Table of Contents
Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is tangy, creamy, and irresistibly delicious! A quick and easy dessert that needs no mixing — just layer, bake, and enjoy!
🍰 Introduction
If you love bright, refreshing desserts that are creamy, sweet, and unbelievably simple to make, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite treat! With its luscious cream cheese filling, vibrant lemon flavor, and buttery golden topping, this dessert tastes like a bakery-style lemon cheesecake mixed with a cozy homemade cake — but without the extra work.
Dump cakes have always been a beloved American classic because they’re known for being effortless. No bowls, no whisking, and no complicated steps. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking pan, bake, and boom — dessert is served! It’s the perfect last-minute recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday dinners, or when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want a long baking session.
This recipe is loved for its balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The lemon pie filling adds a burst of citrus that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy cheesecake-like layer made from cream cheese and sugar. The buttery cake mix topping becomes golden, slightly crisp, and beautifully tender — every bite melts in your mouth. It’s an easy recipe, beginner-friendly, and makes a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a firmer texture, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake delivers pure comfort and joy with every spoonful.
🧰 Recipe Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this dessert:
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Can opener
- Measuring cups
- Butter knife (for swirling cream cheese mixture)
No electric mixer required — keeping it simple is the magic of this recipe!
📊 Recipe Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 40–45 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 10–12 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Served | Warm or Chilled |
| Occasion | Family dessert, potluck, holidays |
🛒 Ingredients
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
- 1 tbsp lemon zest for extra citrus flavor
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries or lemon slices for garnish
🧾 Ingredient Notes
- Lemon Pie Filling: This is the star ingredient! It brings a sweet, tangy lemon flavor that pairs perfectly with cream cheese. You can use store-bought or homemade.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the cake a rich, velvety cheesecake-like texture. Make sure it’s softened for easier blending.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Creates the crispy, golden, and buttery topping. Lemon or white cake mix can also be used.
- Butter: Helps the cake mix bake evenly and creates that delicious golden crust. Real butter is best for flavor.
- Vanilla: Adds warmth and balances the tart lemon flavor.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Add Lemon Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This creates your flavorful base layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sugar (plus vanilla, if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Drop dollops of this mixture over the lemon filling and gently swirl using a butter knife. You want ribbons, not full blending!
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top. Don’t mix — keeping layers separate is key for texture!
Step 5: Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Ensure most areas are covered so it bakes golden and moist.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbling at the edges. The aroma alone will make everyone run to the kitchen!
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Serve warm for a gooey, creamy texture or chill for a cheesecake-style dessert. Both versions are delicious!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Add Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries pair beautifully with the lemon flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Add ½ cup crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans before baking.
- Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cut sugar in half.
- Storage Tip: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or rewarm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Chilled with fresh berries on top
- With a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish
- As the star dessert at brunch or tea parties
For a holiday twist, add a sprinkle of white chocolate chips before baking.
🧊 Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or enjoying chilled.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
🔥 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~285
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 3g
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is proof that a delicious dessert doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep time, you can create a sweet, tangy, bakery-worthy treat that your family and guests will love. It’s the perfect dessert for busy days, special gatherings, or when you’re craving something delightfully comforting.