Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

There's nothing like the bright, tangy sweetness of a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to lift your spirits and satisfy your dessert cravings! With its luscious layers of lemony goodness and creamy filling, this cake is the ultimate no-fuss treat.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for an easy yet impressive dessert to bring to a family gathering. One bite, and everyone was hooked! The combination of creamy, zesty lemon filling and buttery cake topping has now made this a staple at our table.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet the flavors are anything but basic.

First off, it's super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in minutes—no mixing bowls required! Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, and let the oven work its magic.

The lemon and cream cheese combination is irresistible. The lemon adds a refreshing tanginess that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy texture of the cheese. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

If you’re hosting a gathering, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s just the right balance of sweet and tart, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes. Plus, it’s easy to transport and even easier to serve!

Not to mention, this dessert stores beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for days. The flavors only get better as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients in this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake are simple, yet each one plays a critical role in creating the perfect flavor balance and texture.

• Lemon Cake Mix: The base of this recipe is a box of lemon cake mix. It brings a light, lemony flavor and fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese. If you can't find lemon cake mix, you can use yellow cake mix and add lemon zest for extra flavor.
• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient! Cream cheese adds a luscious, creamy texture that elevates this cake to dessert heaven. Make sure it’s softened before layering it to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Lemon Pie Filling: This adds a punch of lemon flavor and a delightful thickness that works perfectly in the cake. It creates pockets of tangy sweetness that contrast wonderfully with the rich cake mix and cream cheese.
• Butter: You’ll need melted butter to drizzle over the top. This will help create a golden, crispy crust that adds a lovely texture contrast to the soft layers below.
• Powdered Sugar: For a finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top after baking. It adds a hint of extra sweetness and makes the cake look bakery-worthy.

You'll also need a 9x13 baking dish for layering everything together. No need for any fancy equipment—this is a true one-pan wonder!

How To Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Creating this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is as easy as layering a few simple ingredients. Follow these steps for a delicious, no-mess dessert that’s ready in under an hour.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Lemon Pie Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the sweet, tangy base layer that infuses the entire cake with lemony flavor.
3. Add the Cream Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the pie filling. Try to spread it out as evenly as possible for a balanced layer of creamy goodness in every bite. If needed, use a spatula to smooth it out gently.
4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Open the box of lemon cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese layer. There’s no need to mix it in—just make sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Drizzle with Butter: Melt the butter and pour it over the cake mix. This will create that beautiful golden crust as it bakes. Make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix to avoid dry spots.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the layers set.

Once baked, this cake has a warm, lemony aroma that fills your kitchen, and a crisp, golden crust that gives way to a creamy, citrusy filling.

Storage Options

Storing your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is as easy as making it! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy this cake the same day, you can leave it covered at room temperature for up to 4 hours. This keeps the cake soft and maintains the buttery texture of the topping.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The cake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors will continue to meld over time.
• Freezer: This cake also freezes beautifully! Wrap portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat individual portions in the microwave.

When reheating, cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent drying out, and warm in short intervals until it’s just heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients!

• Different Flavors: Can’t find lemon pie filling? Try using blueberry, strawberry, or cherry pie filling for a delicious twist! These flavors pair wonderfully with the cream cheese and give the cake a fun, fruity update.
• Add Fresh Berries: For extra texture and flavor, add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries over the pie filling before layering the cream cheese. This adds a burst of juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
• Swap the Cake Mix: If lemon cake mix isn’t available, a yellow or white cake mix will work well too. You can even add a teaspoon of lemon extract or zest for that lemony touch.
• Top with Whipped Cream: To make this dessert extra special, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each serving. It’s a delicious way to add creaminess and balance the lemon flavor.
• Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle a bit of shredded coconut on top before baking. The coconut will toast as it bakes, adding a nutty, slightly chewy texture that’s wonderful with the lemon.

This recipe is the perfect base for customization, so let your creativity shine! No matter how you enjoy it, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is sure to be a hit.

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