Description
Limoncello Almond Cake Roll is a light and airy lemon sponge cake infused with limoncello liqueur, filled with sweet cream cheese frosting and chopped lemon chocolate almonds. This elegant rolled dessert delivers a bright citrus flavor balanced with creamy richness and nutty crunch, making it perfect for spring gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon extract
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon yellow gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (450 g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup (about 100 g) lemon chocolate almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) limoncello liqueur (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) dark cocoa powder (for speckling, optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vodka or limoncello (for speckling paste, optional)
- 6 oz (170 g) white candy melts (optional decoration)
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) vegetable shortening or coconut oil (for candy shells, optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, beat the eggs on high speed for 5 minutes until pale and thick.
- Gradually add granulated sugar and vegetable oil while mixing. Blend in milk and lemon extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture until combined. Add gel food coloring.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
- Dust a clean kitchen towel with 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Immediately invert the cake onto the towel, peel off parchment paper, and roll tightly from the short end. Cool completely.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until thick and creamy.
- Fold chopped lemon chocolate almonds into the frosting.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread filling evenly over the surface.
- Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Unwrap and brush the exterior with 1/4 cup limoncello liqueur.
- Decorate with additional frosting, speckled almonds, candy shells, and fresh mint if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
- Do not overbake the sponge to maintain flexibility.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute limoncello with lemon simple syrup.
- Store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The undecorated cake roll can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg