If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends refreshing citrus flavors with creamy indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen, this Citrus Cream Cheese Delight Cake is for you! With its fresh lemony zing and velvety cream cheese filling, this dessert is incredibly easy to make yet always a hit. What makes it stand out is its ability to deliver impressive results with minimal effort. You won’t believe how something so simple can turn out so delicious
Ingredients Needed
To make this citrus-infused treat, gather these ingredients:
For the Base Layer:
- 1 box of lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) of softened cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Top Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into thin slices
- Optional: 2 tablespoons lemon zest for extra zestiness
Substitutions:
- No lemon cake mix? Try yellow or white cake mix, then add extra lemon zest and lemon extract for that bright citrus flavor.
- For a lighter touch, swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt cream cheese or Neufchâtel. For dairy-free, you can opt for a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
- Fresh lemons aren’t available? Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch—just use 3 tablespoons instead of the fresh juice. You can even replace lemon zest with a teaspoon of lemon extract.
How to Make
This Lemon Cream Cheese Delight Cake is about as simple as it gets! The process is so straightforward, you’ll be enjoying a zesty, creamy dessert in no time. Follow these easy steps:
Before You Begin:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Set out all ingredients, allowing them to come to room temperature, especially the butter, eggs, and cream cheese.
Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
Cream Cheese Layer:
- Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a bowl until it’s smooth with no lumps.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add the eggs one by one, blending them in.
Finally, stir in the lemon juice and zest for a silky, creamy filling.
Cake Layers:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix with one egg, then add in the melted butter. Mix until you have a crumbly dough.
- Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm base.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cake mix on top of the cream cheese layer, followed by thin slices of butter to create a golden, slightly crisp topping.
Baking:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set, but the center still has a gentle wobble.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Expert Tips/Variations and Substitutions
When you’ve made this cake as many times as I have, you pick up some tricks to make it even better. Here are my expert tips and suggestions for customizing your cake!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Soften your cream cheese properly. Cold cream cheese will cause lumps, so let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
- Mix the cake base just until crumbly. Over-mixing can result in a dense base rather than a light one.
- Don’t rely on the toothpick test. Instead, look for firm edges and a slight jiggle in the center, which will set as the cake cools.
Clever Substitutions:
- If you don’t have cream cheese, try Greek yogurt cream cheese for a tangy twist or mascarpone for a richer filling.
- No fresh lemons? Substitute with lemon extract—use 1 teaspoon extract for every 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix and consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to maintain moisture.
Flavor Variations That Wow
Take your Citrus Cream Cheese Delight Cake to the next level by experimenting with different flavors! Here are a few ways to customize the recipe:
- Berry Lemon Fusion: Before adding the top layer, scatter fresh blueberries or raspberries over the cream cheese mixture for a sweet, fruity surprise.
- Coconut Citrus Dream: Add a half cup of toasted coconut to the topping mix and replace some of the butter with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
- Lemon Cheesecake Overload: For an extra creamy texture, double the amount of cream cheese in the filling.
- Citrus Trio: Mix in some lime or orange zest along with lemon for a fun twist on the classic lemon flavor.
Making It Your Own
One of the best things about dump cakes is how versatile they are. Add your personal touch with one of these fun ideas:
- Swirl in a few tablespoons of lemon curd into the cream cheese layer before baking for pockets of intense citrus flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle nutty flavor.
- Turn the topping into a streusel by mixing in oats for extra texture.
- Incorporate white chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your cake is cool and ready to serve, let’s talk about how to present this beauty. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal celebration, this cake works for every occasion.
Perfect Temperature & Timing:
- Chilled: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours for perfect, clean slices.
- Room Temperature: Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes if you prefer a softer texture where the citrus flavor really shines.
- Warm: For a more pudding-like consistency, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Elegant Presentation Ideas:
- Use a biscuit cutter to create individual servings, then top them with whipped cream and a drizzle of lemon glaze.
- Serve family-style directly from the baking dish, with a bowl of whipped cream on the side for added indulgence.
- If you’re hosting a dessert buffet, cut the cake into small squares and arrange them on a tiered cake stand.
- For a restaurant-worthy touch, plate a slice off-center with a raspberry coulis swirl and fresh mint.
Delicious Accompaniments
Elevate each bite of your citrus cake with these complementary treats:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream (infused with a bit of lemon zest for extra zing).
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast.
Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a pop of color and flavor. - A light drizzle of lemon curd for those who can’t get enough citrus.
- Powdered sugar dusting for a simple but elegant finish.
- Garnish with candied lemon slices for a sophisticated touch.
Beverage Pairings
Pair this cake with the perfect drink to enhance the flavors:
- Coffee: A creamy latte or bold espresso balances the tangy lemon beautifully.
- Tea: Earl Grey or chamomile tea provides a gentle complement to the citrus.
- Cold Drinks: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon refreshes the palate.
Adult Beverages: For a festive touch, serve with Moscato d’Asti or a chilled glass of limoncello.
Seasonal Adaptations
Adapt this Citrus Cream Cheese Delight Cake for any season with these creative twists:
- Summer: Pair with fresh berries and mint for a light, refreshing treat.
- Fall: Add a dash of cinnamon to the whipped cream for a cozy, spiced touch.
- Winter: Serve warm with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce for extra comfort.
- Spring: Top with edible flowers for a beautiful, seasonal presentation.