Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Indulge in a Tangy, Creamy Delight with This Lemon Mascarpone Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon with the luxurious creaminess of mascarpone, you’ve come to the right place! This Elegant Lemon Mascarpone Cake is a delightful treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious homemade cake, this recipe is perfect for any event.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making this elegant cake, from preparing the light and fluffy lemon cake layers to whipping up the tangy lemon whipped cream filling and smooth mascarpone frosting. With easy-to-follow instructions, tips for success, and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to create this delicious masterpiece.

Tools, Servings, and Cooking Time

Before you begin baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s everything you need to know:

Tools Needed

3 8-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper
Whisk
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
Rubber spatula
Offset spatula or bench scraper (for frosting)
Chilled mixing bowl and beaters (for whipping cream)
Cake plate or cake board for assembling

Servings

This cake serves 8–12 people, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a special occasion.

Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 28–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including assembly and chilling)

Ingredients for Elegant Lemon Mascarpone Cake

For the Cake Layers:

8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
1 ½ sticks (12 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk
¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
¼ cup vegetable oil (such as canola)
1 Tbsp lemon extract
Zest of 2 lemons

For the Lemon Whipped Cream Filling:

1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp lemon extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
1 tsp lemon extract (adjust to taste)
½ tsp salt
6 to 6½ cups powdered sugar (start with 6 and adjust for consistency)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Elegant Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cake layers come out clean and smooth.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, lemon juice, vegetable oil, lemon extract, and lemon zest. You might notice the mixture looks slightly curdled—that’s completely normal, and it adds to the richness of the cake.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and mascarpone cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and mascarpone mixture, and beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until each yolk disappears into the batter.
With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture. Start with the dry ingredients, then add the wet mixture, and continue this pattern until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the three cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to ensure even layers.
Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5–10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Whipped Cream Filling

Place a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes to chill them. This will help the heavy cream whip more easily.
After chilling, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and lemon extract to the cold bowl.
Beat the mixture on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 1½–2 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip.
If desired, gently fold in the lemon zest for an extra burst of lemon flavor.

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until it’s smooth and creamy.
Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until fully combined, creating a creamy base for the frosting.
Mix in the lemon extract and salt. Adjust the lemon extract to your liking—if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add a bit more.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting with 6 cups. Beat on low speed until incorporated, then increase the speed and beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
If the frosting becomes too soft to work with, place it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up before using.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a cake plate or cake board.
Pipe a dam of mascarpone frosting around the edge of the cake layer. This will prevent the whipped cream filling from spilling out.
Fill the center of the cake with the lemon whipped cream. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with frosting and whipped cream.
Add the third layer of cake, and pipe frosting into any gaps or spaces between layers.
Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in the crumbs (this is called a crumb coat). Chill the cake in the fridge or freezer for 15–20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Apply the final layer of frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula and a bench scraper for a professional finish.
Decorate the cake with rosettes or shell designs using a large star tip. Garnish with lemon slices, zest, or fresh flowers as desired.
Refrigerate the finished cake to allow the flavors to meld. Let it come to room temperature 2–3 hours before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, mascarpone, and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Chill the Cake Layers: If you’re in a rush, you can chill the cake layers briefly to make them easier to frost.
Use High-Quality Mascarpone: The richness of mascarpone cheese is key to this recipe. Don’t substitute it with cream cheese for the authentic flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve Elegant Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Best Served at Room Temperature: For the best flavor, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 2–3 hours before serving.
Pair with Tea or Coffee: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Store Elegant Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Refrigeration: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers before frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake layers and frosting in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.

2. Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese?

Mascarpone is key to the flavor and texture of this cake. If you must substitute, use a high-quality cream cheese, but the flavor will differ slightly.

3. How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?

Don’t overwhip the cream, and make sure the whipped cream is cold before mixing. Use a stabilized whipped cream recipe if needed for longer-lasting fluffiness.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ slightly. Make sure to use a certified gluten-free baking powder as well.

5. How can I decorate the cake?

In addition to lemon slices and zest, you can decorate with edible flowers, candied lemon peel, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.

Conclusion

This Elegant Lemon Mascarpone Cake is a decadent, refreshing dessert that will wow your guests with its delicate flavors and creamy textures. With the right balance of tangy lemon and rich mascarpone, it’s a cake that’s perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to something special, this cake will never disappoint. Happy baking!