The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute gem for anyone who loves bright, tangy flavors paired with creamy richness and a delightfully tender crumb. This dessert comes together effortlessly, yet delivers a stunning mix of lemony zest and velvety cream cheese nestled beneath a buttery, golden cake topping. If you’re seeking a quick, show-stopping treat that tastes like it took hours to make, this is the one to try. It’s sweet, tart, and incredibly comforting all at once — perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of pantry staples and fresh cream cheese to create layers of flavor and texture that make every bite unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tangy brightness of the lemon pie filling or the richness of melted butter that crisps up the cake topping.
- Lemon pie filling: Provides the sweet and tangy base that defines the cake’s vibrant flavor.
- Yellow cake mix: Serves as the easy-to-use dry layer that bakes into a light, golden crust.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious, creamy texture with a mild tang that balances the lemon.
- Melted butter: Ensures the cake topping becomes beautifully crisp and golden in the oven.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting that brings an elegant finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. This sets the stage for your cake to bake evenly and helps prevent any sticking, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Spread the entire can of lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of your greased dish. This tangy lemon base will bubble and thicken during baking, infusing every bite with that zesty brightness that makes this dessert sing.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Dollops
Using softened cream cheese, drop dollops all over the surface of the lemon filling. These pockets of creamy goodness melt slightly as the cake bakes, creating irresistible creamy surprises in every bite.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top of the cream cheese and lemon layers. The dry mix absorbs some moisture, helping form the crumbly, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter
Drizzle melted butter generously over the entire surface, making sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter’s richness seals everything together and ensures a deliciously crisp, golden topping once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dessert for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling happily. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point are a good sign the magic is happening inside the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. If you like, dust with a bit of powdered sugar to add a pretty, sweet touch. Then, dive in and savor the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and richly buttery flavors.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish, but fresh lemon zest or a few thin lemon slices also make excellent, colorful garnishes that hint at the cake’s bright citrus flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, which complement the tangy lemon and luscious cream cheese with cool, smooth richness. It also goes nicely alongside fresh berries for a light and refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mini mason jars. Layer with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey on top for added texture and flavor twists that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually blend beautifully overnight, making it just as delightful (if not more so) the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore the cake’s softness and warms the cream cheese center to gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I substitute the lemon pie filling with another flavor?
Absolutely! While lemon is the star here, you can experiment with other fruit pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or peach for unique variations of this dump cake.
What if I don’t have yellow cake mix? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you might try a white or vanilla cake mix as a substitute. Keep in mind that different mixes could slightly alter the texture and sweetness.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
You can swap out regular cream cheese and butter for dairy-free versions, such as vegan cream cheese and plant-based margarine or coconut oil, to keep it creamy and rich without dairy.
Should I use softened cream cheese or can it be cold?
Softened cream cheese is best because it spreads and melts more evenly during baking, creating those wonderful creamy pockets inside the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix, this recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free needs without sacrificing any deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that looks impressive but tastes even better, the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is your perfect match. Its balance of tangy lemon, rich cream cheese, and buttery cake topping is simply irresistible, and the ease of making it means you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation forever. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful, feel-good cake — I promise it will become a beloved favorite in no time.
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple and delightful dessert featuring layers of tangy lemon pie filling, creamy dollops of cream cheese, and a golden yellow cake topping. It’s a no-fuss, baked treat perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious balance of tart and sweet flavors with a luscious, creamy texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Lemon Filling: Spread the entire can of lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add Cream Cheese Dollops: Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling in an even pattern to create creamy pockets.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly cover the cream cheese and lemon mixture with the dry yellow cake mix, distributing it uniformly.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, ensuring as much surface is covered as possible for a golden crust.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly; optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious lemon cream cheese dump cake!
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese beforehand ensures it spreads easily and bakes evenly.
- Use a well-greased baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Cooling slightly before dusting with powdered sugar prevents it from melting away.
- This cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a tangier flavor, add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese dollops.
