Description

This Cream Cheese Lemon Dessert is a tangy and creamy treat featuring a lemon cake base topped with a smooth cream cheese layer infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dessert combines the bright flavors of lemon with a rich, sweet cream cheese topping for a delightful finish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lemon Cake Base

1 package lemon cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

For the 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

For the Finishing Touch

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the dessert evenly.
Prepare Cake Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir well until a cohesive dough forms, which will serve as the foundation for the dessert.
Press Dough: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then press the prepared dough evenly into the bottom, creating a firm and even base layer.
Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
Layer Cream Cheese: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the lemon cake batter in the baking dish, carefully covering the base layer completely.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Cool and Drizzle: Allow the dessert to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, drizzle the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the top to enhance the lemon flavor and add a fresh finishing touch.
Serve: Slice the dessert into squares and serve. Enjoy the creamy and tangy layers that make this a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for an easier and smoother cream cheese mixture.
Press the dough firmly and evenly to prevent the base from crumbling after baking.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, natural flavor.
Letting the dessert cool completely is important for clean slicing and for the flavors to mature.
You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.