Ultimate Limoncello Mascarpone Ricotta Cake with Pistachio Crunch and Chocolate Drizzle

If you’re looking for an elegant, luscious, and show-stopping dessert, this Limoncello Mascarpone Ricotta Cake is THE ONE. Imagine layers of soft, almond-infused cake, kissed with zesty limoncello, layered with silky mascarpone-ricotta filling, and finished with a rich chocolate drizzle and crunchy pistachios. It’s creamy, nutty, citrusy, and slightly boozy—perfection in every bite! 🍋💛

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cake 💛

This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience:

✔ Bright & Zesty – Limoncello and lemon zest bring a fresh, tangy kick.
✔ Creamy & Dreamy – The mascarpone-ricotta filling is smooth, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
✔ Nutty Crunch – Pistachios add a delightful texture contrast.
✔ Decadent Chocolate Drizzle – Because chocolate makes everything better! 🍫
✔ Gluten-Friendly Option – Made with almond flour, it’s naturally gluten-light!

One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

What Does It Taste Like? 🤤

🌿 Light yet indulgent – The almond flour keeps it airy, while the mascarpone makes it creamy.
🍋 Bright citrus notes – That tangy limoncello & lemon zest cut through the richness beautifully.
🌰 Crunchy pistachios – A little bite of nutty texture in every forkful.
🍫 Silky chocolate drizzle – Just the right touch of bittersweet chocolate goodness!

It’s like Italy on a plate! 🇮🇹✨

Ingredients & Substitutions 🛒

For the Cake Layers:

• 🥚 Eggs – Give the cake structure and richness.
• 🥄 Sugar – Sweetness to balance the tart lemon.
• 🍋 Limoncello – The star ingredient! Swap for lemon juice if avoiding alcohol.
• 🍋 Lemon Zest – Adds bold citrus aroma.
• 🧈 Butter – Melted for moisture. Substitute with olive oil for a fruity twist!
• 🌾 Almond Flour – Gives a nutty, tender crumb. You can use half all-purpose flour if desired.
• 🌿 Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• 🥄 Salt – A pinch enhances flavors.
• 🥛 Buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 🌰 Pistachios – Adds a delicious crunch. Swap with almonds if needed!

For the Mascarpone-Ricotta Filling:

• 🥛 Mascarpone Cheese – Ultra creamy and lightly sweet.
• 🥛 Ricotta – Balances out mascarpone’s richness with a bit of lightness.
• 🥄 Powdered Sugar – Just the right touch of sweetness.
• 🍋 Limoncello & Lemon Zest – Bright and refreshing!
• 🥛 Heavy Cream – Whipped to fluffy perfection for a mousse-like texture.

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• 🍫 Dark Chocolate – For that rich, luxurious drizzle.
• 🥄 Coconut Oil – Helps keep the chocolate smooth and pourable.

For Garnish:

• 🌰 Crushed Pistachios – More crunch, more beauty.
• 🍋 Lemon Zest – Adds extra freshness.
• ☁️ Powdered Sugar – A delicate finishing touch!

How to Make Limoncello Mascarpone Ricotta Cake 👩‍🍳✨

1️⃣ Prep Your Oven & Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in melted butter, limoncello, and lemon zest—hello, citrus heaven! 🍋
3. In another bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Alternating between dry ingredients and buttermilk, gently mix everything until combined.
5. Fold in ¾ cup chopped pistachios for that signature crunch.

3️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection

• Divide the batter evenly between the pans.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

4️⃣ Whip Up the Mascarpone-Ricotta Filling

1. Beat together mascarpone, ricotta, powdered sugar, limoncello, and lemon zest until creamy.
2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Fluffy and perfect!

5️⃣ Assemble the Cake

1. Slice each cake in half horizontally, so you have four thin layers.
2. Spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling between each cake layer.
3. Stack the layers carefully, pressing gently.

6️⃣ Melt & Drizzle the Chocolate

1. Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth.
2. Drizzle it lovingly over the cake, letting it drip naturally.

7️⃣ Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle with crushed pistachios, extra lemon zest, and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a masterpiece!

What to Serve with This Cake 🍰

This cake is stunning on its own, but for a true Italian dessert experience, serve it with:
☕ Espresso or cappuccino – The bitterness balances the sweetness.
🍷 Limoncello on the side – Because why not? 😉
🍓 Fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries add freshness.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake

💡 Use room temperature ingredients – This helps everything blend smoothly.
💡 Don’t overmix the batter – Keeps the cake light and fluffy.
💡 Let it chill before slicing – The filling sets beautifully after a short chill.

How to Store This Cake

• Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors actually get better if made a day in advance.

Can I make it alcohol-free?

Yes! Swap limoncello for fresh lemon juice and a splash of vanilla extract.

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

You can substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour for a slightly firmer texture.

Final Thoughts: This Cake = Pure Joy! ✨

This Limoncello Mascarpone Ricotta Cake is truly something special—light yet rich, tangy yet sweet, and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, this cake is a must-try!

If you love this recipe, leave a review & tag me on Pinterest—I’d LOVE to see your creations! 📸✨

🍰 Craving more Italian-inspired desserts? Try these next:

• Classic Tiramisu
• Lemon Panna Cotta
• Ricotta & Almond Olive Oil Cake

Buon appetito! 🇮🇹💛🍋