The Ultimate Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake couldn’t be easier for dessert enthusiasts craving something magical.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this simple yet spectacular treat.

Sweet and tangy notes dance together, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like pure comfort.

Layers of creamy goodness promise a dessert that will make you swoon with each delectable bite.

No complicated techniques or professional skills required – just toss ingredients and let your oven work its charm.

Silky smooth textures and bright citrus undertones guarantee a memorable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll absolutely love how quickly this cake comes together, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Works

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This strawberry cheesecake delivers a stunning centerpiece that impresses guests with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavor combination.
• Simplify Baking Process: The recipe follows straightforward steps with basic ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, even those with limited kitchen experience.
• Perfect for Celebration Moments: Ideal for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or summer gatherings where a luxurious yet approachable dessert is desired.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adjusting strawberry toppings or experimenting with different fruit preserves to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients to Bake Lemon Dump Cake

• Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy foundation that provides the primary fruity flavor for the dessert.
• Lemon Cake Mix: The primary dry ingredient that creates the cake's structure and adds a zesty lemon essence.

• Cream Cheese: A rich and smooth ingredient that adds a luxurious texture and subtle tanginess to the dessert.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tartness of the lemon.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and aromatic notes.

• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds moisture and helps create a golden, crispy top layer.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Lemon Base

Pour the lemon pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire bottom with a smooth, sunny layer.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture with no lumps.

Step 4: Dot the Creamy Topping

Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture all over the lemon filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect – rustic looks delicious!

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Layer

Generously shower the lemon cake mix over the entire surface, creating a light, even coating that will become a golden, crumbly top.

Step 6: Drench with Butter

Melt some butter and drizzle it evenly across the cake mix layer, ensuring every bit gets a buttery kiss.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden top that’s bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest for a few minutes after pulling it from the oven. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a heavenly dessert that’ll make everyone smile.

Tips for Lemon Cream Cheese Success

• Cool the cake for at least 15-20 minutes to let the layers set properly and make slicing easier.
• Substitute lemon pie filling with homemade lemon curd for a more intense citrus flavor and fresher taste.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar for a lighter version of the dessert that's still deliciously creamy.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat briefly in the microwave before serving to restore its soft texture.
• Garnish with fresh lemon zest or whipped cream just before serving to add an extra layer of brightness and elegance to the dessert.

Variations to Try with Lemon Dump Cake

• Blueberry Burst: Replace lemon pie filling with blueberry pie filling and use white cake mix for a fruity summer dessert.
• Tropical Paradise: Swap lemon pie filling for crushed pineapple and add shredded coconut on top before baking for a Hawaiian-inspired treat.
• Chocolate Dream: Substitute lemon pie filling with chocolate pudding and use chocolate cake mix for an indulgent chocolate lovers' version.
• Raspberry Cheesecake: Use raspberry pie filling instead of lemon, keep cream cheese layer, and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added crunch.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

• Zesty Lemon Brunch Delight: Serve warm slices alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a bright morning gathering. Perfect for weekend brunches with friends.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust each slice with powdered sugar and garnish with thin lemon zest curls. Pair with a chilled glass of moscato wine for an elevated dessert experience.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack individual portions in mason jars for an outdoor summer dessert. Top with crushed graham crackers for added texture and portability during picnics or potlucks.
• Coffee Companion: Slice into small squares and serve alongside afternoon espresso or cold brew. The tangy lemon and creamy texture complement rich coffee beautifully.

Storage Recommendations for Lemon Dump Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 hours if serving the same day. Place a loose cover over the dish to maintain freshness and prevent dust.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes to restore the cake's original texture and warmth.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this dump cake?

The key ingredients are lemon pie filling, cream cheese, lemon cake mix, sugar, vanilla, and butter.

• Can I use a different type of pie filling?

While lemon works best, you can experiment with other fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for variety.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden, bubbly top and slightly crisp edges. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

• Is this recipe considered easy to make?

Yes, dump cakes are known for being extremely simple with minimal preparation and mixing required. Just layer ingredients and bake.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake delivers a zesty, creamy dessert perfect for casual gatherings. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this tangy treat a crowd-pleasing finale you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 can lemon pie filling
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Distribute lemon pie filling across the entire base of the baking dish in an even layer.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gently place cream cheese mixture over lemon pie filling using spoon, creating soft, scattered dollops.
5. Uniformly scatter dry lemon cake mix across the entire surface, covering the cream cheese and lemon filling completely.
6. Slowly pour melted butter in a zigzag pattern, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the cake mix layer.
7. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top with bubbling edges.
8. Allow cake to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Swap cake mix with gluten-free alternative for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals to make the dessert accessible.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pie filling and cutting down sugar in cream cheese mixture for diabetic-friendly version.
• Enhance texture by gently folding fresh lemon zest into cream cheese mixture for extra bright citrus flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
• Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh mint leaves or candied lemon peel to add visual appeal and complementary aromatic notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg