Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

The Dreamy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe You Need Now

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake promises pure dessert magic that’ll make taste buds dance.

Sweet simplicity defines this incredible treat with minimal effort required.

Creamy layers blend tangy citrus notes against rich, velvety textures.

Every slice delivers a mouthwatering combination of smooth cream cheese and bright lemon essence.

Minimal preparation means maximum flavor in this clever dessert strategy.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will adore how effortlessly this cake comes together.

Come discover a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sweet sensation you’ll want to share.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: Why It’s A Favorite

  • Craft Massive Cookies: Create bakery-style giant cookies that wow everyone with their impressive size and decadent appearance.
  • Master Gourmet Texture: Achieve the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth.
  • Customize Your Craving: Easily swap walnuts or adjust chocolate chip types to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Bake Like a Pro: Reproduce an iconic bakery recipe at home with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results.

Ingredients For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

For the Base:
  • Lemon Pie Filling: A tangy and sweet layer that provides the primary fruit flavor and moisture for the cake.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creates a creamy, smooth texture in the dessert.
For the Cake Mix and Topping:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Serves as the primary dry ingredient that creates the cake's structure and provides a traditional cake flavor.
  • Butter: Helps to moisten the cake mix and creates a golden, crispy top layer.
For the Binding and Flavor:
  • Sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.

How To Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or butter it up to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Zesty Base

Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a tangy foundation for your dessert.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Gently spread this creamy mixture over the lemon filling, creating a delightful second layer.

Step 4: Add The Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly across the top of the cream cheese layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent texture.

Step 5: Drench With Buttery Goodness

Melt the butter and drizzle it generously over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible to ensure a moist and delectable result.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals it’s ready.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.

Serve warm and enjoy the amazing blend of tangy and sweet flavors!

Kitchen Tips For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Opt for room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smoother, lump-free mixture when beating with other ingredients.
  • Gently tap the baking dish after adding cake mix to help distribute it evenly and prevent dry patches.
  • Serve chilled for a more refreshing dessert, or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your lemon pie filling is gluten-free.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Flavor Variations For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace lemon pie filling with passion fruit or mango filling for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
  • Berry Bliss Variation: Swap lemon pie filling with mixed berry compote and add almond extract for a fruity, nutty essence.
  • Chocolate Cream Dream: Substitute lemon filling with chocolate pudding and sprinkle cocoa powder over the cake mix for intense chocolate lovers.
  • Seasonal Spice Cake: Use pumpkin pie filling instead of lemon, and add cinnamon and nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, autumnal feel.

Serving Suggestions For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Citrus Sunshine Picnic Delight: Pack individual slices in cute mason jars for a portable summer dessert. Wrap each jar with twine and add a fresh mint leaf for extra charm.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve thin, delicate slices on vintage china plates. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a small lemon twist for an elegant touch.
  • Backyard BBQ Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into generous squares and plate with a dollop of whipped cream. Scatter some fresh blueberries around the cake for a colorful presentation that pops against the creamy dessert.
  • Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Create a dessert bar with this cake as the star. Offer small toppings like toasted coconut, sliced almonds, and extra lemon zest for guests to customize their slice.

Storage Tips For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Store leftover cake in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake stays good for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, covering with a clean kitchen towel to prevent moisture loss.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft texture and enhance flavor.

FAQs

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

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

  • Is this dessert difficult to make?

No, it’s incredibly easy! This dump cake requires minimal prep work and can be assembled quickly by simply layering ingredients in a baking dish.

  • Can I use homemade lemon pie filling instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can substitute homemade lemon pie filling if preferred. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to the store-bought version.

  • What type of cake mix works best for this recipe?

A vanilla or yellow cake mix works perfectly, providing a neutral base that complements the tangy lemon and creamy cream cheese layers.

Print
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent lemon cream cheese dump cake delivers a delightful twist on classic desserts. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this zesty treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (21 oz/595 g) lemon pie filling
  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 8 oz/226 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup/115 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup/100 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp/5 ml vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Create an even base layer by spreading lemon pie filling across the entire bottom of the prepared dish.
  3. Combine cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Carefully distribute the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Uniformly scatter the dry cake mix across the top of the cream cheese layer, aiming for a consistent distribution.
  6. Generously pour melted butter over the cake mix, attempting to cover as much surface area as possible.
  7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top that indicates complete cooking.
  8. Allow the cake to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors.
  9. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the rich, tangy, and sweet combination of textures and tastes.

Notes

  • Swap the lemon pie filling with homemade or low-sugar alternatives for a healthier twist on this classic dessert.
  • Chill the cream cheese mixture beforehand to create a smoother, more consistent layer that blends perfectly with the lemon filling.
  • Use gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top before baking to enhance the citrusy flavor and create a more vibrant, aromatic dessert.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 403
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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