Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Okay, let me just say it: this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert—no kidding. It’s so incredibly simple, you’ll be thinking, “How can something this easy taste this good?” But trust me, it does. Picture this: a buttery, golden topping, a luscious, tangy lemon filling, and that creamy richness from the cream cheese. It’s everything you want in a dessert and so much more. Plus, it’s a dump cake, which means you literally throw everything into the pan, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. No fuss, no mess—just pure, irresistible deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This dessert is seriously the definition of “effortless” but with all the flavor of a dessert that took hours to make. Here’s why it’s going to be a go-to recipe for you:

Versatile

Whether you’re bringing it to a party, enjoying it as an afternoon snack, or serving it after dinner, this cake fits any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a total treat for yourself when you’re craving something sweet.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need any expensive or hard-to-find ingredients to make this dessert. It’s simple and made with pantry staples, making it super budget-friendly but still totally indulgent.

Quick and Easy

The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity. No complicated steps—just mix, dump, bake, and enjoy. It’s so easy that even beginners can make it and still feel like a dessert pro.

Customizable

Want to add a little extra flair? Try swapping in some berries or a handful of white chocolate chips. Or, add a little zest of lemon to really amp up the citrus flavor. You can make this recipe your own!

Crowd-Pleasing

This dessert is one of those that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Sweet, tart, creamy, and with that perfect golden, crunchy topping—it’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a baking genius.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this lemony, creamy, dreamy dessert:

Lemon Pie Filling

The base of this dump cake is a tangy, sweet lemon pie filling that’s absolutely divine. It brings all the citrusy goodness to balance out the richness of the cream cheese and butter.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this dump cake extra rich and velvety. It helps create a creamy layer that blends perfectly with the lemon filling and adds a bit of decadence to the whole thing.

Yellow Cake Mix

You’re going to love how easy it is to use a box of yellow cake mix for the topping. It creates that crisp, golden, buttery crust that gives this dessert its signature texture.

Butter

Melted butter is drizzled over the cake mix, helping it form that irresistible, golden top. It’s the buttery crunch that everyone loves!

Powdered Sugar (Optional)

For a little extra sweetness, you can dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar once it’s out of the oven. It’s not necessary, but it sure does make it look fancy!

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Alright, let’s get to baking! This is as easy as it gets, so don’t worry—you’ve got this.

Preheat Your Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the cake comes out easily once it’s baked. You can also line it with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

Layer the Ingredients

• Start by spreading the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Next, take the cream cheese and spread it in small dollops across the top of the lemon filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; it will melt and spread out as it bakes.
• Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese and lemon mixture. Don’t stir—it’s supposed to stay dry on top for that golden topping to form.
• Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Make sure to cover it as best as you can, as the butter helps the top crisp up nicely.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when you see that golden crust and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving—it’s best served warm! You can dust the top with powdered sugar for that extra touch, or serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280-300 calories per serving (depending on exact ingredients used)
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:

Whipped Cream

Top your slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve warm slices of the dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the warm cake and the cold ice cream is a match made in heaven.

Fresh Berries

Top with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to add a burst of freshness and color to the dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake even more irresistible:

Add Zest

If you really love that lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pie filling. It’ll give it an extra pop of citrusy goodness.

Make It a Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake

For a fruity twist, add a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon pie filling before baking. The blueberries pair perfectly with the lemon and cream cheese.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can prepare the layers in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time if you’re entertaining.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, and it’ll taste just as good as the day it was baked!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

A1: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap the lemon pie filling for something like cherry, blueberry, or peach for a different flavor. The concept works with many fruit fillings.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cake mix?

A3: Yes! While yellow cake mix is ideal for this recipe, you could try a white or vanilla cake mix if that’s what you have on hand.

Q4: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A4: You can! Just substitute the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your pie filling is gluten-free as well.

Q5: How do I know when the dump cake is done?

A5: When the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, your dump cake is ready! You can also test it with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done.

Q6: Can I add more cream cheese?

A6: Definitely! If you love cream cheese, you can double the amount for an extra creamy layer. Just make sure it’s spread out evenly.

Q7: Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese?

A7: While whipped cream can be used as a topping, it won’t give you the same rich, creamy texture that cream cheese adds to the cake. I recommend sticking with the cream cheese for the best results.

Q8: Can I freeze this dessert?

A8: Yes, you can freeze it! After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Q9: Can I make this recipe without butter?

A9: Butter helps form the golden topping and adds flavor. If you want to make it without butter, you could substitute with a butter-flavored oil or margarine, but the texture might change a little.

Q10: How can I make the topping crispier?

A10: If you like a crispier topping, try adding a bit more butter, or bake it for a few extra minutes until the top is nice and golden. Just be careful not to over-bake!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dessert that will wow your friends and family, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the answer. It’s got all the right textures, the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and just the right amount of creaminess. Plus, it’s so simple to make—it’s basically magic in a pan. Enjoy!

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