Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Looking for an easy yet indulgent dessert? This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect solution. With only a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously sweet and tangy dessert that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of lemon pie filling, cake mix, and cream cheese creates a moist, flavorful treat that comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply need a quick dessert for yourself, this dump cake is a go-to recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

No need to stress over complicated ingredients or precise measurements. This simple cake can be mixed up in no time and baked to golden perfection. With its balance of zesty lemon flavor and creamy texture, it’s the kind of dessert that pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Plus, the best part is that it’s a “dump and bake” recipe, making it one of the easiest desserts to whip up when you’re short on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation: Simply dump the ingredients into a pan and bake – no mixing required!
2. Tangy Lemon Flavor: The lemon pie filling offers a sweet yet tart flavor that makes this cake refreshingly delicious.
3. Creamy Texture: The cream cheese melts into the cake, creating a rich, smooth texture that’s irresistible.
4. Quick to Make: With just four simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for when you need a quick dessert.
5. Versatile: You can customize it by adding berries, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Ingredients

• Lemon pie filling
• Yellow cake mix
• Cream cheese (cubed)
• Unsalted butter (thinly sliced)

Variations

Add Fresh Fruit

Top the cake with fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries before baking for a fresh fruity twist.

Mix in White Chocolate Chips

Add white chocolate chips to the cake mix for a sweet, creamy addition that complements the tangy lemon flavor.

Use Different Pie Fillings

While lemon is delicious, you can also use other pie fillings like blueberry, cherry, or peach for a different flavor profile.

Make It Lighter

For a lighter version, you can use a sugar-free cake mix and a reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also substitute the butter for a healthier fat like coconut oil.

Serve with Whipped Topping

Top your cake with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that balances the tartness of the lemon.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling. Do not stir.

Step 4

Scatter the cubed cream cheese evenly on top of the cake mix, making sure it’s spread out as evenly as possible.

Step 5

Place the thinly sliced butter on top of the cream cheese. This will help the cake to form a golden crust as it bakes.

Step 6

Bake the dump cake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges.

Step 7

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. This cake is delicious served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Mix: A key part of a dump cake is the simplicity – do not mix the ingredients together. The layers will bake up beautifully on their own.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the best texture, ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the cake.
• Check for Doneness: If the cake isn’t golden and bubbly after 45 minutes, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and check again.
• Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment by adding in ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or even crushed graham crackers for a different flavor or texture.

How to Serve

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also garnish it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best served warm, so reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the dump cake for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat leftover cake, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use a butter cake mix, white cake mix, or even a lemon cake mix to complement the lemon flavor.

2. Can I use a homemade lemon pie filling?

Yes, if you have a homemade lemon pie filling recipe, feel free to substitute it for the canned version.

3. Can I make this without cream cheese?

Cream cheese gives this cake a rich texture, but if you prefer, you can try substituting it with sour cream for a slightly different taste.

4. Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free cake mix if you need to make the recipe gluten-free.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Simply use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time by about 10 minutes or so.

6. Can I add fruit to the dump cake?

Yes, you can add fresh fruit or frozen fruit to the pie filling for a fruity variation. Just ensure the fruit is evenly distributed.

7. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. If it looks dry, it likely needs more time to bake.

8. Can I freeze this dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze the dump cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

10. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top before baking will give the cake extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves simple, fuss-free baking with big flavor. The tangy lemon filling, creamy texture from the cream cheese, and golden cake topping make it a showstopper at any gathering. With minimal ingredients and preparation, this easy dessert will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this dump cake is sure to impress!

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