Wednesday, July 4, 2012

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.

Now, you would think looking at this recipe that this cake is on lemon overload.
Let me assure you - it really isn't.
It isn't crazy sweet or a big ole lemon bomb.
It is the perfect balance of sweet and a little tart from the pie filling.
My husband, who is not a lemon cake fan, really enjoyed this one if that gives you an indication.
Ingredients:
1 (18.25 oz.) box French Vanilla Cake Mix
ingredients needed to make cake (eggs, oil and water)
1 (15.75 oz.) can lemon pie filling
1 tub lemon flavored frosting
1 ( 8oz.) tub whipped topping, thawed

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees
Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (I like the kind that has flour in it).

Prepare cake mix as directed on the back of the box.
Pour batter into baking dish.
Place spoonfuls of lemon pie filling all over the batter.
Take a knife and swirl it all around to help evenly distribute it better.
Note: The lemon pie filling is heavier than the cake batter. So it will sink to the bottom of the cake as it is cooking. 
Don't worry, it won't burn. This is normal.

Bake at 350F degrees (in center rack) for about 35-40 minutes.
Until it springs back to the touch and isn't jiggly in the center.
Let cake cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

In a bowl, combine lemon flavored frosting with whipped topping.
Mix until thoroughly combined.
You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer.
It actually comes together pretty easily by hand, but it's up to you.
Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Refrigerate until chilled and keep any leftovers refrigerated.
It is such a cool and refreshing summer-y cake.

Thank you Cynthia!

42 comments:

  1. Brandie,
    Lemons and summer go together perfectly. I love all of the lemon flavors in this cake! Beautiful pics.

    Have a safe and Happy 4th!

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  2. Mmm...maybe good with blueberries on it? I think I'm making it today! Thanks!

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  3. That looks awesome! I printed it and will be trying it! Sounds like a very "refreshing" recipe for summer! Mindy

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  4. I am a huge lemon fan! Anything lemon is good in my book. Thank you to both Cynthia and Brandie! I cannot get over how amazing this looks. Will definitely be making soon and will update on how it turns out (: have a great fourth of July!

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  5. I am so loving all of your cake recipes. This one is now added to my list, right after I finish your Oreo Cookie Cream Poke Cake... keep 'em comin'!

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  6. Goodness that sounds so good Brandi. That was sweet to share a reader recipe. I love doing that from time to time. My daughter would love this because she likes anything lemon.

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  7. My daughter loves anything lemon...I will have to try this soon, it sounds delicious and so easy!

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  8. WOW oh WOW! This sounds sooo delicious...and easy too. Perfect! How sweet of you to share a reader's recipe Brandie...it's no wonder you are so loved!!!

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  9. Love your site. This looks irresistible! I can't wait to try it.

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  10. It is cooling off now after dinner I will make the frosting and frost it--I will let you know what I think...but I love anything lemon!!!

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  11. To either Cynthia or Brandie.. do you think pumpkin pie filling at the bottom and a spice cake mix from a box could work? I wouldn't want to combine together with a mixer as I read in another recipe. Cynthia's version is what I'd like to try if you think it would be a good go :)

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  12. I am drooling over this cake! I love lemon, and this looks like a perfect summer treat. Can't wait to try it!!!

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  13. Oh I love putting the lemon filling in this.... this looks so amazing! I know my hubs-to-be would be obsessed with this since he is such a lemon fanatic!

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  14. Wow does that look fantastic. I know my lemon loving husband would adore this one. Thanks for always making and sharing wonderful food.

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  15. Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to comment! I want you to know that I do read every single one! And I appreciate them so much!

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  16. Yum! Pinned and printed :-). Thank you for sharing.

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  17. Wonderful cake, the flavors are so smooth and subtle. Love it.

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  18. This is gorgeous. Makes me want to run right into the kitchen and make one.

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  19. This looks so darn good...I can't wait to make one..First I ever seen like it...thank you..with love Janice

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  20. This looks perfect! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  21. Would you recommend using cool whip and a lemon pudding for a Frosting?

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  22. Girl, you know I love me anything lemon! Can't wait to try this. Thanks for sharing at Church Supper. Have a blessed week & come back soon ~EMM

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  23. I just put mine in the oven but I couldn't find lemon pie filling anywhere in my lil town. But I couldn't wait! I used cherry pie filling and hoping it all turns out good lol. But I will get the lemon, I know it's at one of these stores lol. Thanks for sharing this :)

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  24. Brandie,

    My husband is going to love this. I detest meringue so this is a great way to get that flavor without having to make meringue.

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  25. I just made this today and barely waited long enough for it to cool to have a bite! It was so easy to make and it is so YUMMY!!! THANK YOU so much for all the time you give to your blog and all of the great recipes you share!!!

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  26. I just LOVE lemon. I can't wait to make this one. BTW, hubs absolutely LOVED red velvet poke cake.

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  27. OMG! I can't wait to try this. It looks sooooo yummy...

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  28. I made this lemon cake today. We loved it, it was so delish! Thanks for the recipe!

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  29. I just received a smart phone for Christmas. The first thing I looked up was recipes. I stumbled onto your site and found a ton of your recipes I plan on trying. Thanks Wanita

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  30. I found this one on Pinterest, and had to check it out because I absolutely LOVE lemon! When the recipe loaded, I was not at all surprised to discover that you had posted it. Your blog was the first one I began following, and when I need a great recipe, I know I can always count on you to have one that isn't too complicated and never let's me down with my family!
    This recipe reminds me of my mom because she made the most amazing lemon pie, but no matter how hard I try, I can never seem to make the flaky crust like hers. :( Oh well, now I can make it this way, and it will really WOW my family & friends!
    Thanks again, Nancy :~D

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  31. I just wanted to say THANK YOU!
    I'm going to the store to buy the cake mix, cool whip & lemon pudding today. I know everyone will love it! :0)

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  32. Thank you for this recipe. Made it today and it was awesome! Store didn't have lemon frosting so I used whipped vanilla and it was great. A big hit and I'll definitely make again!

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  33. I made this over the weekend and it was gone immediately! I couldn't find lemon frosting so I squeezed 1/2 lemon and some lemon rind in and it was sooooo lemony fresh and delicous. Probably better than the lemon flavored frosting would have been

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  34. Yay!! Thank y'all so much for coming back to let me know how this turned out for you. I am so happy you like it. I sure am glad Cynthia shared it with me. It is a new family favorite for sure! ~Brandie

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  35. Were can I find the lemon pie filling? ????

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    Replies
    1. You can find it in the baking section of your local grocery store. :)

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  36. I made this cake years ago from a recipe I saw in the Sunday paper. I thought I would make it this year for Easter but cannot find the canned lemon pie filling anywhere. I still wanted the cake so I bought a couple boxes of instant lemon pudding & am making a lemon poke cake instead :)

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  37. Friend made this cake tonight - it was absolutely awesome! Loved it.

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  38. So, I have a quick question. Do you think I could use lemon yogurt instead of lemon frosting. My boys really don't like frosting so I thought to make it lighter maybe some yogurt would be good. Thoughts?

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