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Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Name: Lemon Mascarpone Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size); 1-1/4 cups water; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1/3 cup canola oil; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 1 carton (8 ounces) mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup lemon curd; 1/4 cup limoncello, optional; Fresh raspberries and lemon zest strips

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Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: May. 06, 2022

Drizzling limoncello liqueur over the layers before frosting adds a puckery punch to this refreshing lemon mascarpone cake. —Amy Frederick, Island City, Oregon

Lemon Mascarpone Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
1-1/4 cups water
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 carton (8 ounces) mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup lemon curd
1/4 cup limoncello, optional
Fresh raspberries and lemon zest strips

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, oil and extract; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
Bake at 350° for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
In a small bowl, beat the cheese, cream and lemon curd until smooth. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Drizzle with half the limoncello if desired; spread with half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Garnish with raspberries and lemon zest. Store in the refrigerator.

Lemon Mascarpone Cake Tips

How can I make lemon curd for lemon mascarpone cake?

Lemon curd is a mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest that is cooked over medium heat until thickened. Read our detailed, step-by-step instructions for making lemon curd at home.

Why did my lemon mascarpone cake turn out so dense?

There are a few reasons why your cake may be dense. The culprit could simply be over-mixing. Other factors could be too much liquid, too much sugar or too little (or expired) leavening, such as baking soda or baking powder. Here's how to fix more common cake mistakes we've all made.

How long will lemon mascarpone cake last?

Since this cake contains mascarpone cheese, it does require refrigeration. We recommend filling or decorating the cake with this frosting on the day you bake your cake or the very next day. The frosted cake can stay in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Have some leftover mascarpone cheese on your hands? Make one of theses delicious recipes with mascarpone cheese.

—Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 446 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.