Lemon desserts hold a special place in my heart, and this Lemon Cheesecake Cake recipe is no exception. Combining the best of both worlds, this delightful treat features two layers of moist lemon cake embracing a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake, all crowned with a zesty lemon buttercream frosting. Whether you’re a lemon lover, a cheesecake connoisseur, or simply someone with a sweet tooth, this dessert is sure to captivate your taste buds.
This fusion of our delectable homemade lemon buttermilk cake and a rich cheesecake layer creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. If you’ve never experienced the joy of a cheesecake cake before, this recipe is a must-try. The creamy lemon cheesecake nestled between the lemon cake layers is a true indulgence for any dessert enthusiast. Stay tuned for the full printable recipe below to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the irresistible combination of lemon and cheesecake.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Cheesecake Layer
- 2 sticks (226g) unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 2 (8oz) packages Cream Cheese (453 total gram weight)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) lemon extract
- Optional Zest from 1 lemon (approximately 1 ½ teaspoons or 3g)
- Yellow Coloring Gel (optional)
- 6 to 6 ½ cups (690g – 747g) powdered sugar (adding more if necessary)
- Small offset spatula for decorating
For the Lemon Cake Layers
- 1 ½ sticks (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups (342g) cake flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off
- 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (3g) baking soda
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- 1 ¼ cups (296g) buttermilk
- ¼ cup (57g) lemon juice
- ¼ cup (54g) vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon (10g) Lemon Extract
- Zest of two lemons
- 2 sticks (226g) unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 2 (8oz) packages Cream Cheese (453 total gram weight)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) lemon extract
- Optional Zest from 1 lemon (approximately 1 ½ teaspoons or 3g)
- Yellow Coloring Gel (optional)
- 6 to 6 ½ cups (690g – 747g) powdered sugar (adding more if necessary)
- Small offset spatula for decorating
Tools and Equipment Needed
Tools:
- Small offset spatula for creating decorative ridges in the frosting
- Disposable piping bags fitted with a 2D large piping tip for precise frosting application
- Springform pan: While many springform pans come with a nonstick coating, it’s advisable to lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or melted butter for easy removal of the cake.
- Mixer: A stand mixer or a hand mixer will be required for efficiently blending the cake and cheesecake batters.
- Oven: To bake the lemon cake layers and the cheesecake to perfection.
- Mixing bowls: For combining and preparing the various components of the Lemon Cheesecake Cake.
- Measuring tools: A set of measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Zester: To zest the lemons for that extra burst of citrus flavor in the cake and frosting.
- Lemon squeezer: For juicing the lemons smoothly and efficiently.
- Cake lifter: To lift and stack the cake layers with ease.
- Cooling racks: For cooling the baked components before assembly.
- Cake stand or serving platter: For a beautiful presentation of the finished Lemon Cheesecake Cake.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Cheesecake Layer
To kick off the preparation, I recommend making the cheesecake layer first. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy using a mixing bowl.
- Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing well. Incorporate the eggs gently; do not overbeat the batter to prevent cracking.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 45 minutes.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for one hour, then refrigerate it for 4-5 hours until completely chilled.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, milk, instant vanilla pudding, eggs, and oil until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the lemon curd by combining sugar, butter, lemon juice, egg yolks, flour, and lemon zest in a double boiler until thick. Allow the lemon curd to cool.
- Run a knife around the edges of the cake pans, invert the cakes, and spread the cooled lemon curd between the cake layers for a burst of lemon flavor.
Baking the Lemon Cheesecake and Cake Layers
To ensure your Lemon Cheesecake Cake turns out perfectly, it’s crucial to bake the lemon cheesecake and cake layers with precision. Here’s how to bake each layer for a delectable dessert:
Baking the Lemon Cheesecake Layer:
- Preparation: Before starting, ensure your springform pan is well-prepped with nonstick spray and parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Cheesecake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
- Baking: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven until set. Remember, the cheesecake needs time to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, ideally overnight.
- Chilling: Once baked, let the cheesecake layer cool completely before transferring it to the refrigerator to set.
- Preparation: Prepare the cake pans by greasing and flouring them to prevent sticking.
- Cake Batter: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Baking: Divide the cake batter evenly between the pans and bake them in the oven until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cooling: Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
By following these steps for baking the lemon cheesecake and cake layers, you’ll be on your way to assembling a delightful Lemon Cheesecake Cake that’s sure to impress your guests.
Assembling the Lemon Cheesecake Cake
Once all the components are ready, assembling the Lemon Cheesecake Cake is the final step to bring together the delightful layers of lemony goodness. Let’s dive into the process:
Stacking the Layers
- Prepping the Layers: Make sure the cake layers are cool, and the cheesecake layer is firm after chilling in the refrigerator.
- First Cake Layer: Place the first lemon cake layer on the cake plate or pedestal.
- Adding Frosting: Spread a thin layer of lemon cream cheese frosting on the cake layer.
- Unmolding the Cheesecake: If the cheesecake sticks to the pan, gently run a thin knife along the edges. Release the sides of the springform pan and place the cheesecake upside down onto the first cake layer.
- Removing Pan Bottom: Remove the bottom of the springform pan. Use a thin hot knife if needed to release any sticking edges.
- Layering Cheesecake: Spread a thin layer of frosting on the lemon cheesecake layer and add the second lemon cake layer on top.
- Prep Work: Ensure the baking pans are ready with nonstick spray for the cake pans and parchment paper for the springform pan.
- Chill Time: The cheesecake needs at least 4-6 hours in the refrigerator before assembling with the cakes.
- Matching Layers: Use the same size pan for all layers. If needed, trim the edges to ensure a perfect fit.
- Extra Lemon Flavor: Consider adding a layer of easy lemon curd on top of the frosted cake for an extra burst of lemony goodness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some lemon zest on top of the cake for a vibrant finish.
- Setting Time: Refrigerate the assembled cake for 12 hours or overnight to allow everything to firm up before slicing.
With these steps, you’ll have a beautifully layered Lemon Cheesecake Cake ready to be enjoyed by all lemon and cheesecake enthusiasts.
Decorating the Cake
Decorating the Lemon Cheesecake Cake is the cherry on top of this delightful dessert, adding visual appeal and decadence to the already tantalizing treat.
Frosting Techniques
- Spread a layer of frosting over the entire cake.
- Spoon the remaining frosting into a piping bag fitted with icing tip 122.
- Pipe dots of frosting vertically down the sides of the cake.
- Use the back of a spoon to pull the frosting dots out horizontally.
- Pipe another row of dots over the frosting tail and pull out again. Repeat until the entire cake is covered.
- Add swirls to the top of the cake and place raspberries on top.
- Refrigerate the cake for one hour before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Lemon slices or zest can be added on top of the cake for an extra citrusy touch.
- Alternatively, fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries can be used as colorful garnishes.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve
When serving your delectable Lemon Cheesecake Cake, ensure that it is at the perfect temperature for maximum enjoyment. For the best taste and texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Use a big sharp knife to cut clean slices, running it under hot water and wiping it between each cut to maintain a neat presentation. Slip a metal server underneath the graham cracker crust to keep it intact while serving.
Storing Your Lemon Cheesecake Cake
To store your Lemon Cheesecake Cake properly, refrigerate it. The cheesecake cake will stay fresh for approximately three days when stored in the refrigerator. If you plan on making it ahead of time, you can refrigerate the cheesecake layer separately before assembling. Keep the assembled cake in the fridge until serving for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion
Creating a Lemon Cheesecake Cake is a delightful way to indulge in the perfect blend of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors. This dessert is sure to impress lemon enthusiasts and cheesecake lovers alike with its irresistible taste and texture. By following the detailed instructions provided in this article, you can easily whip up this decadent treat in your own kitchen. Remember to garnish with lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor and refrigerate the cake for optimal firmness before serving. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this Lemon Cheesecake Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game. Enjoy the fusion of lemon and cheesecake in every bite!