Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, look no further than this bright and irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This delightful treat combines the tangy zest of lemon pie filling with the smooth richness of cream cheese, all topped off with a buttery, crumbly cake layer that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dessert that’s incredibly easy to make yet wildly impressive in flavor, perfectly balancing sweet, tart, and creamy in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or just indulging yourself, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake will quickly become one of your go-to favorites when citrus cravings strike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each item plays a critical role—from the creamy base to the tangy lemon and the perfectly crunchy topping, creating a multidimensional dessert experience.

• Cream cheese (16 ounces, room temperature): Gives the cake its luscious, velvety texture and rich flavor that balances the tartness of lemon.
• Unsalted butter (10 tablespoons melted, plus extra for greasing): Adds moisture and a golden crust, making the cake buttery and tender.
• Yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix (1 box, 13.25 to 15.25 ounces): Creates that classic crumbly texture on top—the perfect contrast to the smooth filling.
• Lemon pie filling (1 can, 21 ounces, divided): The star ingredient that brings sweet and tangy citrus brightness throughout the dessert.
• Large egg (1): Helps bind the cream cheese mixture smoothly for a consistent, creamy layer.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the lemon’s natural zing.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: For serving, giving an extra creamy, cooling contrast to the warm cake.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Getting the oven ready ahead of time ensures your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake starts baking right away, while greasing the pan thoroughly will help you serve it effortlessly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend creates the rich, luscious base layer of your cake that beautifully offsets the sweet lemon.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Incorporate the large egg into your cream cheese mixture and mix until fully combined. This step helps the cream cheese batter set properly and achieve that perfect creamy consistency after baking.

Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure it reaches all the edges. This forms the foundational layer that your lemon and cake mixture will beautifully rest upon.

Step 5: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling

Spoon the lemon pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out gently but completely. The lemon filling is what gives this dump cake its signature burst of citrus flavor, infusing every bite with freshness.

Step 6: Add the Cake Mix

Lightly sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the lemon filling. Do not stir the layers together—that crumbly top is what turns golden and creates that irresistible texture contrast.

Step 7: Top with Butter

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the dry cake mix. This little final touch ensures the top crisps up beautifully and bakes into a buttery, golden crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the whole cake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbles up around the edges. Your kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Step 9: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Let the cake cool a little before cutting into it. This brief resting period helps the layers set perfectly, making it easier to serve and enjoy every mouthful without it falling apart.

Step 10: Serve Warm with Optional Toppings

For an extra magical dessert experience, serve your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess against the warm cake is pure bliss on a plate.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

Elevate your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake by adding fresh garnishes like lemon zest, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a few fresh mint leaves. These simple additions brighten the presentation and add freshness to each slice.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light sides like fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to contrast its richness. For a brunch or tea setting, pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement the citrus flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the dump cake in individual ramekins, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a thin lemon slice for an elegant look. It’s also lovely served in a trifle bowl layered with extra lemon curd and crushed cookies for a unique presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator—perfect for enjoying over a few days or surprising guests later.

Freezing

You can freeze this dessert by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm the whole pan at 300°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream after warming to bring back that just-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix works best for that classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with white or even vanilla cake mix for subtle variations.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese at room temperature?

Yes, room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly and helps avoid lumps, ensuring the cream cheese layer is silky and creamy in the finished cake.

Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and a dairy-free cake mix, you can adapt this recipe, but expect some texture and flavor changes.

Why do I not stir the cake mix into the lemon layer?

Leaving the cake mix on top untouched creates that wonderful crumbly, buttery crust as it bakes, contrasting perfectly with the creamy and fruity layers beneath.

How long should I let the cake cool before serving?

Allow it to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes so it sets well and is easier to slice, but it’s best enjoyed slightly warm to enhance its comforting flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is like inviting a burst of sunshine indoors with every bite. It’s a dessert that’s as approachable to make as it is delightful to eat, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something special. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this lovely, tangy, creamy cake in your baking repertoire.

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