Description
This Limoncello Cake is a refreshing, zesty dessert with the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. Made with the iconic Italian lemon liqueur, Limoncello, it’s a deliciously moist cake with a vibrant lemon flavor and a smooth glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or a light spring treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup Limoncello liqueur
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Limoncello liqueur
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in the Limoncello liqueur and stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, Limoncello, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired and serve.
Notes
- For a stronger Limoncello flavor, you can soak the cake in a little extra Limoncello after it’s baked, before applying the glaze.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- You can also add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on top for added color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg