Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet Magic

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of flavor.

Creamy textures and zesty notes dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Every home baker knows the magic of simple desserts that require minimal effort.

Soft, tangy cream cheese blends perfectly with bright citrus undertones to create a mouthwatering treat.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this foolproof recipe that promises delicious results.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby with promises of pure comfort.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible.

Lemon Dump Cake That’s Simple And Crowd-Pleasing

• Create Effortless Dessert: Dump cakes offer an incredibly simple way to make delicious treats with minimal preparation and cleanup.
• Minimal Skill Required: Even beginner bakers can master this recipe with its straightforward instructions and no complicated mixing or layering techniques.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This lemon cream cheese dump cake comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch that elevates the simple dessert to a crowd-favorite status.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – What Goes In

• Yellow Cake Mix: Dry mixture that forms the cake's crumbly topping, providing a sweet and tender base.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Tangy and sweet layer that adds bright citrus flavor and moisture to the dessert.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich base that creates a creamy, tangy foundation for the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, silky cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aromatic notes.

• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps crisp the cake mix topping, creating a golden, crunchy layer.

• Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Optional toppings that complement the cake's sweet and tangy profile.

Dump Cake Directions for Lemon Cream Cheese Delight

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Arena

Get your oven warming up to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of cooking oil or a smooth butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create a Dreamy Cream Cheese Base

Grab a mixing bowl and transform your cream cheese into a silky smooth mixture.

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they’re creamy and cloud-like.

Spread this heavenly layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Unleash the Lemony Goodness

Carefully dollop the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer.

Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a bright and tangy blanket.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix Magic

Open your yellow cake mix and rain it down over the lemon filling.

Cover every inch of the surface like a delicate snow.

Important: Keep your spoon away – no stirring allowed!

Step 5: Butter Waterfall

Melt your butter and create a golden drizzle across the entire cake mix surface.

Let it flow freely without mixing or disturbing the layers.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

The edges should look crispy and inviting, with bubbling excitement.

Step 7: Cool and Celebrate

Give your cake a few moments to settle down.

Serve it slightly warm for maximum deliciousness.

For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Dump Cake Tips for Lemon Cream Cheese Layers

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing that blends perfectly into the layer.
• Avoid overmixing when adding cake mix to maintain a crisp, distinct layer that creates delightful texture contrasts.
• Swap lemon pie filling with other fruit flavors like cherry or blueberry for exciting taste variations that keep the dessert interesting.
• Melt butter completely and drizzle slowly to guarantee even coverage across the cake mix, creating a golden, crispy top.
• Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and flavors to meld before cutting and serving warm.

Store Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Store leftover lemon cream cheese dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, preserving its delicious texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer frozen cake from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using the oven method for best results and maintain its original texture.

Great Complements to Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Zesty Citrus Complement: Pair this lemony dessert with a crisp, chilled limoncello to enhance the bright citrus notes and cleanse the palate.
• Creamy Cool-Down: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which balances the cake's tangy lemon flavor and provides a smooth, cold contrast to the warm dessert.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Enjoy with a glass of sparkling white wine or a light, effervescent prosecco that cuts through the richness and complements the cake's sweet-tart profile.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Accompany the dump cake with a classic Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot notes beautifully echo the lemon's citrusy brightness and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Topping Combos for Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Zesty Alternative: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Dream: Use sugar-free lemon pie filling, replace powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and select a low-carb cake mix for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Vegan Sunshine Cake: Utilize vegan cream cheese substitute, plant-based butter, and egg-free yellow cake mix to transform the recipe into a completely plant-based dessert.

FAQs

• What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a super easy dessert where you simply “dump” ingredients into a baking dish without mixing, creating a delicious layered treat that bakes into a cobbler-like dessert with minimal effort.

• Can I use homemade lemon pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute homemade lemon pie filling if you prefer. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to the canned version so the cake bakes properly.

• Why do I not mix the ingredients in a dump cake?

The layers are intentionally left unmixed so that during baking, the ingredients naturally create distinct layers with a unique texture – typically a crispy top and creamy bottom.

• Is this dessert good for large gatherings?

Absolutely! Dump cakes are perfect for potlucks and parties because they’re quick to prepare, serve a lot of people, and always get rave reviews from guests.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lemon cream cheese dump cake brings zesty sunshine to dessert tables with minimal effort. Creamy, tangy layers meld effortlessly, promising a delightful treat you can savor in moments of sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix
• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) lemon pie filling
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Sugar and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter to prevent adhesion.
2. Create a velvety cream cheese foundation by vigorously whisking cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Distribute this luxurious layer across the entire bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Carefully cascade lemon pie filling over the cream cheese stratum, ensuring an even, comprehensive coverage that reaches all corners of the baking dish.
4. Generously shower the dry yellow cake mix across the lemon filling, completely blanketing the surface without disturbing the underlying layers. Maintain a uniform, undisturbed distribution.
5. Transform melted butter into a delicate drizzle, allowing it to meander gracefully across the cake mix surface. Resist the temptation to blend or manipulate the ingredients.
6. Transfer the assembled dessert into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 40-45 minutes. Monitor until the surface achieves a golden, effervescent appearance with slightly caramelized edges, indicating complete culinary metamorphosis.
7. Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling interlude. Serve while warmth lingers, optionally accompanied by a decadent scoop of vanilla ice cream or billowy whipped cream to enhance the sensory experience.

Notes

• Cut butter into small cubes before drizzling to ensure even distribution across the cake mix surface.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing and easier spreading.
• Opt for low-fat cream cheese or sugar-free cake mix to create a lighter, healthier version of the dessert.
• Garnish with fresh lemon zest or candied lemon peels for an extra burst of citrusy flavor and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg