Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Dreamy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Baking a delectable lemon cream cheese dump cake brings pure joy to any dessert table.

Forget complicated layered confections that demand precision and skill.

Simple ingredients blend effortlessly in this magical recipe, creating a tangy and creamy masterpiece.

Soft cream cheese mingles with bright citrus notes, promising a delightful surprise in every bite.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this dessert a game-changer for busy home cooks.

One pan and a few minutes are all you need to craft this irresistible treat.

Let the aroma of zesty lemons and rich cream cheese tempt you into whipping up this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Tips For Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version of this dessert.
  • Enhance the lemon flavor by adding fresh lemon zest directly into the pie filling or on top before serving.
  • Prevent cake mix from clumping by sifting it evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling layers.
  • Use a glass baking dish to help monitor the browning process and ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Fun Twists For Lemon Dump Cake

  • Gluten-Free Zesty Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Citrus Dream: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Sunshine Cake: Use sugar-free lemon pie filling and a sugar-free cake mix to create a lighter dessert option for diabetics or those watching sugar intake.
  • Vegan Lemon Sensation: Substitute cream cheese with silken tofu, use vegan butter, and select a plant-based cake mix to create a completely animal-product-free version of the classic dump cake.

What To Serve With Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Zesty Brunch Delight: Serve this tangy lemon cream cheese dump cake as a centerpiece for a weekend brunch, pairing it with fresh mimosas and light fruit salad.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice the cake into neat squares, garnish with a delicate lemon twist, and add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a sophisticated touch.
  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack individual portions in mason jars for a portable dessert that's easy to transport and share at outdoor gatherings or family picnics.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful mid-afternoon indulgence.

How To Store Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Store leftover lemon cream cheese dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its fresh taste and texture.
  • Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • For best results, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes after reheating to restore its soft, creamy consistency before serving.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

The key ingredients are lemon pie filling, cream cheese, cake mix, and melted butter, which create a simple yet delicious dessert that requires minimal preparation.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The dump cake method is extremely easy and foolproof, making it perfect for novice bakers who want to create a tasty dessert without complex techniques or extensive baking skills.

  • Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute lemon pie filling with other flavors like cherry, blueberry, or raspberry to customize the cake to your taste preferences while maintaining the same basic preparation method.

What Makes Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake So Good

  • Conquer Baking Complexity: No advanced skills needed, making this recipe perfect for novice bakers who want to create a delicious dessert without stress.
  • Maximize Kitchen Efficiency: Dump cake technique eliminates complicated mixing steps, reducing preparation time and dirty dishes while delivering maximum flavor.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Tangy lemon and creamy cheese combination appeals to wide range of taste preferences, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
  • Customize with Ease: Optional powdered sugar topping allows personal touch, letting home cooks transform a simple recipe into an elegant-looking dessert that impresses guests.

Ingredients For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Base Ingredients:
  • Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides a zesty lemon flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and helps create a decadent layered dessert.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Serves as the primary cake component that creates a light and fluffy topping.
Fat and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a golden, crispy top layer for the dump cake.
Optional Finishing Ingredient:
  • Powdered Sugar: Offers a light, sweet dusting that enhances the cake's presentation and adds a touch of sweetness.

How To Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). 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

Open up that zesty lemon pie filling and spread it out like a smooth, sunshine-yellow canvas across the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure it covers every inch evenly.

Step 3: Add Creamy Cheese Dots

Take your block of cream cheese and slice it into tiny, delightful cubes. Sprinkle these creamy nuggets all over the lemon filling, creating little pockets of tangy goodness.

Step 4: Dust with Cake Mix

Grab your cake mix and gently shower it over the cream cheese and lemon layers. Use a light hand to ensure an even, fluffy blanket covers everything underneath.

Step 5: Drench with Melted Butter

Melt your butter until it’s silky smooth and golden. Pour this liquid treasure over the cake mix, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and let it transform for 45-50 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden top and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready to become your new favorite dessert.

Step 7: Finish with a Sweet Flourish

Once cooled slightly, dust the top with a snowfall of powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Slice, serve, and enjoy your magical lemon cream cheese dump cake!

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Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Culinary magic happens when this lemon cream cheese dump cake blends tangy citrus with creamy richness. Quick assembly and minimal effort yield a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) lemon pie filling
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted

Topping Ingredient:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Create an even layer of lemon pie filling across the entire bottom of the prepared dish.
  3. Carefully cube the cream cheese into small, uniform pieces and gently scatter them over the lemon pie filling.
  4. Uniformly distribute the dry cake mix across the surface, ensuring complete coverage of the cream cheese and pie filling.
  5. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire cake mix layer, allowing it to penetrate and moisten the dry ingredients.
  6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate the cake is fully cooked.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
  8. Optional: Dust the surface with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving to add a decorative and sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Swap sugary pie filling for fresh lemon curd to reduce processed sugar and enhance homemade flavor.
  • Use gluten-free cake mix to transform this dessert into a celiac-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.
  • Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top for added crunch and nutty complexity that elevates the simple dump cake texture.
  • For a lighter version, replace butter with Greek yogurt or coconut oil to cut down on saturated fat while maintaining moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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