Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a game-changer for dessert lovers! With layers of buttery cake mix, tangy cream cheese, and zesty lemon filling, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just mix, layer, and bake. In under an hour, you’ll have a delightful treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate stress-free dessert that never fails to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy: True to its “dump cake” name, this recipe requires minimal effort – just mix, layer, and bake. No complicated techniques needed!
• Incredible Texture Contrast: The buttery crumb topping, creamy cheese layer, and gooey lemon filling create an irresistible combination of textures in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Casual enough for family dessert but impressive enough for guests. This versatile treat works for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or satisfying random sweet cravings.
• Foolproof Results: Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. The layers do all the work for you!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cream Cheese: The star of the show, creating a velvety, rich layer that balances the sweetness of the cake. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest results.
• Butter: Melted butter combines with the cake mix to create both the crust and crumbly topping. It adds richness and that irresistible buttery flavor throughout.
• Cake Mix: The convenience hero of this recipe! Yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix all work beautifully. Each variety will give a slightly different flavor profile, so pick your favorite.
• Lemon Pie Filling: This brings bright, tangy lemon flavor and a lovely gooey texture. The canned version saves tons of time without sacrificing flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the cream cheese layer and creates that perfect cheesecake-like texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer without adding graininess. It dissolves perfectly for a smooth filling.
• Salt: Just a touch balances all the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor. Don’t skip this!
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Optional but recommended for serving. The cool, creamy addition takes this dessert to another level.

Variations

Different Flavors to Try

• Berry Bliss: Substitute blueberry or strawberry pie filling for the lemon for a berry-forward treat.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Use chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling for a black forest inspired variation.
• Spiced Apple: Try apple pie filling with a spice cake mix for a fall-inspired dessert.
• Pineapple Paradise: Pineapple pie filling with coconut sprinkled on top creates a tropical twist.

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix – the rest of the ingredients remain the same!
• Reduced Sugar: Look for reduced-sugar pie filling and use less powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Heat your oven to 350°F and butter your baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds a little extra richness to the edges.

Step 2: Create the Crust

Mix the melted butter and cake mix until combined. It will resemble coarse crumbs. Press about 1½ cups of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a thin, even crust.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat together the room temperature cream cheese, a portion of the lemon pie filling, egg, powdered sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes – don’t rush this step! Spread this mixture evenly over your crust.

Step 4: Add Remaining Layers

Spread the remaining lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer, creating a beautiful stripe of bright yellow. Then sprinkle the remaining cake mix mixture evenly over the top for that classic crumbly dump cake finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center still has a slight jiggle, about 40-45 minutes. The cake will continue to set as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 45 minutes before serving. This cooling time is crucial for the layers to set properly. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is non-negotiable! Cold cream cheese will leave lumps no matter how long you beat it.
• Don’t Overmix the Crumb Mixture: When combining the cake mix and butter, mix just until combined. Overmixing will make it too dense.
• Cool Completely for Clean Slices: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing proper cooling time (at least 45 minutes) makes for cleaner slices and better-set layers.
• Even Layer Distribution: Take time to spread each layer evenly for the best texture and flavor in every bite.
• Watch the Edges: If the top is browning too quickly during baking, tent with foil for the remaining cook time.

How to Serve

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake truly shines when served slightly warm with complementary accompaniments:

Perfect Pairings:

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a beautiful temperature and texture contrast.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into an à la mode experience that’s simply divine.
• Fresh berries on the side add beautiful color and compliment the lemon flavor perfectly.

Serving Occasions:

• Weekend family dessert with coffee or tea
• End to a spring or summer dinner party
• Potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for the recipe
• Holiday gatherings when you need a stress-free dessert option

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and meld beautifully after a day or two!

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well. Cut into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for perfect single-serving desserts whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best texture, thaw frozen pieces in the refrigerator overnight. Gently warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. The cake is also delicious cold straight from the refrigerator!

FAQs

Can I use light cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese, but the filling won’t be quite as rich and may have a slightly different texture. The regular full-fat cream cheese creates the most luxurious result, but light cream cheese works in a pinch if you’re looking to reduce calories.

Why did my cake turn out too dry?
The most common reason for dryness is overbaking. Every oven runs a bit differently, so start checking your cake about 5 minutes before the recommended baking time. Remember, the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue to set while cooling.

Can I make this recipe with homemade lemon curd instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd can be a wonderful substitute if you have the time. You’ll need about 2 cups of curd. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will be incredible. Just make sure your curd is thick enough to hold up as a layer.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. The center will still have a slight jiggle – similar to how a cheesecake looks when done. Don’t wait until the center is completely firm, or the cake will be overbaked by the time it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake brings together the best of both worlds – incredible flavor with minimal effort. The bright, tangy lemon balances perfectly with the rich cream cheese, while the buttery cake elements add wonderful texture. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, you barely broke a sweat! Give this recipe a try the next time you need a foolproof dessert that’s sure to impress – your friends and family will be begging for seconds!

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