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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: The Bright and Creamy Dessert You’ll Love
When it comes to simple yet irresistible desserts, nothing beats the magic of a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This easy-to-make treat combines the tang of lemon with the richness of cream cheese, resulting in a golden, buttery dessert that’s moist, fluffy, and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no effort, you’ll create a bakery-worthy cake that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or whenever you crave something sweet and citrusy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake has everything a dessert lover could ask for — flavor, texture, and simplicity. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
• Only five ingredients and no complicated steps.
• A bright lemon flavor that’s perfectly balanced by creamy cheese.
• Moist, buttery texture with a golden crumble topping.
• Perfect for potlucks, brunches, holidays, or weeknight desserts.
• Can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box yellow or lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Fresh lemon zest or thin lemon slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures easy cleanup and helps create that golden edge we all love.
Step 2: Add the Lemon Base
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This creates the sweet and tangy base that gives the cake its bright lemon flavor. If you’re a fan of extra lemon punch, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest at this stage.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Layer
Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes or dollops and scatter them evenly over the lemon filling. As the cake bakes, these pockets of cream cheese melt into the filling, creating a luscious, creamy layer throughout the dessert.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the lemon and cream cheese layers. Don’t stir — this is part of what makes dump cakes unique. The dry mix will combine with the butter during baking to form a golden crust.
Step 5: Add Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much surface as possible. The butter acts as the binding agent that transforms the dry mix into a soft, crumbly topping. If any dry spots remain, you can lightly mist them with cooking spray.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cream cheese will peek through in places, creating creamy swirls that contrast beautifully with the crisp top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly while keeping that irresistible gooey texture. You can serve it warm for a comforting dessert or chill it for a cool, creamy treat on a hot day.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert shines on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special:
• With whipped cream: Add a dollop for a light and airy contrast.
• With vanilla ice cream: The warmth of the cake and the cold ice cream make a perfect pairing.
• With powdered sugar: Dust lightly for a bakery-style presentation.
• With lemon zest: Sprinkle a bit of fresh zest to intensify the citrus aroma.
Tips for Success
Use softened cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends better and melts smoothly into the filling.
Don’t mix the layers: The magic of a dump cake comes from the natural layering that occurs as it bakes.
Try different cake mixes: Yellow cake adds richness, while lemon cake enhances tartness.
Make it richer: Add a handful of white chocolate chips or shredded coconut before baking.
Variations
Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake: Add a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon pie filling for a fruity twist.
Strawberry Lemon Version: Replace one can of lemon filling with strawberry pie filling for a sweet-and-tangy blend.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert accessible for everyone.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for about 15–20 seconds or warm in a low oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. You can also enjoy it cold — the flavors deepen as it chills, making it even more refreshing.
To freeze, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s effortless yet impressive, the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is it. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of treat that makes any occasion special. The contrast of tangy lemon, rich cream cheese, and buttery cake creates a balance that’s both refreshing and decadent. Whether you serve it warm on a chilly night or chilled after a summer meal, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Once you make it, you’ll understand why this simple “dump and bake” method has earned a place in every baker’s kitchen. Easy, elegant, and bursting with flavor — this lemon cream cheese dump cake is sunshine on a plate.