Limoncello Cake Recipe (Super moist!)

October 2024 · 9 minute read
two image collage showing two slices of limoncello cake and also the loaf cake with a piece cut off. center color block with text overlay.

This Limoncello Cake is supremely moist, delightfully easy and just bursting with bright lemon flavor. This moist and fluffy cake with a blend of citrusy, yet sweet vanilla flavors all drizzled with a limoncello glaze is seriously spectacular! Enjoy with your morning coffee, serve it with a tray of tea for an afternoon treat, or as dessert with after dinner drinks. 

Love lemon desserts? Make sure to try my Lemon BarsNo Bake Lemon Pie and Lemon Cookies!

Limoncello Cake Recipe

Lemon flavored baked goods and drinks are second only to strawberries when it comes to the sunny spring and summer seasons! The zesty citrus taste of fresh lemon is so light and refreshing after all of the heavy flavors that kept us warm through the fall and winter.

This Limoncello Cake recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and citrus, and you can even use the leftover limoncello to mix up a fun cocktail to serve on the side!

This cake is easily enjoyed morning, noon, or night, and is sure to be a hit from Sunday night dinners to summertime engagements. 

Why I Love This Limoncello Cake

Why do I love this recipe?

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Lovely Lemon Recipes

Love all things lemon? Us too! Here are some of our favorite lemon desserts:

  • Lemon Cookies
  • Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups
  • No Bake Lemon Pie
  • Lemon Bars
  • Lemon Rice Krispie Treats
  • What You’ll Need

    Light, fluffy cake with sweet and tangy flavors of lemon and vanilla. A kick of limoncello glaze drizzled over top makes this a delightful dessert perfect for spring and summer! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…

    For the Cake

    For the Limoncello Glaze

    If you don’t have limoncello on hand or are unable to find any, you can substitute lemon flavored vodka.

    How to Make Limoncello Cake

    For the Cake

  • Preheat your oven and prepare a 9×5 loaf pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Combine the oil, sugar, sour cream, limoncello, lemon zest, eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together, careful not to over mix the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the cake to a cooling rack and cool completely before adding the glaze.
  • For the Glaze

  • Whisk the powdered sugar and limoncello together until no lumps remain and the glaze is the consistency you desire.
  • Drizzle the limoncello glaze over the top of the completely cooled cake.
  • Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy!
  • Storage Information

    You can store leftovers of this cake in an airtight container on your counter for 2 days. For longer lasting freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

    To Freeze: You can also freeze this recipe! Let the cake cool fully then seal in a freezer safe container and store for 4-6 months. Let the cake thaw and make the glaze when you plan to serve the cake. You can even freeze the cake in individual slices, so you only have to defrost a piece at a time when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want a whole cake!

    Limoncello Cake Recipe FAQs

    What Exactly Is Limoncello?

    Limoncello is an Italian liqueur. It has a very smooth, sweet taste to it with of course a bright and intense lemon flavor. It is typically made with vodka as its base liquor and is often sipped on its own or mixed with a tonic water or club soda for a refreshing and light cocktail. You can even make your own by steeping lemon zest in vodka and then adding simple syrup. The longer it sits and ages, the better it is.

    Do I Have To Bake This In a Loaf Pan?

    You do not. While I used a loaf pan for this recipe, you can absolutely bake this using a bundt pan or a circular baking pan. However you like to present your cake works. Just be aware of the cook time depending on your pan as some cakes may cook faster (if they are thinner), and some may take a little longer

    Trish’s Tips and Tricks

    More Delicious Cakes

  • Creamsicle Cake
  • Hummingbird Bundt Cake
  • Chocolate Pound Cake
  • Oreo Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Zucchini Cake
  • Carrot Cake
  • Strawberry Shortcake Roulade
  • How To Make Limoncello Cake

    Limoncello Cake Recipe

    This Limoncello Cake is supremely moist, delightfully easy and just bursting with bright lemon flavor. This moist and fluffy cake with a blend of citrusy, yet sweet vanilla flavors all drizzled with a limoncello glaze is seriously spectacular! Enjoy with your morning coffee, serve it with a tray of tea for an afternoon treat, or as dessert with after dinner drinks. 

    Course Dessert Cuisine American Keyword limoncello cake, limoncello cake recipe Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 45 minutes Servings 10 Calories 394kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    Limoncello Glaze

    Instructions

    Prepare the Limoncello Glaze

    Notes

    Storage Information You can store leftovers of this cake in an airtight container on your counter for 2 days. For longer lasting freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week. To Freeze: You can also freeze this recipe! Let the cake cool fully then seal in a freezer safe container and store for 4-6 months. Let the cake thaw and make the glaze when you plan to serve the cake. You can even freeze the cake in individual slices, so you only have to defrost a piece at a time when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want a whole cake!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg

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