Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crafting a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet tanginess meets creamy richness in this incredibly simple treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this magical dessert without breaking a sweat.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor, promising a delectable experience that feels like culinary magic.

Soft, moist layers meld together with zesty lemon notes and smooth cream cheese undertones.

Each forkful promises a delightful surprise that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this cake comes together, making it perfect for spontaneous celebrations or quiet afternoon indulgences.

Store Lemon Dump Cake to Stay Fresh

• Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Place in covered dish away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh powdered sugar after reheating for extra sweetness.

FAQs

• What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are literally “dumped” into a baking dish without complex mixing or preparation, creating an easy and quick dessert.

• Can I use homemade lemon pie filling instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade lemon pie filling. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to the store-bought version for best results.

• Why are cream cheese dollops used in this recipe?

Cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture that complements the sweet and tart lemon filling, creating a more complex dessert.

• Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! Dump cakes are perfect for novice bakers because they require minimal baking skills and have very simple steps with few ingredients.

Reasons to Love Lemon Dump Cake

• Whip Up Quickly: This dump cake comes together in minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines tangy lemon and creamy cheese flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone loves each bite.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Needed: No complicated techniques required – simply layer ingredients and let the oven do the work, making it ideal for beginner bakers or those who want a stress-free dessert solution.
• Versatile Serving Option: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a casual weekend treat that impresses without demanding extensive cooking skills.

Ingredients in Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides the primary lemon flavor for the cake.
• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds depth and texture to the dessert.
• Dry Cake Mix: A convenient base that creates the cake's structure and provides a simple baking method.

• Butter: A key ingredient that helps crisp the cake mix and adds richness to the overall dessert.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Zest: Optional garnishes that enhance the cake's appearance and provide additional lemon flavor and sweetness.

Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment for this delightful dessert.

Step 2: Layer the Lemon Base

Pour the lemon pie filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a tangy foundation.

Step 3: Add Creamy Dollops

Scoop generous spoonfuls of cream cheese across the lemon filling, creating random dollops that will melt and create pockets of creamy goodness.

Step 4: Dust with Cake Mix

Grab your dry cake mix and sprinkle it uniformly over the lemon and cream cheese layers, covering the entire surface with a light, even coating.

Step 5: Drench with Butter

Melt the butter and carefully drizzle it over the cake mix, ensuring you cover as much of the dry mix as possible to help create a golden, crispy top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top that signals the cake is ready.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly.

If desired, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle fresh lemon zest on top for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Serve warm and enjoy the magical combination of tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and buttery cake.

Kitchen Tips for Lemon Dump Cake Recipe

• Use a spatula to distribute lemon pie filling and cream cheese uniformly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Drizzle melted butter carefully to ensure cake mix gets completely moistened and develops a crispy golden top.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Let cake cool for 15 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.
• Enhance dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for extra brightness.

Ways to Change Lemon Dump Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute lemon pie filling with vegan lemon curd, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Sugar Option: Choose sugar-free lemon pie filling, use a sugar-free cake mix, and replace powdered sugar with a monk fruit or stevia-based sweetener for diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Tropical Remix: Swap lemon pie filling with pineapple or passion fruit filling, use white cake mix, and add shredded coconut on top for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.

What Complements Lemon Dump Cake Recipe

• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the cake with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon zest curls for a sophisticated presentation.
• Creamy Companion Pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the lemony richness.
• Brunch Showstopper: Create a delightful weekend brunch centerpiece by placing the cake on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for a pop of color.
• Coffee Shop Style: Slice into neat squares and pair with a hot cappuccino or cold iced latte for a café-inspired dessert experience.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lemon cream cheese dump cake brings zesty sunshine to classic dessert traditions. Southern comfort meets citrus delight with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can lemon pie filling
• 1 package cream cheese, softened

Liquid/Fat Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) butter, melted

Garnish (Optional):

• powdered sugar
• lemon zest

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), ensuring an ideal baking environment.
2. Pour the vibrant lemon pie filling into a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even, glossy base layer.
3. Dollop soft cream cheese across the lemon filling, distributing creamy pockets throughout the surface.
4. Generously cascade the dry cake mix over the cream cheese and lemon layers, creating a uniform powdery blanket.
5. Melt butter and artfully drizzle it across the cake mix, aiming to saturate as much of the dry mixture as possible.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown transformation on top.
7. Remove from oven and let the cake rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and temperature to moderate.
8. Optional: Dust with delicate powdered sugar or sprinkle fresh lemon zest for an elegant finishing touch before serving warm.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese to make this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pie filling and a low-sugar cake mix for a more diabetic-friendly version.
• Enhance lemon flavor by adding fresh lemon juice or zest directly into the pie filling for a brighter, more intense citrus taste.
• Prevent cake mix from clumping by sifting it evenly over the filling, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture throughout the dessert.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg