Lemon Dream Cake
One of the biggest blessings for me since I started this website has been all the amazing people I’ve had a chance to get to know. Food. It really brings folks together, doesn’t it? It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what kind of food you cook. We all gotta eat, right? And occasionally, I get emails from readers who would like to share a favorite family recipe with me. I love when y’all take the time to share special recipes with me. Especially when a special memory is attached. Honestly, I wish I had more time because I have a stack of recipes that I am really wanting to try. Y’all are some good cooks!
I had the good fortune of receiving this next recipe from Country Cook reader, Cynthia Brandon. I must have accidentally deleted the email Cynthia sent me, or else I would let y’all know where Cynthia is from. Cynthia, if you’re reading this, give me a holler! I had this recipe printed out and in my stack of recipes for months now and finally had a chance to make it recently. I just love anything lemon (and many of you are aware of my love for making fun cakes with boxed cake mixes). So this was a match made in heaven. And lemon cakes are just made for summer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Dream Cake is a delightful treat that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the sweetness of a classic cake. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a citrusy dessert. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make using a boxed cake mix, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying it with friends and family.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven
- 9 x 13 baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Mixing bowl
- Knife for swirling
Ingredients
- 1 oz box vanilla cake mix (18.25 oz)
- Ingredients needed to make cake (eggs, oil, and water as per cake box instructions)
- 1 oz can lemon pie filling (15.75 oz)
- 1 tub lemon flavored frosting
- 1 tub whipped topping, thawed (8 oz, COOL WHIP)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Place spoonfuls of lemon pie filling all over the batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the filling throughout the batter for even distribution.
- Bake in the oven on the center rack for about 35-40 minutes, or until the cake springs back to the touch and isn’t jiggly in the center.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon flavored frosting with the whipped topping.
- Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spread the frosting mixture over the cooled cake.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting mixture.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a new twist on this classic cake. You can also garnish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While exact numbers will vary based on specific ingredient brands used, this cake is a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus flavor. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade lemon frosting would be a wonderful addition to this cake.
How should I store the cake?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
This Lemon Dream Cake is a simple yet scrumptious dessert that will brighten any occasion with its zesty flavor. I hope you give it a try and experience the joy it brings just as much as I did. If you do, please share your thoughts and any tweaks you made. I’d love to hear from you!
