Description
Indulge in a light, fluffy sponge cake infused with bright lemon and a splash of limoncello, rolled around a creamy almond frosting and studded with crunchy candied almonds. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 1 cup (120 g) all‑purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp yellow gel food coloring
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (450 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup crushed Sconza Lemoncello Chocolate Almonds
- 2 Tbsp dark cocoa powder (for dusting)
- 2 Tbsp Limoncello or vodka (optional)
- 3–4 large eggs (for candy shells)
- 6 oz white candy melts
- 1 Tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil
- ¼ cup limoncello liqueur
- Additional speckled candy almond eggs
- Candy eggshells
- Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease two 9‑inch round cake pans and line with parchment.
- Separate egg whites and yolks. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form; set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until pale and thick.
- Add oil, milk, lemon extract, and yellow gel food coloring; mix well.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, preserving the airy texture.
- Divide batter between the two pans, smooth tops, and bake 12‑15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a clean kitchen towel; peel parchment and let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling: beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in crushed almonds and cocoa powder; set aside.
- Trim the cooled sponge layers to even rectangles and spread a thin layer of the almond‑cocoa frosting on one layer.
- Roll the cake tightly using the kitchen towel, then chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare candy shells: melt candy melts with shortening, dip egg halves, place on parchment, and let set.
- Brush the rolled cake with limoncello, then pipe reserved frosting around the seam.
- Decorate with candy almond eggs, candy shells, and fresh mint sprigs.
Notes
For a gluten‑free version, substitute the all‑purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free blend. The cake can be stored, wrapped tightly, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy with a drizzle of extra limoncello if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: lemon, almond, limoncello, cake roll, dessert