the curd will begin to thicken. Be patient and keep stirring to avoid curdling. After about 10-12 minutes, the curd should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Add Butter:
   Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated, giving the curd a smooth and glossy finish.
4. Cool and Set Aside:
   Allow the lemon curd to cool completely before using it in the cake. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week in an airtight container. This step will give the curd time to set and enhance its flavors.

Making the Lemon Cake Layers

This lemon cake is light, fluffy, and full of citrusy goodness. The combination of butter, oil, and lemon juice ensures the cake stays moist while the zesty lemon flavor shines through. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cake layers.

Steps for Preparing the Lemon Cake

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cakes after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake its tender texture.
4. Add the Eggs:
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Liquids:
   With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk and fresh lemon juice. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter. Finally, fold in the fresh lemon zest.
6. Bake the Cake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. If needed, rotate the pans halfway through baking for even results.
7. Cool the Cakes:
   Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling the cake. It’s important to let the cakes cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.

Assembling the Cake & Whipping the Mascarpone Frosting

Now comes the fun part—assembling and decorating your Lemon Mascarpone Cake! The layers of fluffy lemon cake, tangy lemon curd, and creamy mascarpone frosting come together to create a showstopper dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Steps for Assembling the Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   Once your cake layers are completely cool, level the tops of each cake with a serrated knife if needed, ensuring they’re even and ready for stacking. This helps the layers sit flat when you assemble the cake.
2. Spread the Lemon Curd:
   Place the first cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of lemon curd over the top, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. This layer will add a burst of tangy flavor to each bite.
3. Add the Second Cake Layer:
   Place the second cake layer on top of the lemon curd. Press down gently to ensure the layers are stacked evenly.
4. Frost the Cake with Mascarpone Frosting:
   Now, it’s time to frost the cake! In a stand mixer, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the chilled mascarpone cheese until fully combined, creating a creamy, luscious frosting.
5. Decorate the Cake:
   Using an offset spatula or piping bag, spread a thick layer of mascarpone frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with the spatula for a clean finish. If you like, you can pipe decorative swirls or rosettes around the edges for a professional touch.

Garnishing and Final Touches

To make your Lemon Mascarpone Cake even more appealing, you can add some optional garnishes:

• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top adds extra color and flavor.
• Lemon Slices: Thin slices of lemon can be placed on the top for an elegant and citrusy touch.
• Fresh Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries complement the lemon flavor beautifully.

Serving the Cake

Serve your Lemon Mascarpone Cake chilled, especially on warm days. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a rich texture from the mascarpone frosting. This cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or simply a delicious treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Your Lemon Mascarpone Cake Fresh

To ensure your cake stays fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as the flavors are even more pronounced when it’s not too cold.

Freezing the Cake

If you have leftovers (or want to make it ahead of time), this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This Lemon Mascarpone Cake is a perfect dessert to showcase the bright, refreshing flavors of lemon paired with the rich, creamy texture of mascarpone frosting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your citrus cravings, this cake will not disappoint. With layers of zesty lemon cake, indulgent mascarpone frosting, and a burst of lemon curd, every bite is a delightful experience. Follow the steps, get creative with the decoration, and enjoy a slice of this delicious treat!