Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy dessert that delivers big on flavor, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is exactly what you need! With a deliciously tart lemon filling, creamy pockets of cream cheese, and a buttery, golden cake topping, this dessert is as simple as it is indulgent. Just "dump" in the ingredients, layer them, and bake – no mixing bowls or complicated steps required!

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I first made this cake when I needed a quick dessert for a gathering, and it was an instant hit! The bright lemon flavor and creamy texture make it perfect for spring and summer, but it’s just as refreshing any time of year. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is not only a breeze to make, but it’s also bursting with flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Firstly, it’s incredibly easy and convenient. With minimal ingredients and no mixing required, you can put this dessert together in just minutes. It’s ideal for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t have a lot of time.

Secondly, the lemon flavor is refreshing and bright. The zesty lemon filling perfectly balances the rich cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s both tart and creamy.

It’s also perfect for sharing. This cake bakes up beautifully in a 9x13 pan, making it ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or any time you want to feed a crowd.

Finally, it’s versatile and customizable. You can easily add your own twist to this recipe, making it fun to experiment with different toppings or add-ins.

Ready to make your new favorite dessert? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is made with just a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a role in bringing out the dessert’s creamy, lemony flavor.

• Lemon Pie Filling: This is the star of the cake, adding a bright, tart lemon flavor. You can use store-bought lemon pie filling for convenience, or make your own if you prefer. Look for it in the baking aisle, typically near the canned fruits or pie fillings.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy layer that pairs perfectly with the lemon. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it spreads easily throughout the cake.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A boxed yellow cake mix makes this recipe incredibly easy and provides a light, fluffy texture. You can also use a lemon cake mix if you want an extra burst of lemon flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter creates a crispy, golden topping on the cake mix layer. It also adds richness to the dessert, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
• Lemon Zest (Optional): Adding lemon zest boosts the lemon flavor even more and gives the cake a fresh, citrusy aroma. It’s optional, but highly recommended!

These ingredients create a delightful cake with layers of tart lemon, creamy pockets of cheese, and a buttery, crumbly top. Let’s get baking!

How To Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to layer everything in just a few simple steps:

1. Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Lemon Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. This will form the base layer of the dump cake and give it a bright, tangy flavor.
3. Layer the Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them evenly over the lemon filling. This step doesn’t require mixing – just place the cubes on top, and they’ll melt into delicious pockets of creamy goodness as the cake bakes.
4. Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the lemon and cream cheese layers, making sure it covers everything. The dry mix will combine with the butter in the next step to create a tender, crumbly topping.
5. Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible, as the butter will help form the golden crust. If you want, sprinkle lemon zest on top for extra flavor and color.
6. Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The cream cheese should be melted and creamy, while the cake mix forms a slightly crisp, buttery topping.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm for a gooey, pudding-like texture, or let it cool completely for a more set, sliceable dessert. Either way, it’s delicious!

This cake pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, tart, and sweet flavors make every bite pure bliss.

Storage Options

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake keeps well in the fridge, making it great for leftovers or prepping ahead of time. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen, and the cake will stay creamy and delicious.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Wrap each portion with plastic wrap first, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the microwave.

When reheating, serve warm for a comforting, creamy dessert that’s just as good as when it was freshly baked.

Variations and Substitutions

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add Fresh Berries: Scatter a handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries over the lemon filling for a burst of fruit flavor that complements the lemon and cream cheese.
• Swap for Lemon Cake Mix: For even more lemon flavor, use a lemon-flavored cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. It intensifies the citrusy notes and makes the cake extra vibrant.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version. Just be sure the cake mix is also dairy-free, if needed.
• Lemon Curd Filling: For a richer, homemade twist, use lemon curd instead of lemon pie filling. This gives the cake a more intense lemon flavor and a thicker, creamier texture.
• Top with Whipped Cream: Instead of ice cream, serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for an extra-fresh presentation.

Conclousion

However you decide to enjoy it, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers. With its bright, creamy flavors and super-simple process, it’s sure to become a favorite in no time. Enjoy!

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