Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: The Easiest Dessert Ever
If you're craving a sweet and tangy dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, then Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your go-to recipe. With only a few ingredients, this cake is a true dump-and-bake wonder. The creamy, zesty lemon filling combined with a golden, buttery cake topping makes it the perfect treat for any occasion — from family gatherings to weeknight indulgence.
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Ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (or white cake mix, if you prefer)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Add the Lemon Pie Filling: Spoon the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese mixture. Spread it evenly to cover the cream cheese layer completely.
Top with Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the lemon pie filling. You don’t need to mix it — just let the cake mix sit on top as a dry layer.
Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt as it bakes, creating a golden, crumbly topping.
Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges. Check the center to ensure it’s set.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra zest, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest on top, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
Use Fresh Lemon Zest:
While lemon pie filling adds great flavor, fresh lemon zest can elevate the taste even more. It gives a vibrant, natural citrus kick that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
Experiment with Cake Mix Flavors:
Although lemon cake mix is a classic choice, feel free to try this recipe with different cake mixes like white or vanilla. The cake will still turn out delicious, but each variation adds a slightly different flavor profile.
Make it Ahead:
This dump cake can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the cake up to 24 hours in advance, then bake it just before serving. Store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Add a Topping:
While this cake is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of lemon glaze.
Adjust the Sweetness:
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture or use a sugar-free lemon pie filling.