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Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake Recipe

4.7 from 80 reviews

This delightful Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake features layers of moist lemon-infused cake paired with a creamy mascarpone frosting and a fresh medley of berries. Light, tangy, and perfect for any celebration, this cake combines bright citrus notes with rich, velvety frosting and bursts of juicy strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Cake

  • 300 grams granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp lemon zest
  • 300 grams cake flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/8 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 113 grams unsalted butter (softened)
  • 113 grams vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 120 grams buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 120 grams lemon juice

Mascarpone Frosting

  • 226 grams mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
  • 113 grams unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 400 grams powdered sugar

Berry Filling and Garnish

  • 160 grams chopped strawberries
  • 160 grams chopped raspberries
  • 160 grams chopped blackberries
  • 160 grams blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Make Lemon Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest, rubbing them together with your fingers to release the oils and fragrance from the zest.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the lemon sugar, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix briefly until well combined.
  4. Add Butter: Incorporate the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand in texture.
  5. Add Wet Ingredients: Add vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix on low speed until batter starts to come together.
  6. Combine Buttermilk and Lemon Juice: Pour in the buttermilk and lemon juice, mixing on low until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
  7. Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter among the three prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Mascarpone Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and softened butter together until creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, on low speed until the frosting is smooth and lump-free.
  9. Mix Berries: Gently toss the chopped strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and whole blueberries together in a large bowl.
  10. Level Cake Layers: If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes with a serrated knife to ensure even stacking.
  11. Assemble Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on a cake stand or cardboard round. Spread a thin, even layer of frosting on top, then pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to create a barrier. Fill the center with about 1/3 cup of the mixed berries, spreading them to the ring of buttercream.
  12. Repeat Layering: Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting and berry filling process.
  13. Add Top Layer: Place the last cake layer upside down so the top is flat.
  14. Apply Crumb Coat: Cover the sides and top of the cake with a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs. Chill the cake in the freezer for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
  15. Final Frosting and Garnish: Apply a final, thick layer of frosting on the sides and top. Garnish with fresh berries. Serve and enjoy your vibrant lemon berry mascarpone cake!

Notes

  • Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature for best batter consistency.
  • Use cake flour to keep the cake tender and light.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter once wet ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
  • Chilling the cake after applying the crumb coat helps achieve a smooth final frosting layer.
  • Fresh berries can be substituted with frozen ones but thaw and drain well to avoid soggy cake layers.

Keywords: lemon cake, berry cake, mascarpone frosting, lemon berry cake, layered cake, fresh berries cake