Lemon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Sometimes, desserts just need to be special, don’t they? Our Lemon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is delightful. The bright flavor paired with creamy icing is simply irresistible. After dinner, there’s always excitement when it’s sliced and served. With simple ingredients and a little effort, this treat can be enjoyed by everyone.
You know, I’ve tried so many dessert recipes over the years, but this one stands out every time. The fresh lemony flavor feels light, yet it still satisfies any sweet tooth. Plus, it’s nice when something so simple becomes the star of the table. Whether for family dessert or a get-together, this dessert always impresses. If you’re like me, you’ll love how quick it is to whip up from pantry staples.
Recipes like this are perfect for families because they’re simple but feel special. The ingredients are affordable, and many are already in your pantry. I love that one dessert easily serves everyone, so there’s no need to make multiple desserts. Plus, baking together is such a fun family activity—my kids enjoy measuring and mixing! This recipe proves you don’t need to spend a lot to create something delicious and memorable. It’s a win for all of us!
Tried and True Bundt Cake Recipes
Desserts like this are such a treat, aren’t they? These recipes are like old friends—always ready to make your table feel a little more special.
NEED TO SAVE MONEY
ON YOUR GROCERY BILL?
- Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
- Cherry Almond Bundt Cake
- Spiced Rum Bundt Cake
- Pumpkin Bundt Cake Cheesecake
Each one has its own charm, making it easy to find the perfect match for your craving or occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive celebration, these bundt desserts never disappoint!
While you’re here, also check out our holiday bundt cake recipes and our Instant Pot Apple Pumpkin Cake.
Ingredients Needed To Make Lemon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
The ingredients for this dessert recipe work together to create something bright, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. The tartness of the lemon mix is perfectly balanced by the rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. The ingredients are simple enough that you won’t need to scramble for something you don’t already have! Each item plays a key role in making this treat moist, flavorful, and a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
Ingredients & Why They Matter
Cake Ingredients:
- Box of Lemon Cake Mix: This provides the vibrant lemon flavor and a perfect base, making the dessert soft, fluffy, and full of citrusy goodness without requiring too many separate ingredients.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and adding moisture, eggs give this dessert its structure and tender crumb.
- Oil: Keeps it extra moist, ensuring it doesn’t dry out and stays delightful even after a day or two.
- Water: Activates the mix and helps create the right consistency for a smooth batter.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8oz Cream Cheese: This is the star of the frosting, adding a velvety, tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet lemon creation.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened: Balances the cream cheese with creaminess and ensures the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to counter the tang of the cream cheese, giving the frosting its classic sweetness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates the frosting’s flavor with a warm, aromatic note that ties everything together.
This recipe uses the pressure cooker to make it. It’s such a game-changer for busy days! The Instant Pot ensures it stays moist and cooks evenly, taking the guesswork out of baking. I love how I can set it and walk away—no need to worry about peeking in the oven. Plus, it’s perfect for those hot days when turning on the oven feels like too much. With just a little prep and the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have a beautiful, perfectly cooked dessert ready to wow everyone. It really is as easy as it sounds!
Tips for Baking a Cake in the Instant Pot
If you’re not used to cooking in the electric pressure cooker, don’t worry. It honestly is not that hard at all. And yes, this cake will come out perfectly in the pressure cooker. This really is a stress free way to bake and it leaves your oven open for other baking. Here are my best tips.
- Use the Right Pan: Make sure your bundt pan fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot. A 6- or 7-inch pan usually works best for most models.
- Add Water to the Pot: Always pour 1 to 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot before adding the trivet. This creates the steam that bakes your creation evenly.
- Grease Your Pan Thoroughly: To avoid sticking, grease and lightly flour your pan, or use a non-stick spray with flour included. This is especially important for bundt pans.
- Cover Your Pan with Foil: Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent extra moisture from dripping onto your creation as it cooks.
- Use the Right Trivet: Place the pan on a trivet with handles or create your own sling using foil to make it easy to lift out once it’s done.
- Set the Right Timing: Most cakes take around 25-35 minutes on high pressure, but this can vary depending on the recipe. Be sure to check your specific instructions — it’s better to undercook slightly and add more time if needed than to overcook.
- Do a Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes after cooking. This helps ensure it is evenly baked and settled.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to test the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, you’re good to go. If not, pop it back in for a few more minutes.
- Cool Before Removing: Wait a few minutes before flipping it out of the pan to avoid cracks or crumbling. Patience is key!
- Practice Makes Perfect: The Instant Pot can take a little trial and error, but once you nail the timing and technique for your specific model, you’ll wonder how you lived without it!
Baking a dessert in the Instant Pot is simple, fun, and always delivers a wonderfully moist and dense texture. It’s perfect for busy days or when you want to skip the hassle of preheating and babysitting the oven!
Why would you cook a cake in the Instant Pot?
Using an Instant Pot to bake a cake might seem unconventional, but it’s such a smart choice for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly convenient—you can set it and forget it, without hovering over the oven or worrying about uneven baking. The Instant Pot uses steam and consistent pressure to keep your dessert wonderfully moist, which can be a challenge with traditional baking methods. It’s also a lifesaver during hot weather when turning on the oven feels unbearable. And here’s the best part—you’re less likely to overbake it, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a foolproof sweet treat. With its simplicity and reliable results, the Instant Pot transforms the baking process into something stress-free and fun!
Tips for Icing a Bundt Cake
For this recipe we are piping the homemade icing onto the cake in long strokes that drape the cake. It will remind you of a Nothing Bundt Cake, if you’ve ever seen one of those before. But, if you want to ice it in a different technique you can. Here are some of my best icing tips.
Start with a Completely Cooled Cake: Make sure it is fully cooled before you start icing. If it’s even slightly warm, the icing will melt and slide right off.
Whip the Frosting Until Smooth: Beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy and smooth before adding the powdered sugar. This creates a creamy, lump-free texture that’s easier to work with and tastes amazing.
For Pourable Icing: If you want that lovely drizzled effect, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to your icing to thin it out slightly. The goal is a consistency that flows but doesn’t run off completely.
Piping Bag Icing Method: For a polished look, use a piping bag to drizzle the icing evenly around the desserts grooves. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with the tip snipped off works just as well!
Start in the Center: Begin your icing at the highest point of the cake and gently guide it to drip down the sides. This ensures perfect drips that look professional and inviting.
Work Slowly: Don’t rush the process! A steady hand and slow application create clean, intentional drizzles that add to the cake’s beauty.
Decorate While Icing is Fresh: If you’re adding any toppings like lemon zest, edible flowers, or sprinkles, do it while the icing is still soft so they stick perfectly.
Clean the Plate: Before serving, use a damp paper towel to wipe any stray icing off the plate for a neat and polished presentation.
Chill for a Few Minutes: If the icing feels too soft after application, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to help it set and hold its shape.
Enjoy the Imperfection: Remember, bundt desserts have character, and a little uneven drizzle can make them even more charming. The goal is to showcase it’s homemade goodness, so don’t stress too much!
With these tips, your Lemon Bundt Cake will not only taste fantastic but look stunning on any dessert table!
Lemon Dessert Recipes
Before you leave, don’t miss these cheerful and utterly delicious lemon treats! Whether you’re looking for a sweet bite to brighten your day or a stunning dessert to wow your guests, these recipes are sure to impress.
Each recipe is a little burst of sunshine, perfect for celebrating and sharing. Whip up these goodies, spread the joy, and create memories!
Lemon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
This dessert will remind you of a Nothing Bundt Cake creation but this one is made in the Instant Pot!
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 Box of lemon cake mix
- eggs
- oil
- water
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ C unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ powder sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Prepare the cake batter following the instructions on the back of the cake mix box.
- Spray a bundt pan generously with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the batter into the bundt pan, filling it about 3/4 of the way full.
- Cover the bundt pan tightly with foil.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of water into the Instant Pot.
- Place a trivet inside the pot and set the bundt pan on top of the trivet.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 35 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, perform a quick pressure release to release the steam.
- Carefully remove the bundt pan from the Instant Pot (use oven mitts for safety).
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Gently remove the cake from the bundt pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Using a standing mixer, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Scoop the frosting into a piping bag and snip off the tip for easy application.
- Pipe the frosting in your desired design over the cooled bundt cake.
Final Touch:
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Lemon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing!
- For more amazing recipes, check out our collection!
Notes
Needed Tools:
- 1 8inch bundt pan
- 1 disposable piping bag