If you are a fan of tangy, creamy desserts that come together with minimal effort yet deliver maximum flavor, you are going to adore this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe. Imagine the vibrant brightness of lemon pie filling mingling with rich cream cheese and luscious white chocolate, all topped with a golden, buttery cake crust that bakes up deliciously in just one skillet. This luscious dessert feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make, making it a perfect treat for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that pack a punch when combined. Each element contributes to the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and buttery that makes this cake irresistible.
- Lemon pie filling: Provides the bright, citrusy base that gives the cake its signature tangy flavor and juicy texture.
- White chocolate chips: Add a sweet, creamy contrast that melts beautifully into the filling.
- Cream cheese, cubed: Adds smooth richness and slight tang that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Lemon cake mix: The easy cake topping that bakes up into a soft, flavorful crust, tying everything together.
- Unsalted butter, thinly sliced: Creates that golden, crispy topping and adds luscious buttery depth.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 12-inch skillet or a baking dish like 9×9 or 9×13 inches. This simple prep ensures your dump cake won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Pour the entire can of lemon pie filling into the prepared skillet. This juicy, tangy layer forms the delicious base of the dessert, bursting with citrus flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Sprinkle White Chocolate Chips
Scatter the white chocolate chips evenly over the pie filling. As the cake bakes, these chips will melt into creamy pockets of sweetness that perfectly contrast the tart lemon.
Step 4: Add Cubed Cream Cheese
Drop the cream cheese cubes across the skillet, distributing them evenly. These creamy pockets will soften and become irresistibly luscious while baking, giving richness to every slice.
Step 5: Cover with Lemon Cake Mix
Sprinkle the lemon cake mix evenly on top, making sure to cover the filling beneath. This dry layer bakes into a tender, flavorful topping that brings delightful texture to the dish.
Step 6: Dot with Butter and Bake
Slice the unsalted butter into thin pads, about 16 pieces, and spread them over the cake mix layer. As the cake bakes for about one hour, the butter melts and soaks into the dry mix, creating a beautifully golden crust and allowing the pie filling to bubble up wonderfully.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a bright, fresh finish, garnish your dump cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon zest strips. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely herbal note and a splash of color that elevates the presentation.
Side Dishes
This moist and tangy dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt sweetened with a touch of honey is fantastic alongside the creamy cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe right from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe, or slice it into neat squares and plate artistically for more formal occasions. You can also layer it with slices of fresh strawberries or sprinkle toasted almonds on top for extra crunch and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the cream cheese and pie filling, keeping it chilled helps maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes well if you want to make it ahead or preserve leftovers. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in an airtight container, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place the whole cake in a preheated 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. The crust will regain some crispness with oven reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pie filling?
Yes! While lemon pie filling enhances the bright flavor of this dump cake, you can experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry or cherry for a different twist. Keep in mind the flavors will change, but the technique stays the same.
Is it necessary to use white chocolate chips?
White chocolate chips add a wonderful creamy sweetness that balances the lemon tartness perfectly. However, if you prefer, you can omit them or try butterscotch or regular chocolate chips for a new flavor profile.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Making this recipe dairy-free can be tricky because of the cream cheese and butter, which are key to the texture and taste. You might try vegan cream cheese and non-dairy butter, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Why is it called a dump cake?
Dump cakes are named for their ultra-simple assembly method — you literally dump the ingredients into a pan with minimal stirring or mixing. This makes them incredibly quick and easy to make without sacrificing deliciousness.
Can I use a different baking dish?
Absolutely! While a 12-inch skillet is suggested for even baking and rustic charm, using a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish works just as well. Baking times may vary slightly depending on depth, so keep an eye on the golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is truly one of those magical desserts that feels like a special treat yet comes together with almost no effort. The combination of tangy lemon, smooth cream cheese, and sweet white chocolate topped with buttery cake is simply irresistible. I hope you find as much joy making and devouring this cake as I do—give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple, delightful dessert combining tangy lemon pie filling, smooth cream cheese, and sweet white chocolate chips all topped with a moist lemon cake mix and buttery crust. It’s a no-fuss, one-skillet treat perfect for gatherings or a quick sweet fix.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can (16 ounces) lemon pie filling
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Topping
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) lemon cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-inch skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Add Lemon Pie Filling: Pour the entire can of lemon pie filling evenly into the greased skillet.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 1 cup of white chocolate chips evenly over the lemon pie filling to add a creamy sweetness.
- Add Cubed Cream Cheese: Distribute the cubed 4 ounces of cream cheese evenly across the surface, allowing pockets of creamy cheese throughout the dessert.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly cover the pie filling and cream cheese layer with the lemon cake mix, making sure to cover the filling completely.
- Add Butter Pads: Slice ½ cup of unsalted butter into about 16 thin pads and arrange them evenly over the top of the cake mix layer to ensure a golden, rich crust.
- Bake: Bake the dump cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, until the topping is golden brown and the lemon filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the skillet with a greased 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish if preferred.
- Make sure to evenly distribute the cream cheese and butter for consistent texture and flavor throughout.
- The cake is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- For a tangier flavor, use a slightly tart lemon pie filling.
