Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re craving sunshine in dessert form, look no further than Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This is the ultimate easy-bake treat that bridges bold tangy lemon with luscious, creamy pockets of sweetened cream cheese — all blanketed under a buttery, golden cake topping. With only a handful of pantry staples and a can of pie filling, you can bring a bright, bakery-style masterpiece to your own table in under an hour. Whether it’s for a potluck, picnic, or a Sunday family treat, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a cheery, fuss-free recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is how a few humble ingredients come together, each playing a starring role in this dessert’s wow factor. Every element enhances the flavor, texture, or color, so don’t skip a thing!

• Lemon Cake Mix: Gives the cake its signature zesty flavor and provides that fluffy, golden topping everyone loves.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Packs an irresistible tangy-sweet layer and keeps the cake moist and gooey.
• Cream Cheese (cubed and softened): Delivers creamy, rich bursts throughout the cake, balancing the tart lemon.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the cream cheese, creating the dessert’s addictive contrast.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the cake and cream cheese mixture with a subtle, comforting aroma.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Turns the cake mix into a buttery, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
• Nonstick Spray: Essential for easy cleanup and ensuring every slice lifts out perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coat of nonstick spray. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also ensures each square of cake comes out beautifully intact, every time.

Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling

Spoon the lemon pie filling into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This becomes the tangy base of your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, ensuring every bite is packed with citrus sunshine.

Step 3: Mix and Add Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until velvety smooth and creamy. Carefully drop spoonfuls of this sweetened mixture over the layer of lemon filling. Don’t worry about perfection here; those creamy pools will melt into delicious surprises throughout the cake.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix and Pour Butter

Take your dry lemon cake mix and evenly sprinkle it over everything in the dish, making sure you cover the cream cheese as best you can. Next, slowly pour the melted butter over the top, aiming to coat as much of the surface as possible. The butter will transform the dry mix into a crunchy, golden crown as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is ready when the top looks gloriously golden and the filling is bubbling invitingly around the edges. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before scooping and serving; this helps those layers set up just right.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, dust the cake with powdered sugar or scatter fresh lemon zest over the top just before serving. If you’re going for extra decadence, a big dollop of whipped cream or a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream melting alongside a warm piece is absolutely divine!

Side Dishes

Pairing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with a bracing cup of coffee or a shot of espresso really lets the citrus shine. For a special brunch, try serving it with a vibrant fruit salad or alongside some fresh berries to make a beautiful, flavorful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider dishing up your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in individual ramekins for a playful twist at dinner parties, or layer leftovers into parfait glasses with extra whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a stunning trifle. You can even serve it chilled for a refreshing twist on hot summer days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors only meld together more with time, making each successive piece even more delicious.

Freezing

If you need to freeze some for later, portion out individual servings and transfer them to airtight containers or wrap them well with plastic and foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to indulge.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice into the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute, or warm larger portions in a low oven (around 300°F) until heated through. The cake rewarms perfectly, regaining that gooey lemon center and crunchy topping.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While lemon is a knockout, you can swap in white or yellow cake mix for a milder flavor, or try a vanilla variant. Just know that the extra lemon punch really makes Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake stand out.

Can I add fresh fruit to the recipe?

You sure can! Raspberries or blueberries are fabulous additions. Just sprinkle a handful over the pie filling before adding the cream cheese for bursts of fruity color and flavor.

Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake ahead of time?

Definitely. Bake it a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature or gently warm before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have lemon pie filling?

You can substitute with a can of lemon curd or even try a homemade lemon filling if you’re feeling ambitious. If neither option is available, a can of fruit pie filling (like cherry or blueberry) will give a different but tasty twist!

Why shouldn’t I stir the cake mix and butter?

Resist the urge! The magic of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake lies in layering. The butter soaks into the cake mix as it bakes, forming a buttery crust while keeping the filling luscious and gooey underneath.

Final Thoughts

Bright, easy, and downright irresistible, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is truly the ray of sunshine your dessert table needs. If you’re longing for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, make this your next bake — and don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time!

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