Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the bright, tangy flavors of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a moist cake layer. This dessert is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: With only four main ingredients, you can whip this cake up in no time.
Flavorful: The combination of lemon pie filling and cream cheese creates a burst of refreshing flavor.
Ease of Preparation: This cake is baked in one dish, minimizing cleanup.
Versatile: You can customize it with different fruits, cake mixes, and toppings.

Ingredients You Need

To make this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you will need:

Lemon Pie Filling: This adds the essential lemon flavor. You can find it canned in most grocery stores.
Yellow Cake Mix: This will serve as the cake layer. You may also use lemon or white cake mix for variations.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for best results, ensuring it’s softened to room temperature.
Unsalted Butter: This is layered on top to help achieve a rich golden finish. Real butter is preferred over margarine for flavor.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dessert:

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Vertical Photo

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Cake

Spread the Filling: Pour both cans of lemon pie filling into the bottom of the greased dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
Add Cream Cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes. Evenly distribute the pieces over the lemon pie filling. This will create creamy pockets in your cake.
Layer Cake Mix: Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling. Be sure to cover the mixture without pressing too hard. This allows the cake to rise properly.
Top with Butter: Slice the unsalted butter thinly and scatter it on top of the cake mix. The aim is for the butter to melt and infuse flavor throughout the cake as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve slices warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Crockpot Method

Prefer to use a slow cooker? Here’s how to adapt the recipe:

Grease the Crockpot: Spray a 5-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Layer Ingredients: Spread the lemon pie filling at the bottom, and dot with chunks of cream cheese.
Prepare Cake Mix Topping: Melt the butter, mix it with the dry cake mix until crumbly, and then sprinkle this mixture over the top.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. This will create a warm, gooey dessert perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Success

Butter Distribution: For a more even melt, you might melt the butter before drizzling it over the cake mix. If you choose to use slices, ensure they are thin.
Press Gently: After sprinkling the cake mix, gently press it down to help it absorb moisture from the lemon filling.
Leveling: Give the baking dish a gentle shake after adding the cake mix. This can help distribute the mixture evenly.
Add Extras: Consider garnishing the finished cake with fresh lemon zest, berries, or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Variations to Try

Feel free to switch things up with these fun ideas:

Fruit Filling: Substitute lemon pie filling with other fruity options like cherry, blueberry, or peach. This flexibility opens up a world of flavor possibilities.
Blueberry Addition: Incorporate blueberries with lemon for a classic flavor combination. This works well with a boxed lemon cake mix.
Zest It Up: Add lemon zest to the cake mix for an extra zing. This enhances the overall lemon flavor.
Use Different Cake Mix: Try white cake, lemon cake, or even strawberry mix for creative twists.
Toppings: Finish your dump cake with whipped cream, Cool Whip, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for extra flair.

How to Store Leftovers

Make Ahead: Assemble the cake in the baking dish but do not bake it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and place it in the oven.
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container or cover the dish. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake’s texture.

Note on Freezing

It is not recommended to freeze this cake. The cream cheese layer may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture and flavor.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a fantastic recipe that is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Its delightful flavor, simplicity, and versatility make it a must-try dessert. Whether served at a formal dinner or a casual get-together, this lemony treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and indulging in this comforting creation!

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You Need