Brighten your dessert table with this delightful Limoncello Cake, a refreshing treat that captures the essence of sunny Italian summers. This moist and zesty cake is infused with the vibrant flavors of limoncello liqueur and fresh lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Topped with a luscious lemon glaze and adorned with candied lemon slices, this cake is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. Whether served at a special occasion or enjoyed with a cup of tea, this Limoncello Cake is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor and elegant presentation!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup limoncello liqueur
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp limoncello (optional)
- Candied lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the limoncello and buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and limoncello (if using) until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. If desired, decorate with candied lemon slices for an elegant touch.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the bright and refreshing flavors in every bite!
This Limoncello Cake is a delightful way to bring a taste of Italy to your home and is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
