Description
Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious American dessert featuring a moist lemon cake crust topped with a smooth, creamy lemon-flavored cream cheese filling. This easy-to-make treat combines tangy lemon zest and juice with a sweet, gooey texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg. Stir until a soft dough forms, then press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer or whisk. Add the two eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Sugar to Filling: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to mix until the filling becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the lemon cream cheese filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the assembled cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. It is ready when the edges turn golden and the center is just set but still slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before slicing into 12–16 squares and serving.
Notes
- Chill the cake before slicing to ensure clean, sharp squares.
- For an extra citrus punch, increase the amount of lemon zest in the filling.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
