Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that combines the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese with the bright, zesty taste of lemon. This dessert requires minimal effort and is perfect for anyone craving a sweet, citrusy treat. It’s a wonderful balance of creamy, buttery, and sweet, with a light and fluffy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. The best part? You don’t need any special skills to make it—just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, and the oven does the rest. The cream cheese provides a rich, velvety filling, while the lemon pie filling and cake mix combine to create a light, golden topping that’s slightly crispy and full of flavor. With a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is the perfect way to end any meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or satisfying a family craving, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This dessert requires minimal preparation and no special baking techniques.
Deliciously Tangy: The cream cheese and lemon combination creates a refreshing, flavorful dessert.
Quick to Prepare: The dump-and-bake method saves time, making it ideal for busy days.
Versatile: Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries for a customized treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this dessert always impresses.

Ingredients

Cream cheese (at room temperature)
Unsalted butter (melted)
Yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix
Lemon pie filling (divided)
Large egg
Powdered sugar
Kosher salt
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Variations

Add Fresh Berries

Top the cake with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for added sweetness and a pop of color.

Use Different Pie Fillings

While lemon is the star here, you can substitute the lemon pie filling with cherry, blueberry, or peach for a new twist.

Add Nuts

Chopped pecans or almonds sprinkled on top can add a delightful crunch to the cake.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Spice It Up

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor depth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

Add the egg to the cream cheese mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5

Pour the lemon pie filling evenly over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it to cover the surface.

Step 6

Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling, covering it as completely as possible. Do not stir.

Step 7

Pour the remaining melted butter over the top of the cake mix. This will help it become golden and crisp as it bakes.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Don’t stir the cake mix into the other ingredients—simply sprinkle it on top to allow the dump cake method to work its magic.
If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
For a more tart flavor, use lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture.
For a perfectly crisp topping, be sure to spread the cake mix evenly across the pie filling.

How to Serve

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Top with fresh fruit like berries or a drizzle of lemon glaze for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
For a fun twist, serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a rich contrast to the tangy lemon.
Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful after-dinner dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dump cake to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or warm the entire cake in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer, such as butter, vanilla, or even strawberry.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture and creaminess of the cake.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead, but it is best served fresh from the oven for optimal texture.

4. Can I substitute the lemon pie filling?

You can use any fruit pie filling you like, such as blueberry, cherry, or peach, for a different flavor.

5. How can I make the top more crispy?

To achieve a crispier topping, make sure to evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top, and drizzle the melted butter evenly over it.

6. Can I add more lemon flavor?

Yes, you can add lemon zest or lemon extract to enhance the lemon flavor.

7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, butter will provide the best flavor and richness.

8. Is it necessary to use powdered sugar?

Yes, powdered sugar is key for the smooth texture and sweetness of the cream cheese mixture.

9. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly.

10. Can I serve this cake cold?

While it’s best served warm, you can enjoy it cold as well—especially if paired with cold whipped cream or ice cream.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an incredibly easy and delicious dessert that combines the tanginess of lemon with the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of cake. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you want something sweet, this cake is sure to please. Try it today, and enjoy a mouthwatering dessert that’s as effortless as it is flavorful.