Description
Indulge in a delightful Italian Lemon Cream Cake, featuring moist lemon layers filled with a rich lemon cream and topped with a zesty glaze. This cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Fresh lemon slices
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Beat the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 3-5 minutes). Avoid overbeating.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of the lemon cream filling over the top of the first cake layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
- Spread the remaining lemon cream filling over the top and sides of the cake.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Slice the cake with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts.
- Serve with tea or coffee, and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness of the lemon cream filling to your taste by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding additional lemon zest to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes