Description
This Cream Cheese Lemon Dessert is a delightful, tangy treat combining the zesty freshness of lemon with the smooth richness of cream cheese. Made with a lemon cake mix base topped with a creamy lemon-flavored layer, this easy-to-make baked dessert is perfect for gatherings and satisfying your citrus cravings.
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
Topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Prepare the cake base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and egg. Stir thoroughly until a uniform dough forms.
- Press the dough: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then press the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, creating a firm base layer.
- Make the cream cheese topping: 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.
- Apply the topping: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter layer in the baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake the dessert: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and add finishing touch: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, then drizzle the additional fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
- Serve: Cut the dessert into squares and enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness.
Notes
- Be sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the topping mixture.
- Allowing the dessert to cool completely before drizzling the lemon juice helps maintain the topping’s texture.
- If desired, garnish with additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices for presentation.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
