Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake: A No Bake Wonder

There’s something undeniably elegant about a lemon berry mascarpone cake: light, fruity, and rich with mascarpone cheese. Whether you’re searching for a lemonberry cake, a berry mascarpone cake, or the perfect lemon berry mascarpone cake recipe, this one checks every box. It’s a mascarpone cake that combines the freshness of berry cake with the indulgence of mascarpone dessert recipes. Inspired by classic Italian mascarpone cake and Italian berry cake traditions, it’s a dreamy addition to your collection of unique cake flavor ideas. From Italian desserts recipes to cake recipes with fruit, this no-bake dessert is a must-make. If you’ve been looking for a recipe for mascarpone cake or a mascarpone fruit cake that feels like a cream cake straight out of a fairytale, this is it. Let them eat cake. This cake!

What is a LemonBerry Mascarpone Cake?

A lemon berry mascarpone cake is a light and flavorful dessert that combines layers of lemon-infused cake with fresh berries and a rich mascarpone cheese filling or frosting. The tartness of the lemon and berries contrasts beautifully with the creamy, slightly sweet mascarpone, creating a balanced and refreshing treat. Inspired by Italian desserts, this cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for an elegant, fruit-forward treat. In this recipe, the “cake” layers are made with lemon sandwich cookies for a no-bake treat that won’t heat up the kitchen.

My Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake Backstory

This lemon berry mascarpone creation is a mashup of a variety of ideas. First, I was inspired to try making a no-bake icebox cake after watching a cooking show, and I’ve always been curious about mascarpone cheese. Also, I needed to use up a supply of berries from my freezer. It’s a constant quest and a personal goal of mine to use my frozen berries each year to make room for the new crop. As a gardener who grows raspberries and blueberries, I’m always on the lookout for ways to use frozen berries in tasty recipes. I like to make jam, syrup, berry gelato, cobblers, smoothies, and crisps. I was eager to use frozen berries and homemade jam in a new way. If you need a no-bake decadent dessert creation that uses berries, read on! I even made a video to show you all of the steps.

Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake Equipment

Here are the items you will need to make this delicious dessert:

2 colanders or strainers

1 stand mixer (mine was handed down to me by my dear late mother-in-law)

1 9-inch springform pan (I love the fact that this one is leakproof)

Spatulas

Large (11 to 12-inch) cake plate, cake stand, or covered cake carrier

Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to have on hand:

3 8-ounce tubs whipped topping

1 8-ounce tub mascarpone cheese (I found mine in the deli section of my local grocery store)

1 5.1-ounce box vanilla pudding mix

1 25-ounce package of lemon sandwich cookies

2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

1 cup raspberry jam

1 cup blueberry jam

1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for topping)

½-1 cup fresh blueberries (optional, for topping)

Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake Instructions

 

Rinse and drain raspberries, set aside.

Rinse and drain blueberries, set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the whipped topping, mascarpone cheese, and vanilla pudding mix. 

Mix on low speed to combine and form a thick, creamy mixture.

Spread ⅓ of the creamy mixture in the bottom of a springform pan to completely cover the bottom. 

Place a layer of lemon sandwich cookies on top of the filling. (About 24 cookies)

Sprinkle on the raspberries, then spread the raspberry jam in a layer to the edges of the pan. 

Spread ⅓ of the creamy mixture over the raspberry layer.

Add another layer of lemon sandwich cookies.

Sprinkle on the blueberries, then spread the blueberry jam in a layer to the edges of the pan.

Spread the final ⅓ of the creamy mixture over the blueberry layer.

Top with grated lemon zest and fresh blueberries.

Place the pan on a large (bigger than the springform pan) cake plate.

Chill overnight or for about 8 hours.

Remove from the refrigerator and remove the springform pan. Slice and serve. Makes 12 servings.

Lemon Berry Mascarpone Cake Questions

Do lemon and mascarpone go together?

Lemon and mascarpone go beautifully together. The bright, tangy flavor of lemon perfectly balances the rich, creamy texture of mascarpone cheese. This combination creates a refreshing yet indulgent taste that’s ideal for desserts like cakes, tarts, and mousses. Whether you’re layering them in a mascarpone cake or folding them into a filling, lemon and mascarpone add a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor that feels both light and luxurious.

Does lemon curdle mascarpone?

Lemon can curdle mascarpone if too much juice is added too quickly or if the mascarpone is overmixed. To prevent curdling, add lemon juice gradually and mix gently. The beauty of this recipe is that lemon juice is not added. The lemon sandwich cookies add the lemon flavor. You can see the softened cookies in the cake slice below.

What does mascarpone taste good with?

Mascarpone tastes good with fresh berries, citrus fruits, honey, chocolate, coffee, and baked goods like cakes, tarts, and scones. It also pairs well with savory foods like prosciutto, tomatoes, and herbs.

What happens if you over-whip mascarpone?

If you over-whip mascarpone, it can break down and turn grainy or watery, losing its smooth, creamy texture. Mix just until it’s soft and combined with the other ingredients.

Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese in a cheesecake?

Yes, you can use mascarpone instead of cream cheese in a cheesecake. It creates a richer, creamier texture with a milder, less tangy flavor. I can’t imagine making this lemon berry cake recipe with any other creamy cheese but mascarpone.

Can I use other berry combinations?

Of course! In fact, here’s another easy mascarpone layer cake recipe that uses only blueberries. You can create a masterpiece using other combinations of blackberries, raspberries, marionberries, or huckleberries as well.

What Are Your Favorite Ways to Use Frozen Berries?

If you need more ideas about using frozen berries, here are over 20 other options you might want to try. So, how about you? What are your favorite frozen berry creations? I’d love to know about them. If you have an abundance of cranberries, I have ideas for using those as well.

More Food Inspiration

Are you now thinking of ways to use your frozen berry supply in smoothies? It’s always nice to have a plan. If you’re looking for a way to get more organized with your meal or party-planning efforts, I’ve got something for you. Free, editable meal planners! The templates can be used over and over, as often as you need them. You can make as many duplicates as you like, and you’ll be able to save old meal or party food plans for future reference. I hope it simplifies things for you.

Get my digital, editable, printable templates!

I hope you get to try making this easy lemon berry mascarpone cake using frozen berries. If you would like even more recipe ideas, consider following my Easy Recipes board on Pinterest. Here’s to making wonderful creations from frozen berries, and may all of your no-bake cake endeavors meet with success!

Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. To learn more about what this website has to offer, click on over to the Welcome page.

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