If you’re craving a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, this Italian Lemon Cream Cake is just what you need. It’s a simple, semi-homemade recipe that delivers bakery-quality results — with a fluffy lemon cake base, a rich mascarpone cream layer, and a bright citrus finish.
This cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes of prep time, thanks to a handy cake mix shortcut!
Let’s get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
Easy to Make: Using a boxed cake mix saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Luxurious Cream Topping: The mascarpone and whipped cream combo creates a silky, decadent texture.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the cake pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon zest and juice.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cake serves up to 12, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: Follow cake mix instructions (~30 minutes)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Cake Ingredients:
1 box lemon cake mix
1 cup water
⅓ cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
Lemon Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mascarpone cheese
½ cup powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
Lemon slices
Extra lemon zest (optional)
How to Make Italian Lemon Cream Cake
- Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
Beat until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package instructions (typically 28–32 minutes).
Let the cake cool completely before adding the cream layer.
Tip: Speed up the cooling process by placing the cake in the fridge for 20–30 minutes!
- Make the Lemon Cream Layer:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3–4 minutes).
In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream — you want it light and fluffy!
- Assemble the Cake:
Spread the lemon cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
Garnish with lemon slices and sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top for a beautiful finish.
- Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the cream layer to set.
Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
Pro Tip: This cake tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge — the flavors meld together, and the cream firms up perfectly!
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Mascarpone Substitute: No mascarpone? Swap it with cream cheese for a tangier twist.
Extra Lemon Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the cake batter for even more citrus punch.
Make It Fancy: Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Italian Lemon Cream Cake with:
Iced Coffee or Espresso for a classic Italian-style dessert experience.
Fresh Berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and sweetness.
Lemon Sorbet for an ultra-refreshing citrus overload!
This cake is perfect for:
Brunches & Baby Showers
Easter or Mother’s Day
Summer BBQs & Picnics
Weeknight Sweet Tooth Cravings
Why You’ll Love This Cake
The combination of a soft, lemony cake with a cloud-like mascarpone cream makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s light enough to enjoy after a big meal, yet rich enough to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Plus, with its sunny lemon flavor and creamy texture, this cake just feels happy — like a little slice of summer on a plate.
It’s a foolproof recipe that delivers impressive results with minimal effort, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.
So grab your ingredients, whip up this Italian Lemon Cream Cake, and get ready to wow your friends and family with a dessert that looks fancy but is secretly super simple!
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