Limoncello Mascarpone Dessert

Name: Limoncello Mascarpone Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup limoncello; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; Lemon slices; Fresh mint leaves; Crushed biscotti

Highlighted under: Cakes, Pies & More

I absolutely love this Limoncello Mascarpone Dessert! The combination of zesty limoncello and creamy mascarpone creates a delightful balance that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whenever I make this dessert, it never fails to impress family and friends. The bright lemon flavor paired with the rich mascarpone results in a light yet luxurious treat that's perfect for any occasion. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it again and again.

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2026-02-16T09:11:37.132Z

When I first experimented with limoncello, I was captivated by its vibrant flavor. To feature it in a dessert, I combined it with mascarpone, a creamy Italian cheese that adds richness. The result was a velvety dessert that bursts with citrus notes. I recommend letting it chill for a bit; it makes the flavors meld beautifully.

The key is to use a high-quality limoncello to avoid any overly sweet profiles. As a fun twist, you can also layer it with crushed biscotti or serve it in fancy glasses for an elegant presentation. This dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bright and refreshing lemon flavor with a hint of limoncello
Creamy mascarpone that adds a luxurious texture
Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings

      

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

The key to achieving a light and airy texture in your Limoncello Mascarpone Dessert lies in the whipping of the heavy cream. Make sure to use cold heavy cream straight from the refrigerator, as cream whips better at lower temperatures. Whip the cream until you see soft peaks form, resembling gentle waves. Overbeating can lead to a grainy consistency, so stop once you reach this stage. The goal is to add volume without losing that luscious creaminess essential for this dessert.

When combining the whipped cream with the mascarpone mixture, use a folding motion rather than stirring. This technique preserves the air you've incorporated into the cream, ensuring that your final dessert remains fluffy rather than dense. Use a rubber spatula to lift the cream from the bottom of the bowl and fold it over the mascarpone gently. Continue this motion until fully incorporated, but be cautious not to deflate the mixture.

Storing and Serving Tips

This Limoncello Mascarpone Dessert can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. After chilling in the refrigerator for at least one hour, the flavors meld beautifully. You can store it for up to three days, but I recommend enjoying it within 48 hours for the best texture and flavor. Cover the serving glasses or bowls with plastic wrap to prevent any unwanted odors from affecting the dessert.

For an elegant presentation, serve the dessert in individual glasses, allowing your guests to see the creamy layers. Garnishing with fresh lemon slices and mint not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the refreshing lemon flavor. If you desire a bit of crunch, sprinkle crushed biscotti or shortbread cookies right before serving. This delightful contrast will elevate the overall texture experience.

Ingredient Insights and Variations

Mascarpone cheese is a critical ingredient in this dessert, providing that signature creamy texture. However, if you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute half the mascarpone with Greek yogurt. This change will maintain some richness while cutting down on calories. Keep in mind that using yogurt will impart a tangier flavor, so adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste if necessary.

If you wish to experiment with flavors beyond limoncello, consider swapping it for another citrus liqueur, such as orange or grapefruit. Alternatively, you can infuse the mascarpone with fresh juice from lemons or other fruits for a non-alcoholic version. Just remember to adjust the sugar, as fresh juices can vary in sweetness, ensuring the dessert remains balanced and delightful!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create this delicious dessert.

For the Dessert

1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup limoncello
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lemon

For Garnish (optional)

Lemon slices
Fresh mint leaves
Crushed biscotti

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Limoncello Mascarpone Dessert.

Whip the Cream

In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as you want a light texture.

Mix Mascarpone

In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, limoncello, powdered sugar, and lemon zest. Mix gently until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture carefully. Be sure to keep it light and airy.

Chill and Serve

Transfer the mixture into serving glasses or bowls. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.

Enjoy your dessert chilled for the best flavor experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra zing, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the mascarpone mixture. It elevates the flavor beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue is if the whipped cream doesn't hold its shape after mixing. This can happen if the cream wasn't whipped enough or if too much liquid was added. To salvage it, try re-whipping a small portion of fresh heavy cream and gently folding it into the mixture again. This extra whipped cream will help stabilize the texture, ensuring your dessert maintains that fluffy quality.

Another potential problem is if the mascarpone mixture appears too thick or grainy after mixing. This could result from overmixing or using room temperature mascarpone. For best results, allow your mascarpone to soften slightly at room temperature before mixing, but avoid letting it sit too long. Mixing on low speed is also advisable to prevent straining the texture.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to make a larger batch of this delightful dessert, it’s easy to scale up the ingredients. Simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need; this recipe is versatile and adapts well to larger quantities. Just ensure you have a larger mixing bowl to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to whip the cream in batches to keep the texture right.

Conversely, if you only need a smaller portion, the dessert can easily be halved. Remember that chilling times may vary slightly based on the volume, so ensure each serving is adequately chilled for the best flavor experience. Serving individual portions can also make it easier to manage sizes, and you can prepare them in smaller glasses for a cute presentation!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different liqueur?

Yes, you can substitute limoncello with another citrus liqueur, such as orange or grapefruit, but the flavor will differ.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight for the flavors to deepen.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Sure! Replace limoncello with lemon juice mixed with a bit of sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic dessert.