“Indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances the zesty brightness of lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This easy-to-make dessert features a buttery yellow cake base topped with a smooth lemon cream cheese filling, all finished with a crumbly topping that adds a satisfying texture. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite!”
Ingredients:
°1 box of yellow cake mix
°1 package (21 ounces) lemon pie filling
°1 pack (8 oz) soft cream cheese
°1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 175°F and grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix yellow cake mix and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
Spread half of the breadcrumb mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing gently.
In a separate bowl, whisk the lemon pie filling and the softened cream cheese until well combined and smooth.
Spoon the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crumb layer in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the rest of the breadcrumb mixture on top until a crumbly layer forms.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and cake is set in center.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, you can sprinkle with powdered sugar or a little whipped cream.
Here are some variations you can try with your lemon dessert recipe:
- Fruit Add-ins: Incorporate fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the lemon cream cheese mixture for added flavor and color.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Instead of using a cake mix for the crumb layer, you can crush graham crackers and mix them with melted butter for a different texture.
- Coconut Flakes: Mix in some sweetened shredded coconut into the crumb topping for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking and cooling, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a rich contrast to the lemon.
- Almond Extract: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a unique flavor profile.
Here are some tips to ensure your lemon dessert turns out perfectly:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the lemon pie filling and cream cheese, mix just until smooth to avoid incorporating too much air, which can affect the texture.
- Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. The dessert should be golden brown and set in the center.
- Cooling Time: Allow the dessert to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice into squares.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, which complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
To store your lemon dessert, follow these steps:
- Cool Completely: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.
- Cover Properly: Place the dessert in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Refrigerate: Store the dessert in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days. It should stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Enjoy !