Description
This Italian Lemon Cream Cake is light, fluffy, and filled with a rich lemon mascarpone cream. With soft sponge layers and a refreshing citrus flavor, it’s the perfect elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2–3 fresh lemons (juice + zest)
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk until combined.
7. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
8. Cool cakes completely on a wire rack.
9. Beat cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth.
10. Add powdered sugar, honey, lemon zest, and a little lemon juice.
11. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks and fold into the cream mixture.
12. Spread filling over first cake layer, then top with second layer.
13. Lightly frost top and sides or leave semi-naked.
14. Chill for 30 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light.
- Chill before serving for cleaner slices.
- Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cake layers can be frozen for up to 1 month before assembling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg