A Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a super easy, tangy, and sweet dessert that takes just a few minutes to prepare! With a layer of cream cheese filling, a burst of fresh lemon flavor, and a buttery cake topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. This cake is simple to make with minimal ingredients, and it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Here’s an easy recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
Ingredients:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for extra lemon flavor)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling (or lemon curd for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemony flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) for added flavor.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the Lemon Pie Filling:
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Top with Cake Mix:
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling. Don’t mix it; just sprinkle it on top.
5. Add Butter:
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This will create a golden, crumbly topping as it bakes.
6. Bake the Dump Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The center may still be a bit soft, but it will set as it cools.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. This cake is great warm or at room temperature.
- Optionally, top with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a few fresh blueberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
- Lemon Curd: For a richer lemon flavor, you can substitute the lemon pie filling with lemon curd.
- Other Fruit Options: While this recipe focuses on lemon, you can switch out the lemon filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for different flavor variations.
- Lemon Extract: If you really love lemon, you can add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the cream cheese layer for an even more pronounced lemon flavor.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake: Add fresh blueberries to the cream cheese layer or the lemon pie filling for a fun twist. Blueberries and lemon are a classic combo!
- Coconut Lemon Dump Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake mix before baking for a tropical flair.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, add crushed graham crackers or crushed nuts (like pecans or almonds) along with the dry cake mix.
Why This Works:
The “dump cake” concept is so convenient because you essentially “dump” all of the ingredients into the pan without needing to mix them together. The cream cheese layer gives the cake richness and tang, while the lemon filling adds sweetness and a zesty punch. The buttery cake topping bakes up into a deliciously crisp, golden layer.
This dessert is quick to prepare, and the results are decadent! It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a sweet, citrusy treat. Would you serve this with any other toppings, like fresh berries or whipped cream?
