Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake is a medium French recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Accessible Gourmet on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $4.69 total, $0.59 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon Caster Sugar (fine granulated sugar)
  • 1 lemon Lemon Zest (zest only, avoid white pith)
  • 3.5 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 piece Egg (large, room temperature)
  • 1 piece Egg Yolk (large, from a fresh egg)
  • 2.5 teaspoon Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 pinch Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (for crepe batter)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for crepe batter)
  • 3 piece Eggs (large, can be colored eggs for visual appeal)
  • 2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
  • 2.5 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (good quality)
  • 1 lemon Lemon Zest (additional zest for batter)
  • 5.5 tablespoon Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (for the filling)
  • 0.75 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (chilled for whipping)
  • 2 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (for dusting the finished cake)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lemon Curd

    In a small pot combine 3 tbsp caster sugar with the zest of one lemon. Rub the zest into the sugar to release oils, then add 3½ tbsp fresh lemon juice and stir. Whisk in 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk, add a pinch of salt, and place the pot over medium heat. Continuously whisk until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, then stir in 2½ tsp unsalted butter until melted. Pass the curd through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin, and set aside to cool.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  2. Make Crepe Batter

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together 1 cup all‑purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Create a well, add 3 whole eggs and whisk lightly. Gradually stream in 1 cup whole milk, whisking until smooth, then stir in 2½ tbsp melted unsalted butter. Add the remaining 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp vanilla extract, and the zest of a second lemon. Mix until the batter is thin and glossy.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Cook Crepes

    Heat a small non‑stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat with unsalted butter. Pour enough batter to just cover the bottom, swirl to spread thinly. Cook for about 3 minutes until the edges set, then flip and cook an additional 30 seconds. Transfer the crepe to a cooling rack. Repeat, stacking cooked crepes on the rack, until all batter is used.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Prepare Filling

    In a bowl combine 5½ tbsp softened cream cheese, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and the prepared lemon curd. Beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip ¾ cup heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream‑cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Assemble the Crepe Cake

    Place one crepe on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of the lemon‑cream‑cheese filling over it. Stack another crepe on top and repeat, alternating crepes and filling, until all crepes are used. Press gently to level the cake, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Finish and Serve

    After chilling, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices and serve chilled.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
12g
Fiber
0.5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Gluten, Butter

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake

Recipe by Accessible Gourmet

A delicate, layered crepe cake filled with tangy lemon curd and silky cream cheese whipped with lightened cream. Perfect for a festive dessert or a special occasion, this cake combines French crepe technique with a bright lemon flavor.

MediumFrenchServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.69
Total cost
$0.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Make lemon curd without curdling and prevent skin formation.
  • Cook crepes just until set; overcooking makes them stiff.
  • Fold whipped cream gently to retain air.
  • Chill assembled cake long enough for layers to set.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot lemon curd and pan with care to avoid burns.
  • Ensure the butter does not burn; keep heat at medium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake in French dessert tradition?

A

Crepe cakes, known as "gâteau de crêpes," originated in France as a way to showcase delicate crêpes in a layered presentation. Adding lemon curd and cream cheese reflects modern twists that blend classic French technique with bright, tangy flavors popular in contemporary pastry.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of crepe cake in French cuisine?

A

In France, crepe cakes are often filled with jam, chocolate ganache, or fruit purées. In Brittany, buckwheat crêpes are used for savory versions, while sweet versions may feature caramel, almond cream, or citrus curds like the lemon version presented here.

cultural
Q

How is Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake traditionally served in French celebrations?

A

A crepe cake is typically served chilled as a dessert at gatherings, sliced into elegant portions and sometimes garnished with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of citrus glaze. It pairs well with tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake traditionally associated with in French or American holiday cuisine?

A

While not a historic holiday dish, the lemon cream cheese crepe cake is popular for Thanksgiving, Easter brunches, and summer garden parties because its bright flavor balances richer meals and its impressive appearance makes it a centerpiece dessert.

cultural
Q

How does Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake fit into the broader French pastry tradition?

A

The cake embodies the French emphasis on technique—thin, delicate crêpes—and the use of high‑quality dairy like cream cheese and butter. Its layered structure mirrors classic French pastries such as mille‑feuille, while the lemon curd adds a contemporary, refreshing note.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh lemons, unsalted butter, whole milk, all‑purpose flour, and real cream cheese. Acceptable substitutes are 2% milk for whole milk, mascarpone for cream cheese, and pre‑zested lemon if fresh zest is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other French dishes pair well with Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake?

A

Pair it with a light citrus sorbet, a fruit compote, or a glass of chilled Prosecco. For a savory contrast, serve alongside a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the lemon curd, making the batter too thick, over‑whipping the cream, and skipping the chilling step. Each can lead to a grainy curd, stiff crepes, a runny filling, or a cake that collapses when sliced.

technical
Q

Why does this Lemon Cream Cheese Crepe Cake recipe use a brief 30‑second flip for the crepes instead of cooking both sides longer?

A

A short flip ensures the crepe stays soft and pliable for stacking. Cooking the second side too long dries the crepe, making it brittle and difficult to roll or layer without cracking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Accessible Gourmet specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Accessible Gourmet focuses on making classic and modern recipes approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, emphasizing clear instructions, ingredient accessibility, and adaptations for dietary needs.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Accessible Gourmet's approach to French dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Accessible Gourmet breaks down technically demanding French techniques—like thin crêpe batter and lemon curd—into step‑by‑step, visually clear tutorials, while many other channels assume prior experience. The channel also highlights ingredient substitutions and budget‑friendly tips.

channel

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