Name: Cream Cheese Lemon Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package lemon cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for topping)

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A perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese creates this irresistible dessert that's both refreshing and indulgent. This easy-to-make treat features a buttery lemon cake base topped with a creamy, zesty layer that will brighten any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cream cheese lemon dessert combines the bright, citrusy flavor of lemons with the rich creaminess of cream cheese for a truly satisfying treat. It's simple enough for baking beginners but impressive enough for special occasions. The contrast between the cake-like bottom and the smooth, tangy top layer creates a delightful texture combination that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or family gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lemon cake mix provides the perfect citrus-infused foundation for this dessert, saving you time while ensuring consistent flavor in every batch.

Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create that perfect cake-like texture in the base layer. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.

Eggs bind everything together and provide structure to the base layer, ensuring it holds up well under the creamy topping.

Cream cheese is the star of the show, creating that luxurious, tangy topping that balances perfectly with the sweet lemon base. Make sure it's fully softened for the smoothest results.

Powdered sugar blends seamlessly into the cream cheese layer, providing sweetness without the grittiness of granulated sugar.

Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, natural tartness that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. Fresh is always preferable to bottled for the best flavor.

Lemon zest contains the essential oils from the lemon peel, adding intense citrus flavor that can't be achieved with juice alone.

Vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the cream cheese layer, helping to round out the sharp citrus notes with its warm, sweet flavor.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until well combined and a dough forms.
Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the dessert cool completely, then drizzle the fresh lemon juice on top before serving.
Slice into squares and enjoy the tangy, creamy goodness!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 generous servings, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with 35 minutes of baking time, for a total of 50 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 230 calories, making it a reasonable treat that won't break your calorie bank.

Variations

Berry Addition: Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the cream cheese layer for added color and complementary flavor.

Citrus Swap: Replace lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus profile. Orange zest and juice create a creamsicle-like flavor that's especially popular with kids.

Coconut Lemon: Add ½ cup toasted coconut to the base layer and sprinkle more on top after baking for a tropical twist.

Lemon Curd Swirl: After spreading the cream cheese layer, swirl in ¼ cup of lemon curd for an extra punch of lemon flavor and beautiful presentation.

Cheesecake Bars: Double the cream cheese layer ingredients for a more substantial cheesecake-like dessert.

Storage/Reheating

This dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

This dessert is best enjoyed cold directly from the refrigerator and doesn't require reheating. However, if you prefer it less chilled, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla, yellow, or even strawberry cake mix for a different flavor profile. The recipe works well with any cake mix base, though the lemon flavor makes it especially refreshing.

Why did my cream cheese layer crack while baking?

Cracks usually happen when the dessert cools too quickly. Try turning off the oven after baking and leaving the door slightly ajar, allowing the dessert to cool gradually for about 30 minutes before removing it.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese works fine, though the texture will be slightly less rich. Avoid fat-free cream cheese as it contains stabilizers that don't bake well and can affect the final texture.

How do I know when the dessert is fully baked?

The edges should be golden brown and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! This dessert actually tastes better on the second day, making it perfect for preparing a day before your event.

Why is my base layer too crumbly?

This might happen if there's too much cake mix in proportion to the butter and egg. Make sure to measure accurately, and if needed, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to help bind the mixture.

Can I add more lemon flavor if I prefer it tangier?

Yes, you can increase the lemon zest to 2 teaspoons and add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to both the filling and the topping for a more pronounced lemon flavor.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, simply substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free lemon cake mix. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter provides the best flavor, margarine can work as a substitute. Just be aware that the texture and taste might be slightly different.

How should I serve this dessert for a special occasion?

For a beautiful presentation, dust with additional powdered sugar, add a small dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with a thin lemon slice or a small sprig of mint on each serving.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Lemon Dessert brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in an easy-to-make treat that's sure to become a family favorite. The contrast between the soft, cake-like bottom layer and the creamy, zesty top creates a dessert that's both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you're serving it at a summer gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or simply enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this versatile dessert is sure to impress. The bright lemon flavor makes it especially appealing during warmer months, but the comfort food quality of the cream cheese ensures it's welcome year-round. Give this simple yet sophisticated dessert a try – your taste buds will thank you!