Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake Recipe: A Sweet Sunshine Treat

Crafting a delectable lemon cream dream cake promises pure culinary magic that will sweep you off your feet.

Bright citrus notes dance through delicate layers, creating an irresistible dessert sensation.

Soft, pillowy textures melt on your palate with each sublime bite.

Creamy frosting hints at sunshine and summer memories, inviting pure indulgence.

Kitchen adventures become extraordinary when whisking together these simple yet remarkable ingredients.

Passionate bakers will find joy in every step of this delightful recipe.

Prepare to unleash a dessert that sparks smiles and delights everyone around the table.

Why Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake Tastes Like Sunshine

• Burst with Citrus Flavor: Experience a zesty explosion of lemon that dances on your taste buds, bringing a bright and refreshing twist to traditional cake recipes.
• Master Baking with Ease: Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, this recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee a professional-looking dessert without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations, this cake delivers a perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness that appeals to all ages.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a brunch, afternoon tea, or looking for a delightful dessert after dinner, this lemon cream cake fits seamlessly into any event and always impresses guests.

What Goes In Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake

• Eggs: A key binding ingredient that provides structure and richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the cake's foundation.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

• Lemon Peel, Lemon Juice: Provide bright, zesty citrus flavor and aromatic notes to the cake.
• Water: Helps adjust the cake batter's consistency.

• Eggs, Sugar, Cornstarch: Create a smooth and creamy lemon filling with perfect consistency.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Combine to make a rich, creamy frosting layer.

How To Whip Up Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm up your oven to 180°C (350°F) to create the perfect baking environment for your delightful cake.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Cake Base

Grab a mixing bowl and whip eggs with a pinch of salt until they become wonderfully airy.

• Egg yolks
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Lemon peel
• Water
• Lemon juice

Pour the silky batter into a well-greased and lightly floured cake pan.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cake pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up Tangy Lemon Filling

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Lemon peel
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, vibrant filling.

Set aside to cool.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until you achieve a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 6: Layer and Assemble

Carefully construct your cake by spreading a layer of cream cheese mixture over the first cake layer. Top with a generous spread of the lemon filling.

Repeat the layering process for a stunning, multi-dimensional dessert.

Pro Tips For Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and prevent waste.
• Sift flour and baking powder together to eliminate lumps and ensure even cake rise.
• Cool cake layers completely before assembling to prevent cream from melting and sliding.
• Store cake in refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Tweak Ideas For Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake

• Citrus Sunshine Cake: Replace lemon with orange zest and juice for a bright, tangy flavor profile that brings Mediterranean warmth to the dessert.
• Berry Burst Edition: Fold fresh raspberries or blueberries into the lemon filling for a fruity, colorful layer that adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Lavender Lemon Dream: Infuse the cream cheese mixture with dried lavender buds to create a sophisticated, floral undertone that complements the citrus notes.
• Nutty Lemon Layer: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios between cake layers for a crunchy contrast and rich, nutty depth to the dessert.

Pairing Suggestions For Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the cake's zesty lemon flavor, balancing the creamy sweetness with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Alongside Lavender Sorbet: A delicate lavender sorbet provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese and tangy lemon filling, creating a sophisticated palate cleanser.
• Match with Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries – especially raspberries or blueberries – adds a burst of natural sweetness and color that enhances the cake's citrusy profile.
• Enjoy with Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot notes in Earl Grey tea harmonize beautifully with the lemon's brightness, offering a classic and elegant pairing for afternoon enjoyment.

How To Store Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake Properly

• Refrigerate: Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covering with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze Whole Cake: Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Individual Slice Freezing: Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Store up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let slice sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.

FAQs About Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake

• What makes the lemon filling so creamy and thick?

The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping the lemon filling develop a smooth, pudding-like consistency while preventing it from becoming runny or separating during cooking.

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

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives or sweeteners for the most authentic taste.

• How do I know if I've beaten the eggs correctly for the dough?

The eggs are properly beaten when they become pale, fluffy, and significantly increase in volume. When you lift the beaters, the mixture should form ribbons that hold their shape for a few seconds.

Zesty Lemon Cream Dream Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Luscious lemon cream dream cake elevates dessert expectations with its tangy sophistication. Silky layers of citrus-infused bliss promise pure indulgence you’ll savor to the last delectable crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

Flour:

• 120 g (4.2 ounces) flour

Eggs:

• 4 whole eggs
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 eggs

Sugar:

• 120 g (4.2 ounces) sugar
• 190 g (6.7 ounces) sugar
• 75 g (2.6 ounces) powdered sugar

Cream Cheese:

• 300 g (10.6 ounces) soft cream cheese

Secondary Ingredients:

Liquid Components:

• 30 ml (1 fluid ounce) water
• 40 ml (1.4 fluid ounces) lemon juice
• 130 ml (4.4 fluid ounces) lemon juice

Dry Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 4 g (0.14 ounces) baking powder
• 10 g (0.35 ounces) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon peel
• 1 pinch of salt

Garnish and Flavoring:

• 75 g (2.6 ounces) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (350°F) and thoroughly grease a cake pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Whip eggs with a pinch of salt until they reach a light, airy consistency. Gradually incorporate sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous texture.
3. Delicately fold in egg yolks, ensuring a smooth incorporation. Gently sift flour and baking powder into the mixture, followed by freshly grated lemon peel, water, and lemon juice.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring closely. Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
6. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture accumulation.
7. For the lemon filling, combine eggs, sugar, lemon peel, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Continuously whisk the mixture, cooking until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
10. Carefully slice the cooled cake into layers. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese mixture on the first layer.
11. Evenly distribute the cooled lemon filling over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Repeat the layering process with remaining cake layers, creating a decadent, multi-layered dessert.

Notes

• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising cake texture.
• Use Greek yogurt as a partial cream cheese replacement to reduce fat and boost protein content while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother mixing and prevent lumpy batter, creating a more uniform cake texture.
• Zest lemons carefully to avoid bitter white pith, extracting only the bright yellow outer layer for maximum flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg