Introduction
Lemon desserts are always a hit when you’re looking for something light, refreshing, and full of bright flavors.
This lemon cake is a perfect treat for those who love the tartness of lemon balanced with the richness of creamy ingredients.
Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s the ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this cake will be the star of the show.
Ingredients
–1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
–1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
–8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
–1/2 cup powdered sugar
–1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
–1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
–1/4 cup lemon juice (optional, for extra tang
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
This ensures that your cake will easily come out of the pan once it’s baked. In a large mixing bowl.
combine the lemon cake mix, lemon pie filling, melted butter, and softened cream cheese. Beat the mixture together until smooth and well incorporated.
Add in the powdered sugar and, if using, vanilla extract, and continue to mix until everything is blended evenly.
The batter will be thick, but don’t worry, this is normal! Next, pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. After it has cooled.
You can frost it with additional cream cheese frosting, or simply dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
How to Make
Begin by preparing your ingredients: soften the cream cheese and melt the butter. This ensures everything blends smoothly into the batter.
After mixing the dry and wet ingredients together, it’s important to not overmix, as that can affect the cake’s texture.
You want to achieve a smooth, thick batter that’s ready for the oven.
The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so be sure to keep an eye on the cake. Start checking it around 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center.
If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
One of the key tips for this cake is to use softened cream cheese, as it will blend more smoothly into the batter without creating lumps.
If you prefer a denser cake, you can use a little less lemon pie filling or add an extra egg for more structure.
Make sure to grease the baking pan well to prevent the cake from sticking.
If you want to add more texture, you can fold in some lemon zest into the batter. This will enhance the lemon flavor without overpowering it. For a fun twist.
top the finished cake with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.
For those who love a stronger lemon flavor, you can add the optional 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the batter for an extra tang.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting or omit it altogether.
This cake also freezes well, so you can store leftovers for a few weeks.
Conclusion
This lemon cake is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, citrusy flavors with a creamy finish. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual treat, this dessert will certainly brighten up any table.
With its soft texture, zesty lemon kick, and rich cream cheese topping, this cake will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
Don’t forget to add your own personal touches and enjoy the process of making this delightful dessert!