Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe for Zesty Bliss

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sunshine-filled celebration.

Sweet aromas will soon drift through your kitchen, promising pure comfort.

Layers of tangy citrus and creamy richness promise a dessert that’s ridiculously simple to create.

No complicated techniques or professional baking skills required for this delectable treat.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor, with each bite delivering a perfect balance of zesty and smooth textures.

Pantry staples come together in moments, making this recipe a go-to for sudden dessert cravings.

Your taste buds are about to experience a delightful burst of lemony magic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Lemon Pie Filling: Tangy and sweet base for the cake.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich layer for texture.
• Lemon Cake Mix: Provides the cake's primary flavor and structure.
• Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the dessert.

• Sugar: Enhances overall sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for final garnish.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the cream cheese mixture.
• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, fresh citrus notes.

Instructions for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray of cooking oil or butter it up to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spread the Zesty Base

Pour the bright and tangy lemon pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure it covers the entire surface evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Layer

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky-smooth mixture. Carefully spread this creamy goodness over the lemon pie filling.

Step 4: Create the Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the lemon cake mix generously over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface, ensuring every bit of cake mix gets a golden coating.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes. Dust the top with a light snowfall of powdered sugar and sprinkle some fresh lemon zest to add a bright, zesty finish.

Key Details for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Ensure the cake mix is evenly distributed and not overly saturated with butter to maintain a crisp, golden texture.
• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Boost Lemon Flavor: Add fresh lemon juice or extra zest to intensify the citrusy notes throughout the dessert.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to test the cake's center – it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Store and Serve Smart: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

Storing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Lemon cream cheese dump cake can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing its delightful texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier top, use the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore the cake's original golden texture.
• Allow frozen cake to thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar to revive its original presentation and add a burst of sweetness.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Complements

• Pair Zesty Limoncello: A chilled glass of Italian limoncello complements the cake's bright lemon flavors, enhancing the dessert's citrusy profile with its sweet, tangy liqueur.
• Serve Fresh Lavender Tea: Light, aromatic lavender tea balances the rich cream cheese and provides a delicate herbal undertone that softens the dessert's intense sweetness.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Gelato: A scoop of smooth vanilla gelato creates a cool, silky contrast to the warm cake, adding luxurious creaminess and tempering the dessert's tartness.
• Enjoy Sparkling Prosecco: Crisp, bubbly prosecco cuts through the cake's richness, its light effervescence and subtle sweetness elevating the lemon and cream cheese flavors.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Mix-Ups

• Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese alternative and use plant-based butter to create a lactose-free dessert that remains creamy and rich.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free lemon pie filling and replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall calorie and sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use cashew cream cheese, almond-based butter, and egg-free cake mix to transform the recipe into a completely plant-based dessert that keeps the tangy lemon essence.

FAQs

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

The key ingredients include lemon pie filling, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon cake mix, and butter. These ingredients create a rich, tangy, and sweet dessert that’s easy to prepare.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! This dump cake is incredibly simple to make. You don’t need advanced baking skills – just mix, layer, and bake. The no-fuss method makes it perfect for those who are new to baking or want a quick dessert.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance. Assemble the layers beforehand and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re putting a cold dish directly into the oven.

• How can I tell if the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges. The cake mix should be set and crispy on top, and the filling should be slightly bubbly around the sides of the baking dish.

Reasons Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Is Always a Hit

• Effortless Preparation: Dump cakes are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal cooking skills and no complex techniques, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon pie filling, cream cheese, and lemon cake mix creates a tangy, creamy dessert that bursts with bright, refreshing citrus notes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This versatile cake works wonderfully for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats, appealing to both kids and adults with its sweet and creamy texture.
• Quick Comfort Treat: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this dump cake offers a speedy solution for satisfying sudden dessert cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

This irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake brings zesty sunshine to classic dessert comfort. Creamy, tangy layers combine with buttery crumb for a simple yet elegant treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) lemon cake mix
• 2 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cans (21 ounces / 595 grams each) lemon pie filling

Sweet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish Ingredients:

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
• Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13 inch dish with a light layer of cooking spray, creating a non-stick surface for your dessert.
2. Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a vibrant, tangy base layer.
3. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
4. Carefully distribute the cream cheese blend over the lemon pie filling, ensuring a uniform coverage that will later meld with the cake’s texture.
5. Gently cascade the dry lemon cake mix across the cream cheese layer, creating a light, even blanket of crumbly potential.
6. Drizzle melted butter generously over the cake mix, allowing it to seep into the dry ingredients and promise a rich, moist outcome.
7. Transfer the dish to a preheated oven set at 350°F and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly, letting the layers settle and flavors integrate.
9. Finish by dusting the surface with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar and sprinkling fresh lemon zest for a bright, aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends perfectly.
• Opt for full-fat cream cheese to achieve a richer, more decadent texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Transform this dessert into a gluten-free version by substituting regular cake mix with a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Create a lighter variation by using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the butter quantity, maintaining the delicious lemon essence while cutting down on calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg