If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels like a cozy hug and brightens your day with every bite, you’re going to love this guide on How to Make Lemon Pie Cake with Cream Cheese and Butter Recipe. This luscious dessert pulls together tangy lemon pie filling, the richness of cream cheese, and the buttery goodness of yellow cake mix to create a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this cake effortlessly blends buttery layers and creamy texture with a refreshing citrus zing that’s pure magic on your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples come together to make something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, creating that perfect harmony that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Lemon pie filling (21-ounce can): Adds a bright, tangy sweetness that forms the vibrant heart of this dessert.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25-ounce box): Provides a soft, buttery crumb layer that bakes up golden and inviting.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed and softened): Brings creamy richness and slight tang that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick, melted): Ensures a moist, tender cake top with its luscious buttery flavor.
How to Make How to Make Lemon Pie Cake with Cream Cheese and Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your cake releases beautifully after baking without any sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. This tangy layer will infuse the cake with that signature lemon flavor and keep the dessert moist and delicious.
Step 3: Add the First Layer of Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle half of the dry yellow cake mix right on top of the lemon filling. This creates a soft layer that will bake up fluffy and light, contrasting wonderfully with the creamy filling underneath.
Step 4: Distribute the Cream Cheese
Next, scatter the cubed cream cheese over the cake mix layer. The little pockets of cream cheese will soften perfectly in the oven, creating bursts of creamy indulgence in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cake Mix
Sprinkle the rest of the cake mix over the cream cheese, covering the layer as evenly as possible. This seals in the cream cheese and lemon layers while providing a soft cushion for the butter topping.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix layers. This crucial step ensures each bite is infused with buttery richness and helps achieve a golden, slightly crisp top crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Look for a lightly golden top and bubbling lemon filling peeking through the edges, signaling that your cake is perfectly cooked and ready to come out.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra special touch, offer vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream alongside. Your homemade How to Make Lemon Pie Cake with Cream Cheese and Butter Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve How to Make Lemon Pie Cake with Cream Cheese and Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or thin lemon zest curls bring a touch of elegance and enhance the lemon flavor. Fresh mint leaves provide a lovely color contrast and a refreshing hint with every bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a light cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For celebrations, scoop on some vanilla ice cream or add a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tart and creamy layers perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dessert in individual ramekins or small glass dishes to showcase the pretty layers. Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top adds texture and a touch of gourmet flair that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover lemon pie cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying later without losing moisture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this treat longer, freeze it wrapped well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked taste, warm slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This helps the cream cheese soften again and brings back that just-baked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
Absolutely! While lemon pie filling gives this dessert its signature twist, other fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry can also work if you want to experiment. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness in the dessert. Salted butter can be used if that’s what you have on hand, but it may slightly alter the final taste.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time for a party?
Yes, this cake is great to make ahead and will taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just bake it the day before, store it in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before serving.
What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?
You can substitute with any other boxed cake mix, such as white or butter cake mix, for a slightly different but still delicious outcome. The lemon pie filling and cream cheese will keep it flavorful.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for a top that is lightly golden with edges bubbling from the lemon filling underneath. You can also insert a toothpick into the cake mix layers (avoiding cream cheese cubes) to check for doneness—it should come out mostly clean.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying How to Make Lemon Pie Cake with Cream Cheese and Butter Recipe enough if you’re craving a dessert that feels like sunshine and comfort all at once. It’s delightfully simple to prepare, so whether it’s a casual weekend treat or a festive gathering, this cake will steal the show and leave everyone asking for your secret. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
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How to Make Lemon Pie Cake with Cream Cheese and Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bombs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, a savory and cheesy appetizer perfect for sharing. Combining juicy ground beef, garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese in a crispy dough, these bombs are baked to golden perfection, making them a crowd-pleasing snack or party food.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembly
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter glaze)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: While the dough is rising, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. When nearly browned, add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and fragrant. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Bombs: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 9 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center, followed by some Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch edges closed, shaping into a ball. Place each ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Garlic Butter Glaze: Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush each dough ball generously with the garlic butter mixture to enhance flavor and help browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the bombs are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and brush again with garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten for a chewy texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra cheesy bombs, add additional shredded cheese inside or on top before baking.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
