Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: A Zesty, Luscious Dessert That Melts in Your Mouth 🍋🧀🍰✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a dessert that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the rich creaminess of cheese, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your perfect match! This easy-to-make treat is ideal for busy bakers who want impressive results without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic of dump cakes lies in their simplicity—just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work. The result? A golden, gooey dessert with pockets of melted cream cheese and vibrant lemon flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Looking for more easy dessert ideas? Check out our collection of simple yet delicious recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
2. Ingredients
One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients you need. Here’s what you’ll need to create this citrusy delight:
- 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling (the star ingredient that gives it that perfect lemony zing)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, sliced (use full-fat for the creamiest texture)
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (the base that creates that perfect cakey texture)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (this creates that irresistible golden crust)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for garnish – makes it look bakery-worthy)
If you love cream cheese desserts, you might also enjoy our Millionaire Brownies that feature a rich cream cheese swirl!
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier). Pour the lemon pie filling into the dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. This creates the tangy foundation of your lemon cream cheese dump cake. The bright yellow color is so inviting and promises that wonderful citrus flavor in every bite.
For more citrus-inspired treats, take a look at our White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters which offer a similar sweet-tart combination.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese Slices
Now for the creamy element that takes this dessert to the next level! Take your cream cheese (make sure it’s slightly softened for easier slicing) and cut it into thin slices. Arrange these slices evenly over the lemon filling layer. As the cake bakes, these will melt into luscious pockets of creamy goodness that perfectly complement the bright lemon flavor. The contrast between the tart lemon and rich cream cheese is simply divine.
If you’re a cream cheese lover, you’ll adore our Easter Crack recipe that features a similar creamy element.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Here comes the “dump” part of the dump cake! Take your yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese layer. The key here is to resist the urge to stir – the magic happens when the layers remain distinct. As it bakes, the cake mix will form a delicious crumbly topping while allowing the cream cheese to melt into the lemon layer below. This creates wonderful textural contrasts in every bite.
For another easy dessert with a crumbly topping, try our Lucky Charms Ice Cream Sundae with its crunchy cereal topping.
Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter
The final step before baking is to pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This is what transforms the dry cake mix into a golden, crispy topping. As it bakes for 40-45 minutes (until beautifully golden brown), the butter will work its magic, creating a texture that’s crisp on top while remaining moist underneath. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
For more baking tips and tricks, visit our About page where we share our baking philosophy.
4. Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier slicing and more even melting.
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add 1 tsp of fresh lemon zest to the pie filling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast between hot cake and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- If you prefer a more uniform texture, you can gently swirl the layers with a knife before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For more baking tips and snack ideas, browse our Snack category full of delicious inspiration.
5. Variations
One of the best things about dump cakes is how easily you can customize them. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Blueberry Lemon: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the lemon filling for bursts of juicy flavor.
- Lemon Raspberry: Swirl in ½ cup of raspberry jam before adding the cake mix for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free yellow cake mix for those with dietary restrictions.
- Lemon Coconut: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded coconut over the cake mix before adding butter.
- Individual Servings: Divide the ingredients among ramekins for personal-sized desserts.
For more creative dessert ideas, check out our Butterbeer Cookies that offer another unique flavor combination.
6. Serving Suggestions
This lemon cream cheese dump cake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas to make it extra special:
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a beautiful presentation
- Top with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added freshness
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle with lemon curd for extra citrus punch
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat
Looking for more breakfast-inspired desserts? Our Breakfast category has plenty of sweet morning treats.
7. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While this is definitely an indulgent treat, here’s what you’re getting in each serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g (includes 9g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd will work beautifully and may even give you a more intense lemon flavor. Just keep in mind that homemade curd is usually thicker than canned pie filling, so you might want to thin it slightly with a tablespoon or two of water or lemon juice. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You have two great options for make-ahead preparation:
- Assemble the entire cake (up through adding the butter), cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from fridge while oven preheats, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).
- Bake the cake completely, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds when ready to serve.
Why is my dump cake soggy?
There are a few common reasons for a soggy dump cake:
- Underbaking: Make sure the top is golden brown and crisp before removing from oven.
- Overmixing: Remember, the charm of dump cakes is in the layers – resist stirring!
- Too much butter: Stick to the recommended ½ cup (1 stick) measurement.
- Humidity: On very humid days, the cake may absorb more moisture from the air.
If your cake does turn out soggy, you can often fix it by returning it to the oven for 10-15 more minutes.
Can I freeze lemon cream cheese dump cake?
Yes! This cake freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes before serving.
For more baking questions, feel free to contact us – we love helping fellow bakers!
9. Conclusion
This lemon cream cheese dump cake is proof that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping dessert that combines bright citrus flavors with rich, creamy goodness. The contrast between the tart lemon, velvety cream cheese, and buttery cake topping is absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, potluck, or just treating yourself to a special dessert, this dump cake is sure to impress. The best part? It’s nearly impossible to mess up – the “dump” method is forgiving and flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
We adapted this recipe from a wonderful version we found at That Oven Feelin’, and we’re so glad we did – it’s become a reader favorite!
So next time you’re craving something sweet with a perfect balance of tart and creamy, give this lemon cream cheese dump cake a try. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved recipe in our collection. Happy baking! 🍋🍰
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect blend of tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and buttery cake—all with minimal effort! Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a citrusy treat, this dump cake recipe delivers incredible flavor with just a few simple ingredients. The best part? No mixing bowls required—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, sliced
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the lemon pie filling into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange the cream cheese slices evenly over the lemon filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Do not stir.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier slicing.
- For extra lemon flavor, add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the pie filling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
