Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, citrusy aroma of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake baking in the oven. This easy-to-make dessert combines the tang of lemon with the creaminess of cheese, all baked into a luscious cake that’s practically foolproof. Whether you're looking for a quick treat for family movie night or a unique dessert to bring to a gathering, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite.

I stumbled upon this recipe when I needed a last-minute dessert that looked impressive but required minimal effort. After just one bite, it quickly became a regular in our dessert rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Get ready to meet your new go-to dessert! This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delight for both beginners and seasoned bakers, offering tons of flavor and convenience.

First, the “dump cake” method is about as easy as it gets. You simply layer the ingredients, and the oven does the work for you. No mixing bowls, no endless prep – it’s perfect for busy days or when you want to whip up something delicious with minimal effort.

The flavor is a true standout. This dessert beautifully balances the brightness of lemon with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. Each bite is like a little slice of sunshine, with the citrus adding a refreshing contrast to the buttery cake.

Cost-effective and pantry-friendly, this cake uses just a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have at home. And if you don’t, they’re easily available at most stores – no specialty shopping required!

It’s also incredibly versatile. This recipe can easily be adapted with your favorite cake mix flavors or extra fruit add-ins, making it a dessert that you can enjoy differently every time you bake it.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each element plays a key role in creating the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and creamy textures.

• Lemon Cake Mix – The base of this cake is a lemon-flavored cake mix. It adds a bright, citrusy foundation that’s essential to the dessert's flavor profile. If you can’t find lemon cake mix, a yellow cake mix works well, but you might want to add a bit of lemon zest for that extra pop of flavor.
• Cream Cheese – The rich, tangy cream cheese adds a creamy layer that elevates the entire dessert. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture, and soften it to room temperature for easy spreading.
• Lemon Pie Filling – This gives the cake its intense lemon flavor and a gooey, luscious texture. You can substitute with lemon curd for a slightly less sweet, tangier flavor, but either option will work wonderfully.
• Butter – Melted butter is drizzled over the cake mix layer, creating a buttery, crisp topping as it bakes. Use unsalted butter to control the flavor, and don’t skimp – the butter is what gives the cake its golden, crumbly top.
• Powdered Sugar (optional) – A dusting of powdered sugar makes a beautiful finishing touch, giving the cake a little extra sweetness and visual appeal.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a 9x13 baking dish and an oven!

How to Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Creating this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is so simple; you’ll have it prepped and baking in under 10 minutes.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish – Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Ingredients – Spread the lemon pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. This will be the sweet, tangy foundation for your dump cake.
3. Add the Cream Cheese – Drop dollops of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it out. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even; the little pockets of cream cheese add to the texture.
4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix – Pour the lemon cake mix directly from the package over the cream cheese layer. Use a spoon to spread it into an even layer, covering all the cream cheese and lemon filling.
5. Drizzle the Butter – Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly across the top of the cake mix. The butter will create a golden, slightly crisp topping as it bakes, adding texture to the creamy layers below.
6. Bake – Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the cake cool slightly before serving, as the filling will set up a bit as it cools.

Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dessert, or let it cool to room temperature for a slightly firmer texture.

Storage Options

Storing your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is easy and convenient. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration – Since the cake contains cream cheese, it's best stored in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftover portions to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – You can also freeze this cake for longer storage. Slice it into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Reheating – To enjoy leftovers warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This will soften the filling and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about a dump cake is its versatility. Here are some ways to change up this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake for different occasions:

• Different Flavors – Swap the lemon cake mix for white, yellow, or even strawberry cake mix for a new twist on flavor. Just add a little lemon zest to keep that citrusy tang.
• Add Berries – Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries pair beautifully with lemon. Scatter a handful on top of the lemon pie filling before adding the cream cheese.
• Use Lemon Curd – For a less sweet, tangier filling, try using lemon curd instead of lemon pie filling. This is a great option if you like a more pronounced lemon flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix for a gluten-free dump cake that’s just as delicious. All other ingredients remain the same.
• Extra Topping – For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts on top before baking. This will give the cake an extra layer of texture and a bit of toasty flavor.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe – the “dump” method is forgiving and lends itself to endless creativity!

There you have it: a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake that’s easy, delicious, and sure to please. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that you’ll love making again and again. Enjoy every lemony, creamy bite!

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