Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe for Sweet Success

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration.

Creamy layers meld with zesty citrus notes in this incredibly simple dessert.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings.

Each spoonful promises a tangy, velvety experience that surprises and delights.

Soft, moist textures blend seamlessly with bright lemon undertones.

Home bakers will adore how quickly this dessert comes together.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by this effortless culinary magic.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Is A Hit

• Simplify Baking: Dump cakes eliminate complex steps, letting you mix ingredients directly in the baking dish with minimal preparation and cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheese creates a universally appealing flavor that delights both kids and adults at gatherings.
• Flexible Serving Option: Enjoy this dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled, making it perfect for casual family dinners or potluck events.
• Quick Treat Solution: Requires just a few ingredients and basic mixing skills, allowing even novice bakers to create a delicious dessert without stress or advanced culinary techniques.

Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides the primary fruit flavor for the cake.
• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds a smooth texture and subtle tang to the dessert.
• Dry Lemon Cake Mix: The primary cake component that creates the structure and lemon flavor of the dessert.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the lemon.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste profile.

• Butter, Powdered Sugar: Adds richness, helps create a golden brown top, and provides a delicate sweet finish to the cake.

Step-by-Step Directions for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spread the Lemony Base

Pour the lemon pie filling across the bottom of the dish, creating a sunny yellow landscape of tangy goodness.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth concoction.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Layer

Dot the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling, creating playful clouds of creamy deliciousness.

Step 5: Dust with Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly across the top, covering the previous layers completely.

Step 6: Drench with Butter

Drizzle melted butter all over the cake mix, ensuring maximum coverage for a rich, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Send your creation into the oven for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling filling that promises delectable results.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Let the cake cool slightly.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, dust the top with a snowfall of powdered sugar. Serve warm and watch eyes light up with joy.

Tips to Bring Out Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Flavors

• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free mixture that blends easily.
• Ensure even distribution of melted butter by drizzling slowly and covering the entire cake mix layer.
• Opt for fresh lemon pie filling for a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the dessert.
• Check doneness by looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges, which indicate a perfectly baked dump cake.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Flavor Additions That Enhance Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Lemon Blast: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free lemon cake mix, ensuring celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Vegan Citrus Dream: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use vegan butter alternative, and plant-based lemon pie filling for dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Treat: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free lemon pie filling, and reduce butter quantity for lighter dessert.
• Tropical Sunrise Remix: Replace lemon pie filling with passion fruit or mango filling, add shredded coconut on top for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.

Side Dishes to Complement Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Sunny Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by placing this warm lemon cream cheese dump cake as the star attraction, surrounded by fresh berries and light mimosas.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice the cake into neat squares, garnish with a mint leaf and a small dollop of whipped cream, perfect for an after-dinner sophisticated treat.
• Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual servings in mason jars for a portable, delightful dessert that captures the zesty lemon flavor and creamy texture, ideal for outdoor gatherings.
• Holiday Potluck Showstopper: Bring this cake to family gatherings, serving it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will adore.

How to Keep Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Fresh

• Store leftover lemon cream cheese dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Refrigeration helps maintain the cake's texture and prevents cream cheese from spoiling quickly.
• Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this cake unique?

The combination of lemon pie filling, cream cheese, and lemon cake mix creates a tangy, creamy dessert with layered flavors that are both rich and bright.

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s extremely simple! This dump cake requires minimal preparation and mixing, making it perfect for beginner bakers who want an easy, delicious dessert.

• Can I use a different type of pie filling?

While lemon works best for this recipe, you could experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry or cherry for a different flavor profile.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

Absolutely not! This recipe is incredibly forgiving and straightforward. Simply layer the ingredients in order and bake – no complicated techniques required.

Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon cream cheese dump cake delivers a delightful dessert experience from scratch. Home bakers can easily assemble this simple Southern-style treat with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake and Base Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 can lemon pie filling
• 12 cup butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 12 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredient:

• 12 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease.
2. Create an even base by spreading the lemon pie filling across the bottom of the dish.
3. Whip the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gently distribute the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling using spoonfuls, creating random dollops.
5. Uniformly scatter the dry lemon cake mix across the top of the existing layers.
6. Generously drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring maximum coverage and potential crispiness.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling filling.
8. Remove from oven and let the cake rest momentarily to slightly cool and settle.
9. Optional: Dust the surface with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for enhanced presentation and sweetness.
10. Serve while still warm to enjoy optimal texture and flavor profiles.

Notes

• Adjust the sweetness by reducing sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
• Swap lemon pie filling with homemade or low-sugar alternatives for dietary needs.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to create a vegan-friendly version.
• Enhance the lemon flavor by adding fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg