Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy essence of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple family dinner. With its zesty flavor and luscious texture, it stands out as a memorable treat that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake Base
• For the Filling
• For the Cream Cheese Layer
• Optional Topping
• How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Cake Layer
• Step 3: Add the Lemon Filling
• Step 4: Make the Cheese Layer
• Step 5: Top with Remaining Cake Mix
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Cool and Serve
• How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
• With Fresh Berries
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• A la Mode
• Dusting with Powdered Sugar
• How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
• Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different fruit pie filling?
• How do I make this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?
• Can I add more lemon flavor?
• How should I serve this dessert?
• How long does this dump cake last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dump cake comes together in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy bakers.
• Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon pie filling and zest brings a refreshing zing to each bite.
• Creamy Texture: The cream cheese layer adds a rich creaminess that beautifully complements the cake’s crumbly top.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm or chilled, with ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar for added flair.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress at any gathering, making it a go-to recipe for celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for evenly baking your dump cake without overflow.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Hand mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture quickly.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down sides of bowls and spreading mixtures evenly.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for extra lemon flavor)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

• 1.5 to 2 cans (21 oz) lemon pie filling

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 12 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• Zest of 1 lemon

Optional Topping

• Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will ensure your cake comes out without sticking to the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Cake Layer

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Spread about half of the cake mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to create a base.

Step 3: Add the Lemon Filling

Spread 1.5 to 2 cans of lemon pie filling over the cake mix base. Ensure it’s evenly distributed for that burst of lemony goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spoon or spread this mixture over the lemon pie filling, creating another delicious layer.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Cake Mix

Sprinkle the remaining cake mix mixture over the cream cheese layer. It doesn’t need to completely cover the cheese layer; the crumble effect will give the cake a lovely texture and rustic look.

Step 6: Bake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. The cake will be ready when the cream cheese layer is set and no longer jiggly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. The layers will firm up as it cools. You can dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before serving or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Serving your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is just as delightful as making it. This cake can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its lemony flavor and creamy texture, perfect for any gathering or sweet treat at home.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and layer them on top for a fruity contrast.
• Blueberries: Scatter blueberries over the cake for a burst of color and flavor.
• Raspberries: Add tart raspberries for a zesty kick that pairs well with the sweetness.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla for a light topping.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Add lemon zest to whipped cream for an extra lemony touch.

A la Mode

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the flavors.
• Lemon Sorbet: Pair with lemon sorbet for a refreshing twist that complements the cake’s citrus notes.

Dusting with Powdered Sugar

• Simple Presentation: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.

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How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Perfecting your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake takes just a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your ingredients, especially the lemons, are fresh for maximum flavor.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; this helps achieve a smooth consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the texture light and airy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; an oven that’s too hot can burn the top while leaving the inside undercooked.
• Let it Cool: Allowing the cake to cool properly helps set the layers and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with Flavors: For variation, try adding different flavored pie fillings or extracts in place of vanilla.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit can balance out the sweetness of the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that complements the cake’s flavors.
3. Lemonade: A cold glass of lemonade enhances the lemon flavor and provides a refreshing drink option alongside dessert.
4. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which pairs beautifully with sweet desserts.
5. Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of fruit sorbet offers a light, icy complement that cleanses the palate between bites of cake.
6. Chilled Mint Tea: Serve iced mint tea for a soothing beverage that refreshes alongside your sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using the wrong cake mix: Always use yellow or lemon cake mix for the best flavor. Substituting with other flavors can alter the taste significantly.
• Not softening cream cheese: Using cold cream cheese will create a lumpy mixture. Make sure to soften it at room temperature for a smooth texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool is crucial. Cutting it too soon can result in messy slices and layers that don’t hold together.
• Overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can dry out the cake, while underbaking may leave it gooey in the middle.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons properly to ensure the right balance of flavors and textures.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• The cake can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering loosely with foil to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different fruit pie filling?

Yes! While this recipe features lemon pie filling, you can experiment with other flavors like cherry or blueberry for a unique twist.

How do I make this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Absolutely! You can increase the zest or add fresh lemon juice to enhance the citrus flavor throughout the cake.

How should I serve this dessert?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also add fresh berries for an extra touch!

How long does this dump cake last?

When stored properly, your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a simple treat at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or fruit variations. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful layers of flavor!