The Zesty Spring Citrus & Berry Cheesecake Cake Recipe

My favorite raspberry lemon and orange spring cheesecake dances with vibrant seasonal flavors that promise pure delight.

Soft citrus notes blend beautifully through each creamy slice of this dessert.

Sweet raspberries add surprising bursts of color and tangy brightness.

Fragrant orange zest weaves delicate complexity into the smooth cream cheese base.

Delightful layers create a harmonious balance between tart and sweet elements.

Seasonal ingredients transform an ordinary cheesecake into an extraordinary celebration of spring’s most delicious gifts.

Baking this cake promises a moment of pure culinary joy you won’t want to miss.

Why Spring Cheesecake Cake Is Special

• Burst with Seasonal Flavors: Celebrate spring with vibrant raspberry, zesty lemon, and bright orange cheesecake layers that dance together in a delightful culinary symphony.
• Master Impressive Layering: Create a showstopping dessert that looks professionally crafted, transforming simple ingredients into a stunning multi-layered cake that will wow family and friends.
• Perfect for Special Gatherings: Designed as a conversation-starting centerpiece for brunches, bridal showers, birthday celebrations, or any festive spring occasion that calls for a memorable sweet treat.
• Simple Step-by-Step Process: Break down complex baking into manageable stages, making this recipe accessible for home bakers with basic kitchen skills and minimal specialized equipment.

Ingredients for Raspberry Lemon Orange Cheesecake

• Cream Cheese: The rich and smooth base for each layer of cheesecake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
• Egg: Binds the cheesecake ingredients and helps with setting.
• Flour: The fundamental component of the white cake base.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.

• Raspberry Extract: Delivers a bright and fruity raspberry flavor.
• Lemon Extract: Adds a zesty and tangy citrus note.
• Orange Extract: Provides a fresh and vibrant citrus taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm and sweet profile.

• Egg Whites: Helps create a light and fluffy cake texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become tender.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor.
• Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps blend the cake batter.
• Food Coloring: Adds visual appeal to the cheesecake layers.

• Whipped Cream: Creates a smooth and light frosting.
• Meringue Powder: Helps stabilize the whipped cream.

How to Make Spring Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Craft Raspberry Cheesecake Layer

Blend cream cheese, sugar, and egg using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until silky smooth. Stir in raspberry extract and a touch of pink food coloring to create a vibrant fruity layer.

Step 2: Bake Raspberry Cheesecake

Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch cake pan. Bake in a convection oven at 325°F or a regular oven at 350°F for 18-24 minutes until the center sets perfectly.

Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.

Step 3: Create Lemon Cheesecake Layer

Repeat the same mixing process with cream cheese, sugar, and egg, blending until ultra-smooth.

Incorporate lemon extract for a bright, zesty flavor profile.

Step 4: Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Pour the lemon-infused mixture into a greased 8-inch cake pan.

Bake following the same temperature and time guidelines as the raspberry layer. Cool thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Prepare Orange Cheesecake Layer

Mix cream cheese, sugar, and egg using the same technique as previous layers. Add orange extract and a hint of orange food coloring for a sunny, citrusy appearance.

Step 6: Bake Orange Cheesecake

Bake the orange cheesecake in a greased 8-inch pan using identical baking instructions. Cool completely and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.

Step 7: Prepare White Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butter
• Sugar
• Egg whites
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Milk

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 12×17-inch sheet pan. Whisk dry ingredients together.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until completely smooth.

Gradually incorporate flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Cool completely and freeze until assembly time.

Step 8: Whip Creamy Frosting

Chill a mixing bowl and whisk beforehand.

Whip cream for 1-2 minutes, then fold in vanilla extract and confectioners sugar. Whisk until stiff peaks form, optionally adding meringue powder for extra stability.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 9: Assemble Spectacular Cake

Cut perfect round cake discs using an 8-inch pan.

Layer the cake strategically: start with orange cheesecake on a cake stand, add a white cake disc, top with lemon cheesecake, place another white cake disc, and crown with the raspberry cheesecake. Generously cover with whipped cream and serve immediately.

Tips for Light and Tangy Cheesecake Cake

• Avoid overmixing batter and overbaking to ensure a smooth, crack-free surface.
• Adjust extract amounts gradually to balance delicate citrus and berry notes without overwhelming the taste.
• Chill equipment beforehand and watch closely while whisking to achieve perfect stiff peaks without turning grainy.
• Use a steady hand and clean cake stand to create clean, even layers that showcase each unique cheesecake flavor.
• Allow sufficient chilling time between layers to help cake set and maintain structural integrity during assembly.

Different Flavors of Spring Cheesecake Cake

• Zesty Citrus Swirl: Combine all three cheesecake flavors (raspberry, lemon, orange) into a single layered cheesecake with marbled color effect and complementary citrus notes.
• Berry Cream Dream: Replace orange cheesecake with a strawberry variant, creating a softer, more delicate berry-focused dessert with light pink coloration.
• Tropical Paradise Fusion: Swap raspberry with passion fruit extract, adding a vibrant tropical undertone and creating a unique cheesecake experience with bright, exotic flavors.
• Lavender Elegance: Introduce lavender extract to the lemon cheesecake layer, providing a sophisticated herbal essence that transforms the traditional recipe into an aromatic gourmet dessert.

Perfect Pairings for Spring Cheesecake Cake

• Vibrant Beverage Companion: Crisp prosecco or sparkling rosé perfectly complements the light, fruity layers of this multi-flavored cheesecake.
• Refreshing Tea Pairing: Delicate white tea or chamomile blend softens the richness of the cheesecake while enhancing its citrusy and berry notes.
• Dessert Wine Match: Sweet Moscato d'Asti balances the tangy cheesecake flavors, bringing out the subtle fruit extracts of raspberry, lemon, and orange.
• Flavor-Enhancing Cocktail: Elderflower gin cocktail adds a sophisticated twist, its floral undertones harmonizing with the cake's delicate extracts and creamy texture.

Storing Spring Cheesecake Cake Safely

• Store the Spring Cheesecake Cake in an airtight container, covering it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cheesecake layers from cracking?

Use a water bath during baking, avoid overmixing the batter, and let the cheesecakes cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake layers and white cake up to 2-3 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated and assemble just before serving.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll need an 8-inch cake pan, a stand mixer or hand mixer, and an offset spatula for smooth frosting. A springform pan can also be helpful.

• What if I can't find specific extracts?

You can substitute with pure fruit zest or adjust the flavoring. Fresh lemon, orange, or raspberry zest can provide natural flavor intensity to each layer.

Spring Cheesecake Cake (Raspberry, Lemon & Orange) Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful spring cheesecake cake blends zesty citrus and sweet raspberries into a creamy, refreshing dessert. Layers of lemon-orange sponge and silky cheesecake promise a sophisticated treat that will transport you to sunny Mediterranean gardens.

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Ingredients

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Main Cheesecake Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Raspberry Cheesecake Specific Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) raspberry extract
• 2 drops red food coloring

Lemon Cheesecake Specific Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) pure lemon extract

Orange Cheesecake Specific Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) pure orange extract
• 1 drop red food coloring
• 1 drop yellow food coloring

White Sheet Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream, room temperature
• 2 1/4 cups (285 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk

Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the raspberry, lemon, and orange cheesecake layers individually by blending cream cheese, sugar, and egg using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until achieving a silky consistency. Incorporate respective extracts and food coloring for each variant.
2. Prepare 8-inch cake pans by lightly greasing them before distributing the cheesecake mixtures evenly.
3. Bake each cheesecake at 325F in a convection oven or 350F in a standard oven for 18-24 minutes until the center sets firmly.
4. Remove cheesecakes from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to stabilize structure.
5. Preheat oven to 350F and ready a 12×17-inch sheet pan for white cake base.
6. Combine dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
7. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer for approximately 2 minutes, then integrate egg whites, vanilla, and sour cream until achieving smooth texture.
8. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk into the batter, mixing thoroughly between additions.
9. Distribute cake batter evenly across prepared sheet pan and bake for 18-22 minutes.
10. Cool cake completely, then freeze until assembly preparation.
11. Chill mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream for 1-2 minutes.
12. Add vanilla extract and confectioners sugar to whipped cream, whisking until stiff peaks develop.
13. Using an 8-inch pan, cut precise circular cake layers from the white cake base.
14. Construct the cake by layering orange cheesecake, white cake disc, lemon cheesecake, second white cake disc, and raspberry cheesecake.
15. Generously cover the assembled cake with prepared whipped cream and serve chilled.

Notes

• Precision matters when mixing cream cheese to achieve a silky smooth texture, so use room temperature ingredients and mix exactly 3-5 minutes.
• Convection ovens cook faster, so reduce temperature by 25 degrees and check doneness early to prevent overbaking cheesecake layers.
• Freeze cake layers before assembly to create clean, stable cutting edges and prevent crumbling during stacking.
• Chill equipment like mixing bowl and whisk for whipped cream to help stabilize and create perfect, fluffy peaks faster.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 402
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg