If you’re looking for a simple, tasty dessert, the lemon cream cheese dump cake recipe is perfect for you! It’s quick to make, needs only a few ingredients, and tastes amazing. This guide will show you how to make this delicious cake easily—even if you’re new to baking.
What Is a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a dessert where you simply “dump” ingredients into a baking dish and bake it. No mixing bowls or fancy steps! This lemon cream cheese version combines tangy lemon filling with creamy cheese and a soft cake crust. It’s like cheesecake and cake in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 box yellow or lemon cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, melted
- Optional: powdered sugar or whipped cream for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Check out oven cooking basics.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly on the bottom of the pan.
- Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and place them evenly over the lemon filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Do not mix!
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This helps create a golden crust.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Why This Recipe Is So Good
The lemon filling gives a fresh, tangy flavor. The cream cheese melts during baking, making the cake creamy and rich. The dry cake mix turns into a soft, slightly crispy topping. All this happens with almost no effort!
Common Questions About Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Q: Can I use fresh lemons instead of pie filling?
A: Fresh lemon juice doesn’t work as well because pie filling is thicker and sweeter. Pie filling keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm it slightly before serving.
Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
A: Yes, white or yellow cake mix works best, but lemon cake mix makes it more lemony.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not as is, because most cake mixes contain gluten. You can try gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Use softened cream cheese to help it melt evenly.
- Don’t stir the layers—just dump and bake!
- Add lemon zest on top for extra lemon flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Enjoy this dish? Don’t miss my other American recipes. Try my smoked buffalo wings recipe if you want a twist. More good food coming soon!
