The Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Creamy lemon dump cake bursts with unexpected sunshine on your plate, promising a delightful dessert adventure.

Zesty citrus notes dance through soft, billowy layers of cream cheese.

Casual bakers rejoice, this simple recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something truly magical in your kitchen.

Comfort meets elegance in each forkful of this delectable treat.

Sweet-tart sensations will make you the star of any gathering.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: A Zesty Indulgence

• Delight in Simplicity: This dump cake brings maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for bakers who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its tangy lemon profile and creamy texture, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires just a few ingredients and basic mixing skills, allowing even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert without stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, making it adaptable for different preferences and occasions.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy layer that provides the primary fruity flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds a smooth texture and subtle tanginess to the dessert.

• Powdered Sugar: A fine sugar that helps sweeten and stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that enhances the overall taste of the cream cheese layer.

• Dry Lemon Cake Mix, Butter: These ingredients create a golden, crispy crust that adds texture and buttery richness to the dump cake.

• Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic toppings that provide extra creaminess and coolness to complement the warm cake.

How to Assemble Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Lemon Base

Scoop out the lemon pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a tangy foundation for your cake.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Layer

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they become silky smooth.

Gently drop spoonfuls of this creamy mixture over the lemon filling, creating soft clouds of deliciousness.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix Blanket

Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly across the cream cheese layer, covering it completely like a fluffy blanket.

Step 5: Drench with Butter

Drizzle melted butter generously over the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure a golden, crispy top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and starts to bubble enticingly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve it warm or at room temperature.

For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Success

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Sprinkle cake mix slowly and evenly, using a light hand to create a uniform layer across the entire surface.
• Add fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for an extra bright, citrusy kick that enhances the overall taste.
• Adjust the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer to match your preferred sweetness level, tasting as you mix.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the dessert's presentation and add a touch of elegance.

Variations on Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Blueberry Bliss: Replace lemon pie filling with fresh blueberry compote, add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a tangy burst of flavor.
• Tropical Paradise: Swap lemon pie filling for mango puree, mix shredded coconut into the cake mix for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Orange Dream: Substitute lemon pie filling with chocolate sauce, add orange zest to the cream cheese layer for a rich, citrusy combination.
• Berry Cheesecake Fusion: Use mixed berry preserves instead of lemon pie filling, top with crushed graham crackers before baking for a cheesecake-like experience.

Pairing Recommendations for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Craft Tangy Citrus Cocktail: Mix vodka, limoncello, and fresh lemon juice for a zesty drink that complements the cake's bright lemon flavor.
• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Indulgence: Serve a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cake to balance the tangy lemon and rich cream cheese.
• Enhance with Lemon Garnish: Top the dessert with candied lemon zest or fresh lemon wedges to amplify the citrusy notes and add a sophisticated touch.
• Select Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the cake's sweetness and highlight its lemony brightness.

Storing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, covering with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Remove from freezer and let sit in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Warm in microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in preheated oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add fresh whipped cream after reheating for extra deliciousness.

FAQs

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

The key ingredients are lemon pie filling, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon cake mix, and butter.

• Can I make this recipe without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix the cream cheese layer by hand using a whisk or spatula, but ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier blending.

• Is this dessert suitable for make-ahead preparation?

You can prepare the cake in advance and bake it later, or refrigerate the assembled cake before baking for up to 24 hours.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly, typically after 40-45 minutes of baking.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Heavenly lemon cream cheese dump cake brings zesty comfort to dessert tables with minimal effort. Quick layering of simple ingredients creates a dreamy, moist treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 350F (175C), then lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pour the lemon pie filling across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even, smooth layer that covers the entire surface.
3. Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl, blending until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
4. Carefully distribute dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling, ensuring relatively even coverage.
5. Uniformly scatter the dry lemon cake mix across the cream cheese layer, creating a fine, consistent coating.
6. Gently drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, aiming to saturate as much of the dry mix as possible to promote even browning and moisture.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
9. Plate the cake while still warm, optionally garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Choose full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious texture that creates a silky smooth layer.
• Gently drop cream cheese mixture to maintain distinct swirls and prevent complete mixing with lemon filling.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Add fresh lemon zest on top before serving to boost citrusy brightness and enhance the dessert’s aromatic profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 422 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg