Ingredients
Cake Mixture
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for extra lemon flavor)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Lemon Filling
- 1.5 to 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
Cream Cheese Layer
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare the bottom cake layer: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted unsalted butter. Mix until crumbly, then press about half of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a base.
- Add the lemon filling: Spread 1.5 to 2 cans of lemon pie filling evenly over the cake crumb base, ensuring a consistent layer for full lemon flavor in every bite.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Spread or spoon this mixture evenly over the lemon pie filling layer.
- Top with remaining cake mix: Sprinkle the remaining half of the cake mix crumbly mixture over the cream cheese layer. It’s fine if it doesn’t fully cover; this creates a rustic, textured topping once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp, and the cream cheese layer is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool for at least 45 minutes to allow the layers to firm up properly. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
Notes
- Using lemon cake mix instead of yellow adds a stronger lemon flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smooth layer.
- Adjust lemon pie filling quantity between 1.5 to 2 cans depending on your preference for tartness and filling thickness.
- Do not overbake to avoid drying out the cake; watch for the set cream cheese layer and golden topping as indicators.
- Allowing the cake to cool properly is essential for clean slices and firm layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American