Sweet & Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake couldn’t be easier for busy home bakers craving something sweet.

Dessert enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients create magic in just one pan.

Layers of tangy cream cheese blend perfectly with bright citrus notes.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing treat.

Quick mixing and straightforward techniques mean anyone can master this delectable dessert.

Soft, moist textures and zesty undertones make each bite absolutely irresistible.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a haven of delicious possibilities with this foolproof recipe.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Is So Simple

• Simplify Baking: Dump cakes revolutionize home baking with their ultra-straightforward preparation method, requiring minimal kitchen skills and zero complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers a tangy-sweet flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses just a handful of common pantry staples, eliminating the need for complex grocery shopping or specialized baking equipment, which saves time and reduces kitchen stress.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Transforms basic ingredients into a warm, gooey dessert that provides instant satisfaction with minimal effort, delivering maximum deliciousness in a short preparation window.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides moisture and intense lemon flavor to the dump cake.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and a subtle tangy element to complement the lemon filling.

• Lemon Cake Mix: Serves as the primary dry ingredient that creates the cake's structure and provides additional lemon flavor.

• Butter, Unsalted: Helps create a golden, crispy top and adds richness to the overall dessert.

Steps for Making Lemon Dump Cake With Ease

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a square baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray or a light butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Lemony Base

• Half of the lemon cake mix
• Cubed cream cheese pieces
• Remaining lemon cake mix

Step 3: Dot with Buttery Goodness

Scatter thin slices of butter across the top of the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible.

The butter will work its magic during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and a fully baked cake mix that’s soaked up all the buttery goodness.

Step 5: Cool and Indulge

Pull the cake out of the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

This helps the layers settle and makes cutting easier. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.

Tips for Moist Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Generously grease your baking dish to ensure easy cake removal and no stubborn residue.
• Cut butter into thin, uniform pieces to help it melt evenly and create a perfectly golden, crispy topping.
• Test cake's readiness by looking for a golden-brown surface and making sure cake mix looks fully baked and absorbed.
• Let cake rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra luxurious dessert experience that takes this simple cake to the next level.

Creative Swaps for Lemon Dump Cake Lovers

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cream Cheese Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free lemon cake mix, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this sweet treat.
• Berry Bliss Variation: Swap lemon pie filling with mixed berry filling and use a vanilla cake mix for a fruity alternative that bursts with summer flavors.
• Low-Sugar Friendly Option: Utilize sugar-free lemon pie filling and a reduced-sugar cake mix, perfect for diabetic-friendly dessert lovers seeking a lighter version.
• Citrus Fusion Remix: Incorporate orange zest into the cream cheese and use orange marmalade instead of lemon pie filling for a tangy citrus transformation.

Pairings for Your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Complement the lemon cream cheese dump cake with a light, refreshing lemon or tangerine sorbet that echoes the cake’s bright citrus notes.

Top the warm cake with a scoop of smooth vanilla gelato, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast between the hot cake and cold ice cream.

Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the cake’s richness and enhance its lemony brightness, offering a sophisticated adult pairing.

Serve alongside a hot cup of chamomile or green tea with a fresh lemon slice, which will cleanse the palate and highlight the dessert’s citrusy undertones.

Storing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the cake covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Warm individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed to reach desired warmth. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place cake slice in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring moisture remains intact.

FAQs

• What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are literally “dumped” into a baking dish without extensive mixing, creating an easy and delicious treat with minimal preparation.

• Can I use homemade lemon pie filling?

Yes, you can use homemade lemon pie filling instead of store-bought. Just ensure it has a similar consistency and sweetness level to maintain the recipe’s balance.

• Is cream cheese necessary for this recipe?

Cream cheese adds richness and a tangy flavor, but you can omit it if needed. The cake will still be delicious, though slightly less creamy.

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

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. The cake mix should be fully absorbed and look set, with no dry powdery patches visible.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent lemon cream cheese dump cake brings zesty sunshine to dessert tables with minimal effort. Rich, tangy layers meld together effortlessly, promising pure delight when you want something quick and deliciously comforting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) lemon cake mix
• 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) lemon pie filling
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Butter Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Optional Toppings:

• (No optional toppings specified in original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and coat a square baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy release.
2. Create the first layer by spreading lemon pie filling across the entire bottom of the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Sprinkle half of the lemon cake mix uniformly over the lemon pie filling, covering the entire surface.
4. Distribute cubed cream cheese evenly across the cake mix layer, creating random pockets of creamy texture.
5. Generously scatter the remaining cake mix over the cream cheese, completely covering the previous layer.
6. Strategically place thin butter slices across the top of the cake mix, aiming to cover maximum surface area for optimal moisture and flavor.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the cake mix fully absorbs the butter.
8. After removing from the oven, let the cake rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing layers to settle and flavors to meld together.
9. Serve warm, optionally complementing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a delicate dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, indulgent texture.
• Adjust baking time by checking the cake’s golden-brown top and inserting a toothpick to ensure complete baking around the 35-minute mark.
• For a zestier flavor profile, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the top before baking to enhance the citrusy notes and add a bright, aromatic touch.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar-free lemon pie filling and a low-sugar cake mix for a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg