Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Bright, creamy, and irresistibly simple, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate fuss-free dessert. With zesty lemon flavor, pockets of sweet cream cheese, and a buttery, golden topping, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this dessert is as easy as it is delicious—just dump, bake, and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ridiculously Easy – No mixing bowls or electric mixers needed.
Sweet & Tangy – Lemon and cream cheese create a perfect flavor combo.
Minimal Cleanup – One pan is all you need.
Crowd-Pleaser – Great for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.
Versatile – Serve warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dump Cake:

• 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or lemon cake mix
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra brightness)

Optional for Serving:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Citrus zester (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.

Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Pour the entire can of lemon pie filling into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Layer
In a small bowl, mix the cubed cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Gently spoon the sweetened cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling, spreading it out as evenly as possible. It doesn’t need to cover the whole surface—some gaps are fine.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cream cheese and lemon layers. Do not stir—just make sure the entire surface is covered with a light, even layer.

Step 5: Add Butter and Lemon Zest
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as you can—this helps form that golden, crisp topping. For extra lemony goodness, sprinkle the lemon zest over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The cream cheese will create rich pockets throughout the cake.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or chilled. Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake
Use Room Temp Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese melts more evenly for creamy bites.
Cover with Butter – Drizzle melted butter as evenly as possible to avoid dry cake mix patches.
Try Different Cake Mixes – Lemon cake mix boosts the citrus flavor; yellow cake is more classic.
Don’t Stir – This “dump and bake” method works best when you don’t mix the layers together.
Serve Warm – It’s gooey and comforting when warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream.

Serving Suggestions
Spring & Summer Desserts – Light and zesty, perfect for warm-weather occasions.
Brunch Table – A sweet addition to breakfast or brunch spreads.
Holiday Gatherings – Bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist to traditional desserts.
Weeknight Treat – Keep ingredients on hand for a last-minute dessert.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30–45 seconds until warm.
• Serve Cold: It also tastes great chilled, like a lemon cheesecake bar!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade lemon pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe, it’ll work beautifully and add an even fresher flavor.

2. What other cake mix flavors work well?
White, vanilla, or butter cake mix are also great choices. Each one gives a slightly different vibe to the dessert.

3. Can I skip the cream cheese?
Yes, but the cream cheese adds rich, creamy contrast to the tart lemon. If you leave it out, the dessert will still be tasty but more like a traditional dump cake.

4. What if my cake mix has dry patches after baking?
This can happen if the butter didn’t cover everything. Just add a few dabs of extra melted butter and pop it back in the oven for a few minutes.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s sweet, tangy, and fun to help make—kids can easily help with dumping and layering.

Final Thoughts
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that brings smiles without stress. Its bright lemon flavor, creamy texture, and buttery topping create a magical combination that tastes like it took hours to make—but only took minutes to prep. It’s perfect for every level of baker and ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Try it out for your next gathering, potluck, or cozy night in, and you’ll see why this simple recipe is an all-time favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your own tasty twist!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 370mg

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