Description

This Cream Cheese Lemon Dessert is a delightful, tangy, and creamy treat perfect for lemon lovers. Featuring a soft lemon cake base topped with a smooth cream cheese layer infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, this easy-to-make dessert offers refreshing citrus flavor with a rich texture. Baked to golden perfection, it’s ideal for parties, gatherings, or a sweet end to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base

1 package lemon cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

Cream Cheese Topping

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dessert.
Mix cake batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated and a cohesive dough is formed.
Press dough into pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and press the cake dough evenly into the bottom to form the base layer.
Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
Spread topping: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pressed cake batter layer in the baking dish, creating a smooth top layer.
Bake the dessert: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
Cool and garnish: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top layer to enhance the lemon flavor and add a tangy finish.
Serve: Slice the dessert into 12 squares and serve to enjoy the creamy, lemony goodness.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the topping.
You can add more lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor if desired.
For a decorative touch, garnish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Using fresh lemon juice is key to achieving the vibrant lemon flavor in this dessert.