Looking for a dessert that’s refreshingly tangy, delightfully creamy, and irresistibly easy to make? This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of cream cheese in a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for spring gatherings, summer barbecues, or simply satisfying a citrus craving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: The “dump cake” method means you just layer the ingredients and bake—no mixing required!
- Bright & Creamy: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Simple enough for casual occasions yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spoon dollops of this mixture over the lemon pie filling.
- Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added flair.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for a high-quality lemon pie filling for the best flavor.
- Spread Evenly: Make sure the cake mix and butter are evenly distributed for consistent baking.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing and smooth dollops.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans) over the top before baking for a delightful texture.
Variations
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Add a layer of fresh or frozen blueberries on top of the lemon pie filling before adding the cream cheese layer.
Gluten-Free Version
- Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix to make this dessert suitable for everyone.
Extra Tangy
- Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and zest to the cream cheese mixture for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
FAQs
1. What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are layered in a baking dish without mixing, creating a cobbler-like texture with minimal effort.
2. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! White or yellow cake mix will work if you want to tone down the lemon flavor.
3. Can I substitute the lemon pie filling?
Yes, you can use other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or cherry for a different twist.
4. Why isn’t my cake mix fully moist?
If there are dry spots on top after baking, drizzle additional melted butter over those areas or add a splash of milk before baking.
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a dessert that combines simplicity and flavor into one unforgettable bite. With its zesty lemon base, creamy pockets of sweetened cream cheese, and buttery golden topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!
Enjoy this sweet and tangy treat with friends, family, or just a quiet moment to yourself.
