A luscious lemony cake perfect for the early months of spring! No need to be a cake decorator for this cake — just lightly spread the creamy icing on top of the layers and chill.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Juice AND zest of 1 lemon, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
For Brushing on Layers:
2 tablespoons Limoncello
For the Icing:
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces mascarpone, softened (or substitute cream cheese)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup lemon curd, homemade or purchased
METHOD:
For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously spray two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Spritz the paper with spray.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside.
Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon juice.
While mixing on low speed, add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with two portions of milk. Mix just until combined.
Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans. Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Invert the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Icing:
In a large mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until it is thick. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the mascarpone, cream cheese, and lemon curd until thoroughly combined and smooth. Add whipped cream and whip briefly until the cheese mixture is thoroughly incorporated into the whipped cream. The icing will be soft.
Place one cake layer on a cake plate. Brush top with 1 tablespoon of Limoncello. Spread about half of the icing over the top of the cake. Place the other cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Brush with the remaining Limoncello. Spread the remaining frosting over the top of the cake.
Chill the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the frosting to set. Refrigerate any leftovers.
YIELD: 12 servings
