Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines tangy lemon flavors with a creamy, buttery base. Perfect for busy home cooks, it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and a beautiful golden crust.

The image shows a close-up of a square glass baking dish with a three-layered dessert inside. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, the middle layer is a thick smooth pale yellow cream filling, and the top layer is a thin crumbly golden topping scattered unevenly. The clear glass dish is set on a white marbled surface. The texture of the crust looks coarse, while the cream layer is soft and creamy with a clean edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the baking dish
  • 1 (13.25 to 15.25-ounce) box yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix
  • 1 (21-ounce) can lemon pie filling, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling. Do not stir — this will form a crumbly topping as it bakes.
  7. Step 7: Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the cake mix.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Step 9: Let cool slightly before serving.
  10. Step 10: Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use lemon cake mix for extra citrus flavor or yellow cake mix for a classic buttery taste.
  • For a zestier punch, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture before baking.
  • Try substituting the lemon pie filling with your favorite fruit filling like cherry or blueberry for a different twist.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm. This cake can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up side view of a layered dessert in a clear glass square dish shows three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, the middle layer is thick and smooth pale yellow custard filling, and the top layer is a golden crumbly streusel topping with a rough texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture and richness slightly. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.

Do I have to use melted butter or can I melt it during baking?

It’s important to melt the butter before adding it to the batter and topping. This helps the cake mix form the crisp, crumbly topping rather than a doughy layer.

Print
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert featuring a creamy lemon filling layered with a rich cream cheese mixture and topped with a crumbly cake mix crust. With minimal prep and a straightforward baking method, it delivers a tangy and sweet flavor perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the baking dish
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg

Cake and Filling

  • 1 (13.25 to 15.25-ounce) box yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix
  • 1 (21-ounce) can lemon pie filling, divided

Optional for Serving

  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with 10 tablespoons of melted butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Egg: Incorporate the large egg into the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined for a rich texture.
  4. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base layer.
  5. Add Lemon Pie Filling: Spoon the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly to distribute the tangy fruit flavor.
  6. Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling layer. Do not stir, as this creates a crumbly topping during baking.
  7. Butter the Crust: Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the cake mix to help it brown and crisp up.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is fully cooked.
  9. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let the cake cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
  10. Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

  • For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth mixture.
  • Do not stir the cake mix with the filling layers; it creates the signature crumbly topping.
  • You can substitute the lemon pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for variety.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Let the cake cool slightly before serving to avoid burning and to help it set.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon cream cheese dump cake, easy lemon dessert, cream cheese cake, lemon dessert, simple dessert recipe, layered dump cake

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