Description
This Cream Cheese Lemon Dessert is a delightful and tangy treat that combines a zesty lemon cake base with a smooth, creamy cream cheese topping. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection and finished with a fresh lemon juice drizzle, this dessert offers a balance of sweetness and citrus flavor that is sure to please any crowd.
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 proper temperature for baking the dessert evenly.
- Prepare the cake dough: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and a dough forms.
- Press dough into baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then press the lemon cake dough evenly into the bottom of the dish to create the base layer.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Spread cream cheese topping: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pressed cake batter in the baking dish, creating a smooth top layer.
- Bake the dessert: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and test by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool and add finishing touch: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, drizzle the fresh lemon juice on top for an added burst of citrus flavor.
- Serve: Slice into 12 squares and serve to enjoy the creamy, tangy lemon dessert at your next gathering.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- Allow the dessert to cool completely before adding lemon juice topping to prevent it from soaking in too much.
- This dessert can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
