Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

There's nothing like the bright, zesty aroma of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake filling your kitchen. This easy-to-make dessert combines a layer of tangy cream cheese with sweet, lemony cake – all with minimal prep time! [IMAGE] Part tart, part sweet, and entirely satisfying, it’s the kind of treat that can lift your mood with the first bite.

I first tried this recipe when I needed a dessert that was both delicious and low-effort. Just a few ingredients tossed into a pan, and the oven does the rest. It quickly became a family favorite for busy days, and now I’m excited to share this go-to recipe with you.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

If you’re a fan of no-fuss desserts that taste like they came from a bakery, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is bound to become a regular in your rotation. Here’s why:

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish – no fancy techniques required. This simplicity makes it a fantastic choice for beginners or anyone short on time.

Another huge plus? The flavor is phenomenal. The refreshing tang of lemon combined with creamy, rich cream cheese creates a dessert that’s both light and decadent. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart that will keep everyone coming back for more.

And let's not forget how versatile this recipe is. Whether you want to serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it chilled with whipped cream, this dessert is adaptable to any occasion.

Finally, it’s an affordable treat! Made with pantry staples and a few fridge essentials, this dessert is as budget-friendly as it is delicious.

Ready to dive into this easy recipe? Let’s look at the ingredients that make this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s a closer look at what makes it so special:

• Lemon Cake Mix: This is the foundation of the cake and provides that unmistakable lemony sweetness. If you prefer a subtler flavor, you can use a yellow cake mix and add a bit of lemon zest or lemon extract to the mix.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer to the cake, balancing out the sweetness of the lemon. For the best texture, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the dish.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Adding a tangy layer, the lemon pie filling enhances the cake’s bright citrus flavor and provides a moist texture. You can make your own, but a canned filling works perfectly in this recipe and saves time.
• Butter: Melted butter helps create that slightly crispy, golden top layer. Use unsalted butter to avoid adding too much salt to the dessert, but if you only have salted butter, reduce any additional salt in the recipe.
• Sugar (optional): If you like an extra hint of sweetness or want to create a slightly caramelized topping, you can sprinkle a bit of sugar over the buttered cake mix layer before baking. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice touch.

You won’t need any special equipment for this dump cake – just a 9x13-inch baking dish and a spoon or spatula to spread everything out.

How To Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Creating this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a breeze. Just follow these steps to enjoy a delicious dessert with minimal effort.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an even bake. [IMAGE]
2. Spread the Lemon Pie Filling in an even layer across the bottom of the dish. This provides a tart, moist base layer that will meld with the cream cheese as it bakes.
3. Add the Cream Cheese Layer by spooning small dollops over the lemon pie filling. Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese, creating a thin layer. It doesn’t need to be perfect – some areas with more cream cheese add a delightful surprise in each bite.
4. Evenly Sprinkle the Cake Mix over the top. Try to cover the entire dish so every bite has a bit of that sweet lemon cake flavor.
5. Drizzle Melted Butter across the cake mix layer, aiming to moisten as much of it as possible. The butter will help the top layer become golden and slightly crispy. For added texture, sprinkle a light dusting of sugar over the buttered cake mix layer if you like a slightly caramelized top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – it’s perfect warm with ice cream, or chilled for a more refreshing treat.

This cake should take about 10 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, so in under an hour, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to go.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake stores beautifully, making it perfect for enjoying over a few days.

• Refrigerate any leftover cake in an airtight container. The cream cheese layer needs refrigeration, so it’s best to store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for longer storage. Portion individual servings and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months, and you can thaw individual pieces as needed.
• Reheat by microwaving individual servings for about 30 seconds to 1 minute if you prefer it warm. Alternatively, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge as a chilled treat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the Cake Mix: If you’re a fan of berries, try using a vanilla or white cake mix with a blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a similar but unique flavor combo.
• Make It Extra Lemony: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer or a teaspoon of lemon extract to the cake mix for an extra lemony punch.
• Add a Streusel Topping: For more texture, sprinkle a quick streusel made of brown sugar, flour, and butter on top of the cake mix layer before baking.
• Use Different Fruit Fillings: Lemon pairs beautifully with other fruits, so feel free to add a thin layer of sliced strawberries or blueberries along with the lemon pie filling.
• Top with Fresh Whipped Cream: Just before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a perfect canvas for your creativity, so feel free to experiment with flavors and textures. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a delicious treat!

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