Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – Zesty, Creamy & Effortlessly Delicious!

There’s something about lemon desserts that just brightens the day. The combination of tangy citrus, rich cream cheese, and buttery cake is a match made in dessert heaven! This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy, all in one simple, fuss-free recipe. Whether you’re making this for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. There’s no mixing, no complicated steps, and barely any prep work. Just layer, bake, and enjoy! If you love lemon desserts that are refreshing yet indulgent, this cake will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Super Easy – Just layer the ingredients and bake! No need for fancy techniques or multiple bowls.

✔️ Bright & Refreshing – The tangy lemon filling perfectly complements the rich, creamy cheesecake layer.

✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a potluck, family dinner, or just because, this dessert fits any event.

✔️ Customizable – You can switch up flavors, add toppings, or even make it extra indulgent with ice cream!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
• 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup milk

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spread the Lemon Pie Filling

Take your lemon pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will be the tangy, fruity base of your cake.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds a luscious, cheesecake-like layer to the cake.
Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling and gently spread it out for even coverage. You don’t have to be perfect—it will bake into a delicious, swirled layer!

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Now, take the dry lemon cake mix and evenly sprinkle it over the cream cheese layer. Do not mix! The magic of a dump cake is in the layering.

Step 5: Drizzle the Melted Butter

Slowly pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible, but don’t worry if some spots are still dry—everything will bake together beautifully.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, slightly crispy, and bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm and gooey straight from the oven or let it chill for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

For an extra indulgence, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Helpful Tips

✔️ Want a marbled effect? Before baking, run a butter knife through the cream cheese and cake mix layers for a beautiful swirl.

✔️ Add a crunchy topping! Sprinkle chopped nuts or a handful of crushed graham crackers over the top before baking.

✔️ Love extra tang? Add a bit of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.

✔️ Make it extra sweet! A dusting of powdered sugar before serving gives this cake a bakery-style finish.

✔️ Prefer a firmer cake? Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours after baking—it will set up into a denser, cheesecake-like consistency.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• You can reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
• If you like extra texture, you can sprinkle shredded coconut or white chocolate chips on top before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~4g
• Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~9g
• Sugar: ~35g

(These values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While lemon cake mix enhances the citrus flavor, you can try vanilla, white, or even butter cake mix for a slightly different twist.

Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?

Yes! If you prefer a homemade touch, you can swap out the canned lemon pie filling for about 2 cups of lemon curd.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, it’s best to store leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this a day in advance and refrigerate it. If you’d like to serve it warm, just pop it in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

It’s delicious warm with ice cream, chilled for a cheesecake-like texture, or topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Related Recipes

If you love this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you’ll definitely enjoy these other delicious treats:

• Creamy Banana Pudding Cheesecake
• The Creamiest Basque Cheesecake
• Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – Zesty, Creamy, and Irresistibly
• Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Final Thought

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is proof that amazing desserts don’t have to be complicated! With its bright citrus flavor, creamy texture, and buttery crisp topping, it’s the ultimate easy-bake treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake will impress your family and friends with minimal effort.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest and most delicious cakes you’ll ever make! Happy baking!

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