If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate, the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This easy-to-make cake combines tangy lemon pie filling with rich, creamy cream cheese and a buttery cake topping that bakes up golden and irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a luscious texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether it’s for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this cake comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of simple but essential ingredients that create layers of vibrant flavor and delightful texture. Each one brings something special to the dish — from the tang of lemon pie filling to the richness of cream cheese, and the buttery, crumbly cake topping that ties everything together.
- Yellow cake mix: This provides a sweet, lightly crispy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layer beneath.
- Lemon pie filling (21 oz can): The star that delivers bright, zesty lemon flavor and juicy sweetness throughout the cake.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a tangy richness and creamy texture that beautifully balances the fruitiness.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Drizzled on top, it creates a golden, moist, and buttery crumb finish that’s simply irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly without any graininess, making the topping luscious and light.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly after baking. This simple step sets the stage for the lemon and cream cheese layers to shine without any hassle.
Step 2: Spread the Lemon Pie Filling
Open your can of lemon pie filling and pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Even spreading ensures every bite will be loaded with that tangy citrus burst that is so essential to this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This luscious layer will add a velvety, slightly tangy contrast to the sweet and tart lemon pie filling underneath.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Layer
Spoon dollops of your cream cheese mixture over the lemon layer in the dish. Gently spread it out, but it’s okay if there are some swirls. Those swirls create a delightful marbled texture that makes the final cake looking artisanal and inviting.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese topping. This dry layer acts as the structure for the cake, creating a soft but slightly crisp topping once baked.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter melts into the dry mix while baking, creating a golden crust that is rich, moist, and packed with buttery flavor — you won’t want to skip this step!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown, and you see the filling bubbling around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warm, citrusy goodness!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool slightly for about 15 minutes before cutting into it. Cooling helps the layers set, making it easier to slice beautiful pieces that hold their shape and look just as lovely as they taste.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple finishing touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top or add a few thin lemon slices to amp up the citrus vibe. Fresh mint leaves also make a charming, fragrant garnish that complements the lemon and cream cheese flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This lemon cream cheese dump cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For something light and refreshing, serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee to balance the sweetness and brighten your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, try serving the cake in individual glass ramekins or small parfait cups layered with extra lemon curd and crushed graham crackers. It’s a playful twist on the classic dump cake that adds sophistication while keeping the comfort of this beloved recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled helps preserve the cream cheese layer’s texture and maintains the fresh lemon flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge then warm gently.
Reheating
To reheat slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 20 to 30 seconds. For a lightly crisp finish, pop the slice in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Either way brings out that luscious, gooey texture you love!
FAQs
Can I use another type of pie filling for this dump cake?
Absolutely! While lemon pie filling is what makes this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe shine, feel free to experiment with other flavors like cherry, blueberry, or even apple for delicious variations.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese adds a unique creaminess and slight tang. If you don’t have it, you could try substituting with mascarpone or ricotta, but the flavor and texture will vary slightly from the original.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic version uses yellow cake mix which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, look for a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix and verify that other ingredients are safe for your dietary needs.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking, which can even help deepen the flavors. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
How can I make the topping more crunchy?
Try sprinkling some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top before baking, or mix a little cinnamon with the cake mix for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels special yet is incredibly simple to whip up. Its bright citrus notes, creamy richness, and buttery cake topping make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite I’m sure you’ll love. Go ahead, give it a try — I promise it will brighten up your dessert rotation and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an easy and delightful dessert featuring a tangy lemon pie filling layered with creamy sweetened cream cheese, topped with a buttery yellow cake mix. This simple one-bowl recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a luscious, golden-baked treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Cake Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the dump cake doesn’t stick.
- Layer Lemon Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a tangy base layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Apply Cream Cheese Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling, then gently spread it to cover the filling evenly but not completely blended.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top of the cream cheese layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix to add moisture and help achieve a golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving so that it sets and is easier to cut into portions.
Notes
- Be sure to use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- You can substitute lemon pie filling with homemade lemon curd for a fresher flavor.
- For even richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
