Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Cheesecake Factory’s Italian Lemon Cream Cake with this delightful recipe. Layers of moist white cake are filled with a luscious lemon cream and topped with toasted coconut and almonds for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (toasted)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted, optional)
- extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare the white cake according to the package directions, dividing the batter evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans. Bake according to package instructions, then let the cakes cool completely.
- Make the Lemon Cream Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, slice each layer in half horizontally to create four layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of lemon cream filling on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with a layer of filling on top. Press toasted coconut around the sides of the cake and top with sliced almonds if desired. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for best results.
Notes
- For added lemon flavor, brush each cake layer with lemon syrup (made from equal parts sugar and lemon juice) before adding the filling.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
