Torta al Limone: the heavenly lemon cake from Italy

We love truly good classics that last for years and are perfected a little each time. Some of these definitely belong on this list: super healthy kimchi , easy cinnamon rolls, die-for carrot cake , pastéis de nata , and cherry cobbler . But... if life gives you lemons, make torta al limone!

This time, we're traveling to Italy with the country's most beloved cake: Torta al Limone. Prepare for a culinary journey to sun-drenched Italian cuisine, where light and refreshing flavors combine in a perfectly baked cake. Discover how to make this delicious Torta al Limone yourself. Because it's so easy (and we love that).

Torta al Limone ingredients

For the cake base:

• 320 g flour
• 6 g baking powder (½ sachet)
• 140 g cold butter, cubed
• 120 g sugar
• 1 egg
• zest of 1 lemon (organic, untreated)

For the lemon cream:

• 500 ml whole milk
• zest of 1 lemon (organic, untreated)
• 40 ml lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp cornstarch (40 g)
• 6 tbsp sugar (approx. 75 g)
• 80 g mascarpone (more authentic) or cream cheese

Optional

• icing sugar for sprinkling

Preparation method:

1. The bottom

1. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar and lemon zest.

2. Add the butter and rub between your fingers until crumbly.

3. Add the egg and knead briefly into a cohesive dough.

4. Wrap in foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

6. Roll out the dough and line a greased pie tin (24 cm, preferably with a loose base).

7. Prick the bottom with a fork.

8. Blind bake the base for 15 minutes (optionally using baking paper and a support ring). Let it cool slightly.

2. The lemon cream

1. Place the milk in a saucepan, add the lemon zest, and heat gently until just below boiling. Remove from the heat.

2. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until smooth.

3. Tempering: slowly pour the hot milk, little by little, into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously.

4. Pour everything back into the pan and heat over low heat. Continue whisking until the cream thickens (pudding consistency).

5. Remove from the heat and stir in the mascarpone. Let it cool slightly.

3. Merge & Bake

1. Pour the lemon cream into the pre-baked base.

2. Smooth with a spatula.

3. Bake for another 20–25 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the filling is just set. The center may still wobble slightly.

4. Allow to cool completely in the tin.

4. Serving

• Sprinkle with icing sugar just before serving.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

And there you have it, your own homemade Torta al Limone! Close your eyes and take a bite. You'll taste a fresh and intense lemon flavor combined with the creamy texture of the lemon cream. This tart is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and every bite brings you closer to sun-drenched Italy.

Craving something more Italian? Then try Pesche al vino rosso, or Peaches in Red Wine . You won't believe your taste buds!

If life gives you lemons, make lemon pie!

This old-school lemon cake is a symbol of Italian hospitality and a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're having a party, planning a Christmas dinner, or just want to treat yourself, the Torta al Limone is always a good idea.

The best cake pan for Torta al Limone

To make Torta al Limone, it's best to use a round cake pan. A cake pan with a diameter of about 23-25 ​​centimeters is ideal for this recipe. It's important to ensure the pan has a removable base so you can easily remove and serve the cake without damaging it. A springform pan , for example, is a good choice because you can loosen and remove the rim after the cake has cooled. This helps maintain the cake's shape and makes it easy to transfer to a plate. For a more traditional look, choose the Patisse quiche pan with a removable base, Ø24 cm.

The perfect playlist to make and eat this cake

Let's get started!

Dive into the kitchen, gather the ingredients, and begin your culinary adventure. Let the aroma of fresh lemons infuse your senses and create a little slice of Italy in your own home. Buon appetito!

This handy video shows the baking process. They make the filling first, but it all comes down to the same thing.

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