Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Dreamy Lemon Cheesecake Cake Recipe: Zesty & Indulgent Treat

Crafting a tantalizing lemon cheesecake demands passion and precision.

Zesty citrus notes dance through creamy layers, promising pure delight.

Smooth cream cheese blends with bright lemon essence, creating a dessert that sings of sunshine.

Sweet memories emerge with each decadent slice.

Delicate textures melt across your palate, inviting pure indulgence.

Whispers of vanilla and subtle tang promise an unforgettable experience.

Dive into this culinary masterpiece and savor every sublime moment.

Spotlight on Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake

  • Combine two beloved desserts – lemon cake and cheesecake – in one easy recipe that requires minimal technical skills, perfect for home bakers of all experience levels.
  • Packed with zesty lemon flavor from fresh zest and juice, this cake offers a bright, refreshing taste that cuts through the rich, creamy cheesecake base, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.
  • Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, this cake appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of tangy and sweet flavors that everyone will love.
  • Optional lemon glaze allows for personalization, letting bakers adjust the sweetness and presentation according to their preference, making it adaptable for different tastes and occasions.

Ingredients List for Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A soft white flour that provides the base structure for the delicate lemon cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: A sweet ingredient that adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Butter: A rich dairy product that contributes to the cake's smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cake together and provide richness.
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus ingredients that deliver a bright and tangy flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the cake.
  • Milk: A liquid that helps create a smooth and moist cake batter.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy cheese that forms the base of the cheesecake layer.
  • Granulated Sugar: A sweetener that balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Sour Cream: A tangy dairy product that adds moisture and richness to the filling.
  • Egg: A binding ingredient that helps set the cheesecake layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds subtle sweetness to the filling.
Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Milk: A combination of ingredients that creates a smooth and zesty topping for the cake.

Baking Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create Lemon Cake Base

Warm up your oven to 180C (350F).

Lovingly coat an 8-inch round cake pan with butter and flour.

In a mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud.

Gently introduce eggs one by one, then stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice

In a separate bowl, blend flour and baking powder.

Gradually marry the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk until perfectly combined.

Pour the golden batter into the prepared pan.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Grab a bowl and beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

Blend in sugar until creamy.

Incorporate:
  • Sour cream
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Tenderly spoon the cheesecake mixture over the lemon cake batter.

Use a knife to gently swirl the two layers, creating a marbled masterpiece.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Drizzle Tangy Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Milk (to reach desired consistency)

Generously drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Slice into this heavenly creation and indulge in the burst of lemony, creamy goodness!

Helpful Tips for Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake

  • Carefully grate lemon zest using a microplane for maximum flavor without bitter white pith.
  • Use a thin knife or skewer to create gentle, delicate swirls in the cheesecake batter for a beautiful marbled effect.
  • Bake the cake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create moisture and prevent surface cracks.
  • Ensure all ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
  • Let the cake cool entirely in the pan before removing to maintain its structural integrity and prevent potential crumbling.

Keeping Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake Fresh

  • Store the lemon cheesecake cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air can penetrate the wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This slow method prevents moisture loss and helps maintain the cake's texture and flavor.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power, or place in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 5-10 minutes to restore the cake's soft, creamy consistency.

Pairing Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake Ideas

  • Zesty Beverage Companions: Pair the luscious lemon cheesecake cake with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the cake's tangy citrus notes and cuts through its richness.
  • Refreshing Tea Selection: Brew a light and fragrant Earl Grey tea, its bergamot hints perfectly balancing the cake's lemony sweetness and providing a sophisticated taste experience.
  • Creamy Drink Match: Serve a cold glass of limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur that echoes the cake's citrus profile and adds a delightful alcoholic warmth to each bite.
  • Smooth Sipping Option: Choose a smooth, creamy vanilla bean milkshake that harmonizes with the cheesecake's richness and provides a cool, sweet counterpoint to the cake's zesty flavor.

Twist Options for Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and egg replacer. Select plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for the cake base.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's sweet profile. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to lower calorie count.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream cheese, almond milk, and coconut oil. Select dairy-free margarine for cake preparation. Incorporate coconut yogurt as a sour cream replacement to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to swirl the cheesecake filling into the lemon cake batter?

Swirling creates beautiful marbled layers and helps distribute the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly throughout the cake, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of lemon cake and cheesecake flavors.

  • Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice can work, but it might lack the vibrant, zesty taste that fresh lemons provide.

  • What if my cheesecake filling sinks to the bottom of the cake?

Ensure your cheesecake filling is not too heavy by thoroughly mixing the ingredients and gently spooning it over the cake batter. The swirling technique helps prevent sinking and creates an attractive pattern.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.

Print
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Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky smooth luscious lemon cheesecake brings Mediterranean sunshine to classic dessert dreams. Creamy layers melt with zesty citrus charm, promising pure indulgence that dances between tangy brightness and rich comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 12 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Craft the lemon cake foundation by warming the oven to 180C (350F). Thoroughly coat an 8-inch round cake pan with grease and flour. Whip butter and sugar until airy and pale, then incorporate eggs individually. Infuse the mixture with vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
  2. Create a separate dry mixture of flour and baking powder. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet components, alternating with milk until a smooth batter emerges. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese until silky. Introduce sugar and blend until creamy. Incorporate sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until uniform.
  4. Delicately spoon the cheesecake mixture over the lemon cake batter. Use a knife to gently marble the two layers, creating elegant swirls throughout the cake.
  5. Position the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without wet batter.
  6. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, resting on a wire rack. This ensures structural integrity and optimal flavor development.
  7. Optional: Craft a tangy lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice and milk until reaching a drizzle-friendly consistency. Elegantly cascade the glaze over the cooled cake.
  8. Slice and serve, revealing the beautiful marbled interior and celebrating the harmonious blend of zesty lemon and creamy cheesecake.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and better texture in both cake and cheesecake layers.
  • Carefully swirl cheesecake mixture to create beautiful marbled effect without overmixing.
  • Line cake pan with parchment paper for easier removal and prevent sticking.
  • Reduce oven temperature by 10-15 degrees if using dark or non-stick baking pan to prevent burning.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Avoid overbaking by checking cake early and removing when center is slightly jiggly.
  • Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours before serving to enhance flavor and set filling.
  • Create dairy-free alternative by using coconut cream cheese and plant-based milk substitutes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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