Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Lemon lovers, rejoice! This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with creamy layers and a buttery topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a quick and easy dessert, this recipe is your go-to option. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s a win-win for every occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 can (20 oz) lemon pie filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the cake later.

Dump the Cake Mix
Pour the lemon cake mix directly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to create the base layer of the cake.

Add Lemon Pie Filling
Spoon the lemon pie filling over the cake mix, ensuring even coverage. The tangy pie filling brings a burst of flavor to every bite.

Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese over the lemon pie filling layer. The cream cheese adds a luscious, velvety texture.

Melted Butter Finish
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake. This ensures a golden, buttery crust once baked.

Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy it as is, or elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a dream dessert for busy days. It’s quick to assemble, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a dessert that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of zesty lemon, rich cream cheese, and buttery topping makes it irresistible.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake slightly warm for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy lemon flavor with creamy sweetness.
• Garnish with fresh lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus and a professional touch.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese layer makes refrigeration necessary to keep the cake fresh. It will stay good for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to enjoy the cake later, cut it into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

With these serving and storage tips, you can savor the deliciousness of your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake anytime!

Variations

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake recipe is incredibly versatile! With a few simple tweaks, you can create exciting new flavors and textures. Here are some creative variations to try:

1. Berry Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

• Add a layer of fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries on top of the lemon pie filling.
• The berries bring a fruity burst that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon flavor.

2. Lemon-Lime Delight

• Replace half of the lemon pie filling with lime curd for a zesty citrus combination.
• Garnish with lime zest for an extra limey punch.

3. Coconut Lemon Dream

• Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut over the melted butter before baking.
• The coconut adds a tropical flair and a chewy, golden topping.

4. Lemon Cheesecake Swirl

• Instead of dropping spoonfuls of cream cheese, swirl it into the lemon pie filling with a knife for a marbled cheesecake effect.
• This creates a beautiful presentation and evenly distributed creaminess.

5. Lemon Poppy Seed Twist

• Mix 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the lemon cake mix before adding it to the dish.
• This adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal to the cake.

6. Gluten-Free Option

• Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix for a gluten-free dessert that everyone can enjoy.

7. Lemon Almond Crunch

• Sprinkle slivered almonds over the cake before baking for a nutty crunch.
• For extra flavor, lightly toast the almonds before adding them.

8. Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Swap the lemon pie filling with raspberry pie filling or use a half-and-half mixture.
• The tangy raspberries complement the sweet and creamy layers beautifully.

These variations allow you to customize your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to suit your taste preferences and any occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! While lemon cake mix enhances the citrusy flavor, you can use vanilla, white, or even butter cake mix for a slightly different taste.

2. What can I substitute for lemon pie filling?
If you can’t find lemon pie filling, use lemon curd or make your own by mixing lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch cooked until thickened.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it slightly before serving for the best texture.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine as a substitute. Ensure it’s unsalted for optimal results.

5. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and plant-based butter. Ensure the cake mix is dairy-free as well.

6. How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
Soften the cream cheese to room temperature and beat it until smooth before spooning it onto the cake. This helps it spread more evenly.

7. What toppings go well with this cake?
Powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of lemon glaze are fantastic toppings for this dessert.

8. How do I know when the cake is done?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If the middle is still jiggly, bake for a few more minutes.

9. Can I make this in a smaller dish?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. For an 8×8-inch dish, reduce the ingredients by half and bake for about 30-35 minutes.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cut the cake into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

These FAQs ensure your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time, whether you’re baking it fresh or making adjustments!

For a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your answer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees success and smiles all around. Try it today and bring a slice of sunshine to your table!

Print