Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Fluffy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe For Zesty Bliss

Decadent desserts have a special way of bringing smiles, and this lemon cream cheese dump cake recipe delivers pure joy with minimal effort.

Creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible, this dessert comes together in a flash.

Forget complicated baking techniques that leave you exhausted.

Layers of zesty lemon and velvety cream cheese create a magical combination that dances on your taste buds.

One-bowl preparation means less cleanup and more deliciousness to enjoy.

The simplicity of this recipe belies its incredible flavor profile.

You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so extraordinary.

Grab a fork and prepare to be delighted by this effortless dessert that promises to become a new favorite.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Works Every Time

  • Whip Up Quickly
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The tangy lemon combined with rich cream cheese creates a crowd-favorite flavor profile that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
  • Perfect for Beginners: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it ideal for novice cooks or anyone wanting a stress-free dessert experience.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats that can be served warm or at room temperature with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Tangy Dump Cake

Base Layer:
  • Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides the primary fruity flavor for the cake.
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds a smooth texture and subtle tanginess to the dessert.
Cake Topping:
  • Dry Cake Mix: A convenient base that creates a golden and crumbly cake-like topping.
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that helps crisp the cake mix and adds a deep, buttery flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Sugar: A sweetener that balances the cream cheese and complements the lemon flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: An optional garnish that provides a bright, fresh citrus aroma and enhances the lemon profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Lemon Base

Pour the lemon pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar until silky and smooth.

Use a spoon to drop soft dollops of this creamy mixture all over the lemon filling.

Step 4: Scatter the Cake Mix

Open the dry cake mix and sprinkle it generously across the cream cheese and lemon layers.

Make sure to cover the entire surface for a perfect top layer.

Step 5: Drench with Butter

Melt the butter and gently pour it over the cake mix.

Try to distribute the butter as evenly as possible so every bite gets that rich, golden touch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and starts bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest and cool slightly.

If you want an extra zing, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest on top before serving.

Enjoy this tangy, creamy dessert warm!

Tips for Super Moist Dump Cake

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
  • Adjust sugar in cream cheese mixture based on personal preference or the tartness of lemon pie filling.
  • Use a pastry brush or spoon to spread melted butter evenly across cake mix for consistent golden-brown color.
  • Place baking dish on middle oven rack to ensure balanced heat distribution and crisp cake texture.
  • Add lemon zest just before serving to maintain bright, citrusy aroma and enhance overall flavor profile.

Ways to Switch Up Lemon Dump Cake

  • Gluten-Free Lemon Cream Cheese Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Citrus Delight: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free lemon pie filling for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Vegan Lemon Cream Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use vegan butter for a plant-based adaptation.
  • Keto-Friendly Lemon Cake: Replace cake mix with almond flour, use sugar-free pie filling, and add extra butter to boost fat content for ketogenic diets.

Serving Dump Cake with Style

  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair this zesty dessert with fresh coffee or a light mimosa for a delightful morning treat.
  • Elegant Dessert Plate: Serve chilled slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Bright Citrus Finish: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest or mint leaves on top to enhance the cake's tangy profile and add a pop of color.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice into small squares and present on a pretty platter for a charming tea time dessert that guests will adore.

Keeping Lemon Dump Cake Fresh

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
  • Let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture. Avoid leaving out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

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

The key ingredients are lemon pie filling, cream cheese, sugar, dry cake mix, and butter. These simple ingredients create a delicious and easy dessert.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s extremely easy! The “dump cake” method means you simply layer ingredients in a baking dish without complicated mixing or special techniques. Anyone can make this recipe, even beginners.

  • Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Absolutely! While lemon works great, you can experiment with other fruit pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or peach to create your own unique version of this dump cake.

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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets zesty lemon cream cheese dump cake in this ridiculously easy dessert. Simple ingredients cascade into a tangy, moist masterpiece that delights taste buds and brings smiles around any gathering table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow or lemon cake mix
  • 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) lemon pie filling
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Dairy and Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar

Garnish:

  • Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Create an even layer of lemon pie filling across the entire bottom of the prepared dish.
  3. Whip cream cheese with sugar until silky and smooth, creating soft, creamy dollops to distribute gently over the lemon filling.
  4. Distribute dry cake mix uniformly across the cream cheese and lemon layers, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Melt butter and carefully pour over the cake mix, aiming for consistent distribution across the surface.
  6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown, bubbling top that indicates complete cooking.
  7. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes, helping it set and become easier to serve.
  8. Optional: Enhance presentation by sprinkling fresh lemon zest across the top for a bright, citrusy accent before serving.

Notes

  • Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and make the dessert celiac-friendly.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar for a lighter version that still maintains delicious flavor profiles.
  • Enhance citrus intensity by adding fresh lemon juice or extra zest directly into the cream cheese mixture for a more vibrant taste experience.
  • Prevent cake mix from becoming too dry by ensuring even butter distribution and monitoring oven temperature during baking to maintain optimal moisture levels.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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