Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles Recipe

The Zesty Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting delectable limoncello mascarpone profiteroles becomes a delightful culinary adventure that sparks joy in every bite.

Sweet memories of Italian summers dance through this elegant dessert.

Zesty lemons and creamy mascarpone create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Delicate choux pastry shells await their luscious filling, promising pure indulgence.

Each bite promises a burst of sunshine and sophistication.

Pastry lovers will adore this simple yet impressive treat that feels like a gourmet celebration.

Get ready to impress with these little clouds of lemony bliss.

What Makes Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles Amazing

  • Masterfully Impress Guests: Create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made, guaranteed to wow friends and family with minimal baking skills required.
  • Quick Flavor Adventure: Blend zesty limoncello and creamy mascarpone for a delightful Italian-inspired treat that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: These elegant profiteroles are ideal for sophisticated gatherings, summer celebrations, or when you want to elevate a simple dessert into a memorable showstopper.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting limoncello intensity or switching up garnishes to match your personal taste preferences or special occasion needs.

Ingredients for Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

Choux Pastry Base:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and helps create the classic puffy texture of profiteroles.
  • Water: Essential liquid that helps form the pastry dough and create steam during baking.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, light pastry.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the choux pastry.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help the pastry rise and become golden.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious filling base.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped to add lightness and volume to the mascarpone mixture.
  • Limoncello: Adds a bright, citrusy liqueur flavor to the cream filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth consistency.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides fresh, zesty citrus notes to complement the limoncello.
Glaze and Garnish:
  • Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Limoncello: Combine to create a smooth, tangy glaze that adds shine and extra flavor to the profiteroles.
  • Lemon Zest: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, decorative touch to the final dessert.

How to Prepare Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven and set up a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The temperature should be hot and ready for creating delicate pastry puffs.

Step 2: Create Choux Pastry Base

Combine water, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat.

Quickly add flour and stir energetically until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive ball that pulls away from the pan’s sides.

Step 3: Develop Pastry Texture

Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly.

Gradually incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The goal is a smooth, glossy dough that looks silky and holds its shape.

Step 4: Shape Delicate Puffs

Transfer the choux pastry into a piping bag with a large round tip. Carefully pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, creating uniform bite-sized pastry rounds.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Start baking at high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the profiteroles are beautifully puffed and lightly golden.

Allow the pastries to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Craft Limoncello Cream Filling

Prepare the creamy filling by whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks form.

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Mascarpone
  • Limoncello
  • Powdered sugar
  • Lemon zest

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Fill Pastry Puffs

Use a small pastry tip or syringe to carefully fill each cooled profiterole with the luxurious limoncello mascarpone cream.

Step 8: Create Zesty Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and optional limoncello until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze elegantly over the filled profiteroles.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Garnish the profiteroles with extra lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crisp pastry and creamy filling.

Helpful Tips for Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent dough that rises perfectly.
  • Use steady, even pressure when piping profiteroles to create uniform shapes that bake evenly and look professional.
  • Fold whipped cream gently into mascarpone mixture to maintain a light, airy texture without deflating the cream.
  • Pat profiteroles dry before filling to prevent soggy shells and maintain the crisp texture of the pastry.
  • Add limoncello gradually, tasting as you go to achieve a delicate citrus note without overwhelming the creamy filling.

Flavor Variations for Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

  • Gluten-Free Citrus Puffs: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the classic profiteroles.
  • Vegan Lemon Cream Puffs: Swap mascarpone and heavy cream with coconut cream, use plant-based butter, and replace eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Limoncello Mini Treats: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the bright citrus flavor.
  • Orange Liqueur Variation: Replace limoncello with Grand Marnier or Cointreau for a different citrusy liqueur profile, creating an orange-infused mascarpone cream filling.

Best Pairings for Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles

Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright limoncello and lemon zest flavors, cutting through the rich mascarpone cream.

Serve a small scoop of tangy lemon sorbet alongside the profiteroles to amplify the citrus notes and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Mix a light limoncello spritz with prosecco and soda water to mirror the dessert’s lemony profile and add a sparkling, festive touch to the experience.

Offer a small glass of chilled limoncello as a traditional Italian after-dinner drink that echoes the dessert’s primary flavor and aids digestion.

How to Store Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles Properly

  • Store filled profiteroles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Wrap unfilled, baked choux pastry shells individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and fill just before serving.
  • Warm refrigerated profiteroles gently in a preheated 300F (150C) oven for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
  • Keep the limoncello mascarpone filling separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Whip briefly before using to restore its light texture.

FAQs

  • What are profiteroles?

A light and airy French pastry made from choux pastry, typically filled with cream and often served as a dessert. These delicate pastry puffs are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

  • Is limoncello necessary for this recipe?

While limoncello adds a distinctive Italian citrus flavor, you can substitute with lemon extract or additional lemon zest if you don’t have limoncello available. The key is maintaining the bright, zesty lemon profile.

  • How difficult is making choux pastry?

Choux pastry requires some technique but is manageable with practice. The critical steps are properly combining ingredients, achieving the right dough consistency, and precise baking to ensure the pastry puffs correctly.

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Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles Recipe

Limoncello Mascarpone Profiteroles Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delicate limoncello mascarpone profiteroles blend Italian citrus charm with creamy elegance, creating a sophisticated dessert that dances between zesty and sweet. Crisp choux pastry shells cradle luxurious mascarpone filling, promising a delightful journey through Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Pastry Base:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Finishing:

  • 1/4 cup limoncello
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon limoncello (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Extra lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for pastry placement.
  2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt, heating until the mixture reaches a rolling boil over medium heat.
  3. Immediately dump flour into the boiling liquid, stirring energetically until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, smooth ball that cleanly separates from the pan’s sides.
  4. Remove from heat and allow slight cooling. Incorporate eggs individually, vigorously mixing after each addition until the dough becomes glossy and uniform.
  5. Transfer the choux pastry into a piping bag with a large round tip, creating uniform 1-inch mounds on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Roast at 425F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375F and continue baking for 15 minutes until profiteroles achieve a light golden color and puffy texture. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, blend mascarpone, limoncello, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until silky smooth.
  8. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a delicate, airy filling.
  9. Using a small pastry tip or syringe, carefully inject each cooled profiterole with the limoncello mascarpone cream.
  10. Craft a glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice and optional limoncello until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
  11. Drizzle glaze over filled profiteroles, then garnish with additional lemon zest or a light powdered sugar dusting for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Create choux pastry with precise temperature control to ensure perfect puffiness and crisp exterior without burning.
  • Whip cream and mascarpone mixture gently to maintain light, airy texture and prevent deflating the delicate filling.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother choux pastry integration and more consistent dough structure.
  • Pipe profiterole mounds uniformly for even baking and professional-looking presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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