Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you love bright, tangy flavors combined with a rich, creamy texture, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe. This dessert is like sunshine on a plate, marrying the zesty punch of lemon with the velvety smoothness of cream cheese and ending with a tender, golden cake crust. What makes it so perfect is how incredibly easy it is to make—no fancy techniques or baking skills are required, just simple layering and a bit of patience while it bakes to perfection. Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual weekend treat or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and delight everyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe shines because of its few, straightforward ingredients that effortlessly come together for an unforgettable dessert. Each ingredient plays an essential role in balancing flavors and textures, from the tangy lemon base to the creamy middle, finally crowned by buttery cake crumbs that bake to a delicate crisp.

• Lemon cake mix: Acts as the sweet, citrusy crust that bakes into a light, crumbly topping.
• Lemon pie filling (21 oz can): Provides a luscious, tart lemon base packed with real fruit flavor and a gel-like texture.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed and softened): Adds richness and a smooth, velvety contrast to the lemony layers.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture perfectly without overpowering the tartness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cream cheese layer with a subtle, warm note that balances the citrus.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Creates a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crust as it bakes on top of the cake mix.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your cake won’t stick and will have beautifully crisp edges once baked.

Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling

Spread the entire can of lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This bright, tangy layer will infuse the cake with that irresistible lemon zing we crave, acting as the fruity foundation of the dessert.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The combination brings a luscious richness with just a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the sour notes from the lemon filling.

Step 4: Dollop the Cream Cheese Layer

Spoon dollops of this creamy mixture evenly over the lemon filling. Don’t worry about perfect spreading; these patches will melt into the filling as the cake bakes, creating delightful pockets of creaminess.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Generously sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the cream cheese layer. This step creates the crumbly, cake-like topping that bakes up crisp and golden, adding wonderful texture to each bite.

Step 6: Add Slices of Butter on Top

Arrange thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter melts during baking to infuse the topping with a rich, buttery flavor and helps achieve that perfectly golden crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles happily underneath. The aroma while baking is simply irresistible and will surely get everyone eager for dessert.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the layers set nicely, making it easier to cut and giving the flavors time to meld. Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, it is pure delight.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a finishing touch can elevate this cake from delightful to downright show-stopping. Garnish with freshly grated lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance that bright citrus note. For a fresh pop of color and flavor, a few sprigs of mint or a handful of blueberries work wonders too.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to add a cold, creamy counterpoint to the warm lemon cake. If you want something lighter, a cup of freshly brewed tea or a citrusy sparkling water balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dump cake straight from the baking dish for a rustic, comforting vibe, or cut it into neat squares and plate on pretty dessert dishes for a more elegant look. For parties, individual ramekins or mini mason jars layered with whipped cream and garnishes turn this simple cake into a delightful handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the lemon cream cheese dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting a day or two.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and then placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm again, reheat small portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place the entire cake in a preheated 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. This will restore its soft, creamy texture and bring back that freshly baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix in this recipe?

Absolutely! While lemon cake mix perfectly complements the pie filling, you can experiment with yellow or white cake mixes for a slightly different flavor that still works beautifully with the cream cheese and lemon layers.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese before mixing?

Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to blend smoothly with the sugar and vanilla, resulting in a creamy, lump-free layer that bakes evenly throughout the cake.

Is this cake very sweet or tangy?

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe strikes a lovely balance—the lemon pie filling provides a bright, tangy punch while the cream cheese layer and cake mix temper the tartness with sweetness and richness.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

You can try substituting a gluten-free lemon cake mix, but be sure to check that both the cake mix and lemon pie filling are certified gluten-free to ensure the dessert is safe for gluten sensitivities.

What’s the best way to serve this cake if I’m making it for a crowd?

Baking it in a 9×13-inch dish is perfect for serving several people. You can cut the cake into generous portions or small squares depending on your group size, and consider adding individual garnishes to impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a true gem of a dessert—simple enough for busy days but delicious enough to make any occasion special. Its bright lemon flavor paired with rich cream cheese and a buttery, tender crust makes every bite memorable. Give it a try and I promise it will become one of your new favorite go-to recipes that friends and family keep coming back for!

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