Print Options:

Limoncello Pine Nut Upside Down Cakes





Yields
Makes 12



Total Time
1 hr 15 mins

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur tradionally served as an after-dinner libation. Here the limoncello gives mini upside down cakes a sweet and moist texture.

Limoncello Pine Nut Upside Down Cakes




Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Dan Becker
  Cooking-oil spray
 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
 1 cup plus 6 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
 12 thin lemon slices (from about 1 1/2 lemons), seeded
 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  Zest of 1 lemon
 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 2 eggs, at room temperature
 1/4 cup limoncello (lemon liqueur)
 1 1/4 cups flour
 1/4 cup cornmeal
 1 teaspoon baking powder
 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
 6 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
Step 1
1

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray ramekins with cooking spray. Cut 12 parchment paper circles to fit ramekins; set 1 in each.

Step 2
2

Bring brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup water to a simmer in a large frying pan and cook until reduced slightly and sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and submerge lemon slices in syrup. Let sit, turning occasionally, until rind and pith have begun to turn translucent, 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 3
3

Beat oil, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, salt, eggs, remaining sugar, and limoncello in a bowl with a mixer on medium speed until well blended.

Step 4
4

Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Gradually add to wet mixture and beat on medium speed until just blended. Stir in pine nuts.

Step 5
5

Pour 1 tbsp. syrup from lemon slices into each ramekin. Using tongs, remove lemon slices from syrup and put one in each ramekin; reserve remaining syrup. Evenly divide batter among ramekins and set on a rimmed baking pan.

Step 6
6

Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let cool on a rack 10 minutes, then run a small, thin knife or spatula between cakes and ramekin edges and invert cakes onto plates or a platter. Remove parchment from cakes and brush with more syrup if you like.

Step 7
7

Note: Nutritional analysis is per cake.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories294
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g15%

Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Cholesterol 35mg12%
Sodium 157mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 48g18%

Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Protein 3.3g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.