Sunny Limoncello Cake Recipe: Bright & Zesty Delight

Sweet, zesty, and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine, this homemade limoncello cake recipe captures the essence of Italian coastal summers.

Tangy limoncello weaves its magical charm through every tender crumb of this delightful dessert.

Each slice promises a bright, refreshing experience that dances between sweet and citrusy notes.

The recipe blends simple ingredients with sophisticated flavor, creating a showstopping treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

Soft, moist layers mingle with a luscious limoncello glaze that adds a spirited kick to every bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable cake that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of southern Italy.

Serve this stunning dessert and watch as your guests fall in love with its irresistible charm.

How to Bake the Best Limoncello Cake

• Cake Foundation

Prepare a cozy baking environment with a well-greased bundt pan and warm oven ready for delightful citrus magic.

• Liquid Harmony

Create a silky smooth mixture by blending creamy dairy, golden eggs, sweet crystals, smooth oil, aromatic vanilla, zesty Italian liqueur, and bright lemon essence until perfectly combined.

• Dry Element Integration

Gently fold delicate flour, mineral salt, rising agents into the liquid mixture, ensuring a gentle touch to maintain the cake’s tender texture.

• Baking Transformation

Transfer the luminous batter into the waiting bundt pan, spreading evenly before sliding into the warm oven for a golden transformation lasting approximately 40 minutes.

• Cooling Interlude

Allow the cake to rest peacefully in its pan, then gracefully transfer to a cooling surface, preparing for its final elegant touch.

• Glaze Enchantment

Craft a dreamy white drizzle by whisking powdered sweetness with sunny Italian spirit until reaching a luxurious flowing consistency.

• Final Flourish

Crown your creation with a gentle glaze cascade and sprinkle of vibrant lemon zest, transforming a simple cake into a sensational dessert experience.

Ideal Tips for Limoncello Cake

• Replace Limoncello with other citrus liqueurs like Grand Marnier or orange-flavored spirits for a unique flavor profile.
• Ensure ingredients are room temperature to create a smoother, more even cake batter that bakes more consistently.
• This cake actually tastes better the next day, allowing the Limoncello flavors to develop and intensify overnight.
• For extra tang, mix in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the powdered sugar glaze to boost the citrus punch.
• Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping its moisture and flavor locked in.

Creative Ways to Present Limoncello Cake

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this tangy Limoncello cake with a light cappuccino or fresh mimosa for a delightful morning treat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Serve thin slices on delicate dessert plates with a small dollop of whipped cream and a candied lemon peel garnish to elevate the cake's sophisticated citrus profile.
• Summer Party Showstopper: Cut into small cubes and arrange on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and mint leaves, creating a colorful dessert display perfect for outdoor gatherings and celebrations.
• Cocktail Hour Delight: Offer this cake alongside a chilled glass of Limoncello to complement the dessert's bright lemon flavor and create a harmonious Italian-inspired tasting experience.

Limoncello Cake Storage Instructions

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cake wrapped tightly in plastic film at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum moisture retention.
• Refrigeration Ready: Store glazed cake in sealed container inside refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and flavor integrity.
• Freezing Friendly: Slice cake before freezing, wrap individual portions in aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe bag for maximum 2 months without compromising taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake base one day earlier, cover with clean kitchen towel, and complete glazing just before serving to enhance overall texture and taste experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Limoncello Cake Ingredients Overview

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential structure and tender crumb for a light, airy cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a golden, soft exterior.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, ensuring a delectable and smooth cake consistency.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's fluffy and smooth texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, delicate interior.

• Limoncello: Infuses a vibrant, zesty Italian liqueur essence that elevates the cake's citrusy profile.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers bright, intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor throughout the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor, adding depth and complementing the lemon notes.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, silky glaze that adds sweetness and elegant finishing touch.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides tangy brightness and helps thin the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
• Additional Limoncello: Intensifies the cake's signature citrus liqueur flavor in the glaze.

Equipment You’ll Need for Limoncello Cake

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for blending wet ingredients smoothly and creating a creamy cake batter.
• Bundt Pan: Essential for giving the cake its classic elegant ring shape and ensuring even baking.
• Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls needed – one for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients without lumps.
• Spatula: Helps smooth batter in the pan and scrape mixture evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool properly without getting soggy on the bottom.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient quantities.
• Grater: For zesting fresh lemons and creating that bright citrus flavor.

Zesty Limoncello Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Silky limoncello cake brings zesty Italian sunshine to dessert tables with incredible citrus charm. Rich layers combine creamy mascarpone frosting and delicate lemon notes, inviting you to savor Mediterranean elegance in each delightful slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) limoncello
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 4 tbsps limoncello
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, blend sour cream, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, Limoncello liqueur, and lemon zest using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and uniform.
3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl, creating a light, aerated dry ingredient mixture.
4. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a rubber spatula, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
5. Pan Filling and Baking: Pour batter into prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
6. Cooling Process: Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10-12 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack, tapping gently to release.
7. Glaze Creation and Finishing: Whisk powdered sugar with Limoncello to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle over completely cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
8. Final Touch: Sprinkle additional lemon zest and let glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Choose Quality Liqueur: Select a premium Limoncello for the most vibrant, authentic lemon flavor that elevates the entire cake’s taste profile.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overmixing batter to maintain moisture, stopping when ingredients are just combined to keep the cake tender and soft.
• Ensure Even Baking: Use room temperature ingredients to create a smooth, uniform batter that bakes evenly and rises perfectly in the bundt pan.
• Master Glaze Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar and Limoncello gradually to achieve a drizzle that’s thick enough to cling but thin enough to flow beautifully over the cake’s surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg