Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Bites with Sparkling Citrus Drizzle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Bites are:

• Easy Yet Impressive: Simple ingredients combine to create a gourmet dessert.

• Bright & Citrusy: Limoncello and lemon zest add a refreshing, tangy flavor.

• Creamy & Dreamy: The mascarpone filling gives each bite a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings and parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake Bites:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box to prepare)

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese

• ¼ cup Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the White Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips (melted)

• Yellow sugar crystals (for garnish)

• White nonpareils (for garnish)

For the Sparkling Citrus Drizzle:

• 2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice (lemon or orange)

• ¼ cup sparkling water

Directions

1. Bake the Lemon Cake: Prepare the lemon cake mix according to the package instructions. Let the cake cool completely.

2. Crumble the Cake: Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl.

3. Make the Mascarpone Filling: In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, Limoncello, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.

4. Combine & Shape: Mix the mascarpone filling into the cake crumbs. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.

5. Coat in White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips. Dip each cake bite into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.

6. Garnish & Decorate: Sprinkle yellow sugar crystals and nonpareils on the cake bites before the chocolate sets.

7. Add the Sparkling Citrus Drizzle: Mix citrus juice with sparkling water and drizzle over the set cake bites.

8. Serve & Enjoy: Let the cake bites set completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 20-24 cake bites.

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including freezing time).

Variations

• Chocolate-Lemon Cake Bites: Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.

• Berry-Limoncello Cake Bites: Add freeze-dried berries to the mascarpone filling for extra fruitiness.

• Coconut-Lemon Bliss Bites: Roll the cake bites in toasted coconut flakes before the chocolate sets.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the lemon cake mix with a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the cake bites in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these alcohol-free?

Yes, you can replace the Limoncello with extra lemon juice or milk for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I use homemade lemon cake?

Yes, you can substitute the boxed cake mix with your favorite homemade lemon cake recipe.

Can I use a different chocolate coating?

You can use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

How do I make the cake bites hold their shape?

Freezing the cake bites before dipping in chocolate helps them stay firm.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these cake bites are great for making in advance. They hold up well when stored in the fridge or freezer.

How do I make the chocolate coating smoother?

Use high-quality white chocolate and melt it carefully in intervals to prevent it from seizing.

Can I skip the sparkling citrus drizzle?

The drizzle adds a refreshing touch, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler dessert.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cake bites for a larger group.

Are these cake bites suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, use a gluten-free lemon cake mix to make these cake bites gluten-free.

How do I package these as gifts?

These cake bites make wonderful gifts when packaged in a cute gift box with parchment paper.

Conclusion

These Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Bites are a delightful, elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their bright lemon flavor, creamy texture, and sparkling finish, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or celebration. Try them out and let their sunshine flavor shine through in every bite!

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Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Bites with Sparkling Citrus Drizzle

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These Limoncello Mascarpone Cake Bites are a perfect combination of tangy lemon, creamy mascarpone, and Italian Limoncello, all coated in smooth white chocolate with a sparkling citrus drizzle. A deliciously fresh and decadent treat for parties, gatherings, or a sweet indulgence, these cake bites are easy to make, impressive, and full of vibrant citrus flavors.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including freezing time)
• Yield: 20-24 cake bites
• Category: Dessert, Party Treat
• Method: Baking, Dipping
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Cake Bites:

1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box to prepare)

1 cup mascarpone cheese

¼ cup Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur)

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the White Chocolate Coating:

2 cups white chocolate chips (melted)

Yellow sugar crystals (for garnish)

White nonpareils (for garnish)

For the Sparkling Citrus Drizzle:

2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice (lemon or orange)

¼ cup sparkling water

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Instructions

• Bake the Lemon Cake: Prepare the lemon cake mix according to the package instructions. Let the cake cool completely.

• Crumble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs in a large bowl.

• Make the Mascarpone Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, Limoncello, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.

• Combine & Shape: Mix the mascarpone filling into the cake crumbs. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.

• Coat in White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips. Dip each cake bite into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.

• Garnish & Decorate: Sprinkle yellow sugar crystals and nonpareils on the cake bites before the chocolate sets.

• Add the Sparkling Citrus Drizzle: Mix citrus juice with sparkling water and drizzle over the set cake bites.

• Serve & Enjoy: Let the cake bites set completely before serving.

Notes

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these cake bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Variations: Try swapping the white chocolate for dark chocolate, adding freeze-dried berries, or rolling in toasted coconut flakes for different flavor twists.