Description
This Cheesecake Factory-inspired Italian Lemon Cream Cake is a delightful citrus dessert featuring layers of soft vanilla cake, a luscious lemon mascarpone filling, and a crisp, buttery crumb topping. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this homemade Italian lemon cream cake offers a bright, refreshing flavor that makes it a standout among lemon desserts.
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup whole milk, room temperature
For the crumb topping:
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
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1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the lemon mascarpone cream:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease.
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Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
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Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
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Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
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Prepare the crumb topping: Mix flour and powdered sugar, cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add lemon zest and vanilla. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 350°F (177°C) for 10–12 minutes. Cool and crumble.
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Make lemon mascarpone cream: Whip cream to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and juice until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
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Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread lemon mascarpone cream over the top.
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Add the second layer, frost the top and sides with remaining cream.
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Press crumb topping onto the cake’s top and sides.
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Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
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Cake layers and crumb topping can be prepared a day in advance.
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Ensure crumb topping is fully cooled before applying to preserve crunch.
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Substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
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Add lemon curd between layers for more citrus punch.
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Store cake refrigerated up to 4 days; let sit at room temp before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American