Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

Imagine this: light, airy profiteroles filled with a luxurious mascarpone cream and kissed with the bright, zesty flavor of limoncello. Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles are a dream come true for anyone who loves a touch of elegance in their desserts. The golden, delicate choux pastry, combined with the creamy, citrusy filling, is a match made in dessert heaven. These little beauties are perfect for any special occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering, a fancy dinner party, or just because you’re craving something utterly delicious. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make – no fancy techniques required!

Why You’ll Love Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

Luxe Flavor: The mascarpone filling brings a richness that pairs beautifully with the tangy limoncello, creating a perfectly balanced sweetness.

Light and Airy: The choux pastry is golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, offering that perfect contrast with the creamy filling.

Elegant Touch: These profiteroles are the kind of dessert that looks fancy but is easy enough to prepare at home. They’ll impress your guests with their delicate look and divine taste.

Customizable: If you’re not a fan of limoncello, you can easily swap it for another liqueur or even a splash of lemon juice and zest for a non-alcoholic version.

Perfect for Any Occasion: These are the ideal treat for everything from a birthday party to a holiday feast. Whether served as a single bite or as part of a dessert spread, they’ll never fail to wow the crowd.

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1/2 cup water – The base liquid to get the dough started.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – This creates the richness in the dough, making it light and fluffy.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the pastry.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – To balance the sweetness and enhance the dough’s flavor.
• 4 large eggs – These provide structure and help the dough rise, giving the pastries their airy texture.

For the Mascarpone Cream Filling:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese – The creamy, tangy base for the filling.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – This lightens the mascarpone, creating a fluffy and smooth filling.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – For sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons limoncello – This adds that refreshing citrus kick that makes these profiteroles unforgettable.
• Zest of 1 lemon – For extra zing and a fresh citrus aroma.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – To round out the flavor.

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – To make a simple, smooth glaze.
• 1 tablespoon limoncello – Adds more limoncello flavor and a bit of shine to the glaze.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Make the Choux Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour all at once. Return the pan to the heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

2. Incorporate the Eggs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy after all the eggs are incorporated.

3. Pipe and Bake the Pastries
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small rounds (about 1-inch in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake the profiteroles for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, or they may collapse. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
While the profiteroles are cooling, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, limoncello, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and thickened. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to speed up the process.

5. Prepare the Limoncello Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and limoncello until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust with a little more sugar or limoncello to get the desired consistency.

6. Assemble the Profiteroles
Once the profiteroles have cooled, carefully cut a small slit in the side of each one. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each profiterole with the mascarpone cream mixture. Be generous with the filling – it’s the star of the show!

7. Drizzle with Glaze
After filling the profiteroles, drizzle the limoncello glaze over the top of each one. For a little extra flair, you can sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top.

8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve these beautiful profiteroles immediately, or store them in the fridge for later. They are best enjoyed within a few hours of assembly, as the pastry may soften over time.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 200-250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 2%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

• For Special Occasions: These profiteroles are perfect for any elegant gathering, from a dinner party to a holiday feast. Their delicate appearance and rich flavor make them a standout dessert.
• Pair with Coffee or Dessert Wine: Enjoy these pastries with a cup of espresso, a glass of dessert wine, or even a limoncello cocktail to complement their flavor.
• Perfect for Afternoon Tea: Serve them as part of an afternoon tea spread for a sophisticated treat that will have your guests talking.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the choux pastry and mascarpone filling ahead of time. Store the profiteroles and filling separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble just before serving.
• Decorating Tips: For an added touch of elegance, dust the finished profiteroles with powdered sugar, or top them with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green.
• Storage: Profiteroles are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They may soften slightly but will still taste wonderful.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the profiteroles without alcohol?
A1: Yes! You can easily omit the limoncello and substitute with lemon zest and a little lemon juice for that fresh citrus flavor.

Q2: Can I use something other than mascarpone cheese?
A2: While mascarpone gives a luxurious creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese for a slightly tangy filling or ricotta for a lighter option.

Q3: Can I freeze the profiteroles?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the baked profiteroles without the filling. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and fill with the mascarpone cream before serving.

Q4: How can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?
A4: You can make the choux pastry ahead of time and freeze the baked, unfilled profiteroles. Just bake, let them cool, and freeze. When you’re ready, fill and glaze them!

Q5: Can I use a different glaze?
A5: Absolutely! You can use a chocolate glaze, a simple powdered sugar glaze, or even a fruit glaze to complement the filling.

Q6: Do I have to use a piping bag to fill the profiteroles?
A6: Not at all! If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to fill the profiteroles or even cut them in half and spoon the filling in.

Q7: Can I make the profiteroles without a stand mixer?
A7: Yes, you can use a hand mixer or whisk the filling by hand if you prefer. Just make sure the mascarpone is softened before mixing to help achieve a smooth consistency.

Q8: Can I make these with a different fruit flavor?
A8: Definitely! You can swap the limoncello for another fruit liqueur, like Grand Marnier (for an orange flavor), or use fruit purées in the filling for a unique twist.

Q9: How do I get the profiteroles perfectly puffed?
A9: The key to getting the perfect puff is to avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking and to make sure your dough is smooth and glossy before piping.

Q10: Can I add chocolate to the filling?
A10: Absolutely! You can mix some melted chocolate into the mascarpone filling for a decadent chocolate twist.

Conclusion

These **Limoncello Mas

carpone Profiteroles** are an elegant, flavorful treat that combines the richness of mascarpone with the zesty brightness of limoncello. Whether you’re preparing them for a special event or simply to indulge in a sweet moment, these little bites of heaven are sure to be a hit. So why not treat yourself and your guests to this luxurious yet easy-to-make dessert? You won’t regret it!

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