Limoncello Cake With Lemon Glaze

Name: Limoncello Cake With Lemon Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup limoncello; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon baking powder; Zest of 2 lemons; Pinch of salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon limoncello

Highlighted under: Whisk & Bake

I absolutely love making this Limoncello Cake with Lemon Glaze. Each bite is a delightful celebration of vibrant lemon flavor merged with the sweet, zesty notes of limoncello. The cake is incredibly moist and soft, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering or a special celebration. The lemon glaze drizzled on top adds a beautiful finish and enhances the cake's freshness. I find that baking it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but it's often hard to resist enjoying a slice right away!

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:22:14.350Z

When I first stumbled across the idea of a Limoncello Cake, I knew I had to try it for myself. The combination of cake and a rich lemon liqueur seemed too delicious to pass up. After experimenting, I found the perfect balance of limoncello to cake batter, which resulted in an intoxicating flavor that has received rave reviews from friends and family.

One of the best tips I discovered was to let the cake soak in some limoncello after baking. This method intensifies the cake's flavor and keeps it moist for days. Trust me, this cake becomes even more delightful as it sits and the flavors deepen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty lemon flavor perfectly balanced with the sweetness of limoncello
Moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days
A beautiful glaze that adds visual appeal and extra flavor

Baking Tips for Success

When creaming together the butter and sugar, it is essential to achieve a light and fluffy mixture. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cake's final texture. Aim for about 3–5 minutes of mixing at medium speed until the mixture is pale and voluminous. If you feel the texture is too dense, it might indicate under-creaming, which can lead to a heavier cake.

Using fresh ingredients significantly enhances the flavor of your Limoncello Cake. Ensure your limoncello is at room temperature, as this helps it blend better with other wet ingredients. For the lemon zest, utilize a microplane for fine zest, which will infuse the cake with maximum citrus aroma without the bitterness that can come from the white pith.

Mastering the Glaze

Creating the perfect glaze is all about achieving the right consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when drizzled but still runny enough to pour over the cake smoothly. If your glaze is too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

For an extra pop of flavor, consider infusing your glaze with additional citrus zest. Simply whisk in a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the glaze mixture. This not only amplifies the lemony taste but also enhances the visual appeal with flecks of zest throughout the glaze. Allowing the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes after drizzling will give a lovely finish to your cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup limoncello
½ cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon baking powder
Zest of 2 lemons
Pinch of salt

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon limoncello

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the limoncello and buttermilk, mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix this into the wet ingredients.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and limoncello in a bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Limoncello Cake with Lemon Glaze!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider soaking the cake with a limoncello syrup right after it comes out of the oven. Simply mix 1/4 cup of limoncello with 1/4 cup of sugar and brush it over the warm cake.

Flavor Variations

If you're looking to add a twist to the classic Limoncello flavor, consider substituting some of the limoncello with another citrus liqueur, such as orange or grapefruit. This adjustment brings a unique flavor profile while maintaining the cake’s moistness. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace the limoncello with additional buttermilk or lemon juice, adjusting the sugar accordingly to balance the tanginess.

You can also incorporate flavors like poppy seeds or fresh berries into the batter for a delightful contrast. About 1/4 cup of poppy seeds mixed in with the dry ingredients complements the lemon perfectly, while fresh blueberries or raspberries folded in gently will add bursts of sweetness and color.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

For optimal flavor, I recommend baking your Limoncello Cake a day in advance. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This resting time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even better taste when enjoyed on the following day. If kept properly, the cake can stay fresh for up to four days.

If you need to freeze your cake, slice it into portions first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, ensuring it is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This way, you have a delicious, refreshing dessert ready for spontaneous gatherings or dinner parties.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! Orange or lime zests can be used to give the cake a different flavor profile.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The cake can be made a day ahead, and the flavors continue to improve overnight.

→ What can I serve with the cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.