Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Cake Recipe

The Best Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Succulent lemon cream cheese delight cake captures the essence of pure culinary magic, promising a tantalizing journey for dessert enthusiasts.

Sweet and zesty flavors dance together in perfect harmony, creating an irresistible symphony of taste.

Delicate textures meld seamlessly, offering a luxurious experience that tingles your senses with each delightful bite.

Imagine a dessert that whispers comfort while simultaneously exciting your palate with bright, refreshing notes.

Creamy and light, this cake delivers an unexpected twist on traditional dessert expectations.

Soft layers promise a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that will make you swoon with pure gastronomic pleasure.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently embrace this delectable creation that reinvents ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary masterpiece.

Lemon Cream Cheese Cake with a Silky Finish

  • Tangy lemon pie filling creates a zesty base that brightens the entire dessert, delivering a punch of refreshing flavor that dances on your taste buds.
  • Soft cream cheese cubes melt perfectly between cake layers, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that adds richness and smoothness to every single bite.
  • This foolproof recipe requires minimal preparation and technical skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a delicious dessert without complicated steps.
  • With just 35-40 minutes of baking time and simple ingredient layering, this cake offers a speedy solution for satisfying sweet cravings and impressing guests with minimal effort.

Tips to Nail the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Maximize Flavor Layering: Spread lemon pie filling and cake mix evenly to ensure consistent taste in every bite.
  • Perfect Cream Cheese Distribution: Cut cream cheese into small, uniform cubes for balanced texture throughout the dessert.
  • Butter Coverage Technique: Slice butter thinly and place strategically to create a golden, crispy top layer that enhances moisture.
  • Toothpick Test Mastery: Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.
  • Cooling Patience Pays Off: Let the cake rest 15-20 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Storage Instructions for Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated 300º F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.
  • Freeze: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring it stays protected from freezer burn and maintains its delicious taste.

Pairings That Complement Lemon Cake Beautifully

  • Pair with Zesty Lemon Sorbet: Complement the cake's rich, creamy texture with a tangy lemon sorbet that cuts through the sweetness and refreshes the palate.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the cake's citrusy notes and provide a light, bright contrast.
  • Serve with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral hints of Earl Grey tea beautifully balance the cake's creamy lemon flavor, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Create a Vanilla Whipped Cream Topping: Dollop homemade vanilla whipped cream on top to add an extra layer of creamy indulgence that harmonizes with the cake's existing flavors.

Unique Twists on the Classic Lemon Cream Cake

  • Zesty Berry Blast: Replace lemon pie filling with mixed berry preserve for a fruity, vibrant dessert that bursts with summer flavors.
  • Tropical Paradise Cake: Swap lemon filling with crushed pineapple and add shredded coconut on top for a vacation-inspired sweet treat.
  • Chocolate Cream Dream: Substitute lemon pie filling with chocolate pudding and sprinkle cocoa powder between layers for a rich, decadent version.
  • Spiced Autumn Sensation: Use apple pie filling instead of lemon, and mix cinnamon and nutmeg into the cake mix for a cozy, warm dessert perfect for fall gatherings.

Common Questions About Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

  • Can I use a different type of pie filling instead of lemon?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like cherry or blueberry pie filling to create variations of this dessert.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done. This typically takes 35-40 minutes.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.

  • What if I don't have a square baking dish?

A similar sized rectangular or round baking dish will work just fine. The key is to have a dish that allows the layers to spread evenly.

Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Base Ingredients:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the primary cake structure with sweet, soft texture.
  • Lemon Pie Filling: Offers tangy, bright citrus flavor and moist bottom layer.
Dairy Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Rich, creamy components that add luxurious moisture and depth to the dessert.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Essential for preventing cake from sticking to baking dish, ensuring easy removal.

Steps to Bake a Soft and Tangy Lemon Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350º F (175º C). Grab a square baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or rub it down with butter.

Step 2: Create the Zesty Base

Grab your lemon pie filling and spread it out smoothly across the bottom of the dish. Make sure it reaches every single corner for maximum lemony goodness.

Step 3: Sprinkle First Cake Layer

Take half of your yellow cake mix and shower it evenly over the lemon filling. Let it create a soft, fluffy blanket across the surface.

Step 4: Dot with Creamy Clouds

Prepare your cream cheese by cutting it into small cubes. Scatter these creamy chunks across the cake mix layer. They’ll melt and create dreamy pockets of richness.

Step 5: Crown with Remaining Cake Mix

Gently distribute the second half of the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese. This will be your golden top layer.

Step 6: Butter Blanket

Slice unsalted butter into thin pieces. Arrange these buttery slivers across the entire surface, covering as much area as possible. These will help create a crispy, golden top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean and dry.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let your cake rest in the pan for 15-20 minutes. This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares and serve warm for maximum deliciousness.

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Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Cake Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy, dreamy lemon cream cheese delight cake dances with zesty citrus and silky smoothness. Generous slices promise pure indulgence, inviting you to savor each luxurious, tangy-sweet moment of pure baking bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) can lemon pie filling
  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) package yellow cake mix

Dairy Components:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350º F (175º C) and coating a square baking dish with a thin layer of non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Create a vibrant base by spreading the lemon pie filling across the entire bottom of the greased baking dish, making sure it reaches into each corner for even flavor distribution.
  3. Carefully sprinkle the first half of the yellow cake mix over the lemon pie filling, creating a uniform layer that completely covers the zesty filling underneath.
  4. Strategically dot the cream cheese cubes across the initial cake mix layer, ensuring an even arrangement that will melt and create pockets of creamy texture throughout the dessert.
  5. Gently distribute the remaining yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer, covering the cubes completely and creating a smooth, even surface.
  6. Arrange delicate, thin slices of unsalted butter across the top of the cake mix, aiming to cover as much surface area as possible to promote a golden, rich crust during baking.
  7. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring the cake’s progress and checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free from raw batter.
  8. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest and settle in the baking dish for 15-20 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving easier.

Notes

  • Effortless Dessert Magic transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering lemon cream cheese treat that feels like a bakery masterpiece.
  • No Mixing Required means you’ll layer ingredients directly in the baking dish, creating a deliciously lazy yet impressive dessert.
  • Cream Cheese Surprise creates unexpected pockets of creamy richness throughout the cake, delivering delightful texture in every bite.
  • Quick Preparation takes less than 10 minutes before baking, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Butter Topping develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust that adds irresistible caramelized flavor and crispy edges.
  • Versatile Serving works wonderfully warm or cooled, making it ideal for potlucks, dessert tables, or cozy family nights.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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