Why Make This Recipe
Limoncello Cake is the perfect dessert for those who love a burst of citrus flavor. This cake is light, moist, and packed with a refreshing lemon taste, thanks to the limoncello liqueur and fresh lemons. It’s easy to make and great for celebrations, gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea. The sweetness balances perfectly with the tartness of the lemon, making it a delightful treat for anyone.
How to Make Limoncello Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, mixing in the lemon zest until fully combined.
- Fold in the sour cream, lemon juice, and limoncello until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
How to Serve Limoncello Cake
Serve Limoncello Cake at room temperature or slightly chilled. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also garnish it with lemon slices or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Limoncello Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will stay good for up to three months.
Tips to Make Limoncello Cake
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy blending.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; zest and juice them just before adding them to the mix.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients, as this can make the cake dense.
- Use a toothpick to check the cake for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Variation
You can transform this cake into a lemon-blueberry version by folding in fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before baking. The berries add a sweet and tart burst, complementing the lemon flavor beautifully.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of liqueur? Yes, you can experiment with other citrus liqueurs, but limoncello gives the best lemon flavor.
- What if I don’t have sour cream? Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can also use buttermilk if you have it on hand.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Limoncello Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and moist cake bursting with citrus flavor, perfect for celebrations or a cozy tea time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup limoncello liqueur
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, mixing in the lemon zest until fully combined.
- Fold in the sour cream, lemon juice, and limoncello until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Notes
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg