Lemon Cheesecake Cake: A Luscious Citrus Delight

If you’re a fan of cheesecake and cake, why choose between them? This Lemon Cheesecake Cake is the ultimate dessert hybrid, combining a tangy, creamy lemon cheesecake layer nestled between two fluffy lemon cake layers. It’s all topped with a silky lemon cream cheese frosting that ties everything together beautifully.

This dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you crave something rich yet refreshingly citrusy. The balance of tart lemon and sweet creaminess makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Plus, the contrast in textures—airy cake, velvety cheesecake, and luscious frosting—creates a bite that’s pure bliss.

🍋 Ingredients

For the Lemon Cheesecake Layer

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (softened)	16 oz (2 blocks)
Granulated sugar	½ cup
Eggs	2
Sour cream	½ cup
Lemon juice	2 tbsp
Lemon zest	1 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For the Lemon Cake Layers

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Baking powder	2 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	¾ cup
Granulated sugar	1 ¾ cups
Eggs	3
Buttermilk	1 cup
Lemon juice	⅓ cup
Lemon zest	1 tbsp
Vanilla extract	2 tsp

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz (1 block)
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Lemon juice	2 tbsp
Lemon zest	1 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

🛠 Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan – Essential for baking the cheesecake layer.
• Two 9-inch round cake pans – For the lemon cake layers.
• Electric mixer – Helps create a smooth cheesecake and fluffy frosting.
• Mixing bowls – Various sizes for different batters.
• Cooling rack – Ensures the cake layers cool evenly before assembly.
• Cake stand or turntable (optional) – Makes frosting and decorating easier.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each.
4. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
7. Let it cool in the pan, then transfer to the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Step 2: Bake the Lemon Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
7. Divide the batter between the two cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
3. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one lemon cake layer on a cake stand.
2. Carefully remove the cheesecake layer from the springform pan and place it on top.
3. Add the second lemon cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
4. Frost the entire cake with lemon cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
5. Garnish with lemon slices, zest, or white chocolate shavings.

💡 Tips and Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Make it extra lemony by adding more zest to the cake batter.
• Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Chill before serving – This makes slicing easier and enhances the flavors!

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a drizzle of lemon curd for extra tang.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh mint sprig for elegance.

🍷 Perfect Pairings

• Iced Lemon Tea – Enhances the citrusy notes of the cake.
• Chardonnay or Prosecco – The buttery and fruity flavors complement the tangy lemon.
• Lavender Latte – Floral and citrus flavors blend beautifully.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450
Fat	22g
Carbs	55g
Protein	6g
Sugar	40g
Allergens	Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

📌 Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.If you’re a fan of cheesecake and cake, why choose between them? This Lemon Cheesecake Cake is the ultimate dessert hybrid, combining a tangy, creamy lemon cheesecake layer nestled between two fluffy lemon cake layers. It’s all topped with a silky lemon cream cheese frosting that ties everything together beautifully.

This dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you crave something rich yet refreshingly citrusy. The balance of tart lemon and sweet creaminess makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Plus, the contrast in textures—airy cake, velvety cheesecake, and luscious frosting—creates a bite that’s pure bliss.

🍋 Ingredients

For the Lemon Cheesecake Layer

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (softened)	16 oz (2 blocks)
Granulated sugar	½ cup
Eggs	2
Sour cream	½ cup
Lemon juice	2 tbsp
Lemon zest	1 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For the Lemon Cake Layers

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Baking powder	2 ½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	¾ cup
Granulated sugar	1 ¾ cups
Eggs	3
Buttermilk	1 cup
Lemon juice	⅓ cup
Lemon zest	1 tbsp
Vanilla extract	2 tsp

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz (1 block)
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Lemon juice	2 tbsp
Lemon zest	1 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

🛠 Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan – Essential for baking the cheesecake layer.
• Two 9-inch round cake pans – For the lemon cake layers.
• Electric mixer – Helps create a smooth cheesecake and fluffy frosting.
• Mixing bowls – Various sizes for different batters.
• Cooling rack – Ensures the cake layers cool evenly before assembly.
• Cake stand or turntable (optional) – Makes frosting and decorating easier.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each.
4. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
7. Let it cool in the pan, then transfer to the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Step 2: Bake the Lemon Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
7. Divide the batter between the two cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
3. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one lemon cake layer on a cake stand.
2. Carefully remove the cheesecake layer from the springform pan and place it on top.
3. Add the second lemon cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
4. Frost the entire cake with lemon cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
5. Garnish with lemon slices, zest, or white chocolate shavings.

💡 Tips and Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Make it extra lemony by adding more zest to the cake batter.
• Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Chill before serving – This makes slicing easier and enhances the flavors!

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a drizzle of lemon curd for extra tang.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh mint sprig for elegance.

🍷 Perfect Pairings

• Iced Lemon Tea – Enhances the citrusy notes of the cake.
• Chardonnay or Prosecco – The buttery and fruity flavors complement the tangy lemon.
• Lavender Latte – Floral and citrus flavors blend beautifully.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450
Fat	22g
Carbs	55g
Protein	6g
Sugar	40g
Allergens	Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

📌 Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cheesecake Cake is the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and fluffy lemon cake, delivering a tangy, sweet, and rich flavor in every bite. The contrast of textures, from the smooth cheesecake to the airy cake layers, creates a truly decadent dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a citrusy craving, this cake is guaranteed to impress. The bright lemon flavor paired with the luscious cream cheese frosting makes it an irresistible treat that stands out from traditional cakes.

If you love desserts that offer both elegance and comfort, this recipe is a must-try. With its gorgeous presentation and incredible flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to share your experience—snap a picture, tag your friends, and let everyone know how much you enjoyed this delightful creation. Happy baking!