The Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this lemon cream cheese dump cake recipe brings sunshine to your dessert table.

Effortless baking meets decadent flavor in a dessert that combines zesty citrus with rich, velvety cream cheese.

One pan is all you need to create this magical treat that comes together in minutes.

The layers of bright lemon and smooth cream cheese meld into a dreamy, moist cake that feels like a warm hug.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

Prepare to wow your loved ones with this ridiculously easy and absolutely delicious dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Pops

• Spice Up Holiday Gatherings: This cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip brings unexpected excitement to traditional party spreads with its bold flavor combination.
• Customize Your Heat: Easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños, making it perfect for guests with different heat tolerances.
• Quick Party Pleaser: Prepare this crowd-pleasing appetizer in mere minutes, requiring minimal cooking skills and delivering maximum flavor impact.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with multiple dippers like crisp crackers, crunchy vegetables, or toasted bread, ensuring something for every guest's preference.

What Goes Into Lemon Dump Cake Bliss

• Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides the primary lemon flavor for the dessert.
• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds depth and texture to the cake.
• Lemon Cake Mix: A dry mix that creates the cake's structure and enhances the lemon flavor.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that helps bind the cake and creates a golden, crispy top.

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan that provides the perfect size for this dump cake.

• Whipped Cream, Powdered Sugar: Delightful garnishes that add extra sweetness and visual appeal to the finished dessert.

Steps for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Lemon Base

Pour the tangy lemon pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it into an even, smooth layer that covers the entire surface.

Step 3: Dollop the Creamy Goodness

In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth.

Using a spoon, drop gentle clouds of cream cheese across the lemon filling, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 4: Shower with Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the cream cheese layer.

Don’t stir or mix – just let it sit like a delicate blanket of deliciousness.

Step 5: Drench with Liquid Gold

Drizzle the melted butter across the entire surface of the cake mix, ensuring every inch gets a gorgeous buttery coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish

Let the cake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. If you’re feeling fancy, crown it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes for Baking a Perfect Lemon Dump Cake

• Use a sharp knife to create clean, even portions that showcase beautiful layers of lemon filling and cake.
• Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes after cooling to help it set and make cutting easier.
• Add fresh lemon zest on top or mix some into the cream cheese layer for an extra citrusy punch.
• Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or vegan cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating briefly before serving to maintain moisture.

Tasty Mixes for Lemon Dump Cake Fans

• Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Berry Cream Cheese Variation: Swap lemon pie filling with mixed berry preserves and use vanilla cake mix for a fruity alternative.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Option: Use sugar-free lemon pie filling, sugar-free cake mix, and substitute butter with applesauce to reduce overall sugar content.
• Tropical Coconut Version: Add shredded coconut on top before baking and use coconut-flavored cake mix for a tropical spin on the original recipe.

What to Serve With Lemon Dump Cake

• Pair with Citrus-Infused White Wine: Select a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon's bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Enhance with Lavender Honey Cream: Drizzle a delicate lavender-infused honey over the cake to elevate its creamy texture and add a subtle floral undertone.
• Match with Lemon Sorbet: Serve a small scoop of refreshing lemon sorbet alongside the warm cake to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Accompany with Fresh Berries: Garnish with a mix of fresh raspberries and blueberries to add a burst of natural sweetness and color to the dessert.

Keeping Lemon Dump Cake Moist and Soft

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add another 5-10 seconds if needed to reach desired warmth.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Place cake slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a super easy dessert where ingredients are simply “dumped” into a baking dish without extensive mixing, creating a simple and delicious treat with minimal effort.

• Can I use different flavors for this cake?

Yes! You can swap lemon pie filling with other flavors like cherry, blueberry, or apple to create different variations of this easy dessert.

• Do I need to mix the ingredients in this recipe?

No, the beauty of a dump cake is that you layer ingredients without mixing. Just spread each layer evenly in the baking dish and let the oven do the work.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. The cake should look set and slightly crispy on top, which usually takes about 35-40 minutes in the oven.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lemon cream cheese dump cake brings zesty sunshine to classic dessert comfort. Quick and easy assembly creates a moist, tangy treat you’ll crave at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) lemon pie filling
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened

Binding/Moisture Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Optional Garnish/Flavor Enhancers:

• None specified in original recipe

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Distribute the lemon pie filling uniformly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
3. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream cheese until silky and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Delicately dollop softened cream cheese spoonfuls across the lemon pie filling, creating random patches.
5. Evenly scatter the dry lemon cake mix over the cream cheese layer, maintaining a consistent coverage without mixing or stirring.
6. Drizzle melted butter systematically across the entire cake mix surface, ensuring complete and thorough distribution.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
8. Remove from oven and let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes to settle and cool slightly.
9. Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of lemon pie filling for a more or less tangy flavor profile.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, easier mixing and better distribution throughout the cake.
• Transform this dessert into a gluten-free option by using a gluten-free lemon cake mix and checking ingredient labels carefully.
• Enhance the texture by adding a sprinkle of sliced almonds or lemon zest on top before baking for extra crunch and brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg