Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the luscious flavors of cream cheese and tangy lemon pie filling. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner. With its unique combination of creamy richness and a buttery cake topping, this dessert promises to impress without the fuss of complicated baking techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort; just mix, dump, and bake!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon creates a refreshing taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a celebration or a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 12 servings, it’s ideal for parties and family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your cream cheese mixture is smooth without lumps.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch size is perfect for evenly baking the cake for a golden finish.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the cream cheese layer evenly in the baking dish.

Ingredients

To create this indulgent Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the baking dish
• 1 (13.25 to 15.25-ounce) box yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix
• 1 (21-ounce) can lemon pie filling, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl:
1. Beat the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon half of the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix over the lemon pie filling without stirring — this will create a crumbly topping as it bakes.

Step 4: Finalize Before Baking

Pour the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the cake mix to add richness.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

This delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake combines simplicity with flavor, making it an easy go-to dessert that everyone will love! Enjoy every slice!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream

• A generous dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light and airy texture, balancing the richness of the cake.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a pop of color and tartness that complements the lemon flavor.

Drizzle with Lemon Glaze

• A simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can elevate the sweetness and add an extra zing.

Offer Vanilla Ice Cream

• For a richer dessert, vanilla ice cream is an excellent choice. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm cake.

Garnish with Mint Leaves

• A few fresh mint leaves on top not only make for an eye-catching presentation but also provide a refreshing hint to each bite.

How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Perfecting your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is easy when you keep a few tips in mind. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated to prevent a dense texture.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the baking time; it should be golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges for optimal flavor.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps set the layers and enhances the flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like toasted coconut or crushed nuts for added texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

While Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake shines on its own, pairing it with some delightful side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Classic Caesar Salad
   A crisp Caesar salad provides crunch and freshness, making it a great counterbalance to the dessert’s sweetness.

2. Grilled Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus brings a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy cake.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add flavors that complement the lemon zest in the cake while providing a healthy side option.

4. Fruit Salad
   A colorful fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds brightness and pairs well with lemon flavors.

5. Garlic Breadsticks
   Warm garlic breadsticks can offer a savory touch that balances out the dessert’s sweetness beautifully.

6. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides crunch and acidity, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake even better.

• Inaccurate Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately, especially the cream cheese and powdered sugar. This ensures the right texture and flavor.
• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in the batter.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to ensure even baking. If you skip this step, your cake may not rise properly.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined when adding the egg. Overmixing can result in a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Not Cooling Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly after baking. Serving it too hot can affect its texture and make it difficult to cut.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

What is Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple dessert made with cream cheese, lemon pie filling, and a cake mix topping. It bakes into a delightful treat that’s creamy and tangy.

Can I use other flavors of pie filling?

Yes! You can substitute lemon pie filling with other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for a different flavor profile while keeping the same base recipe.

How long does it take to bake Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

It typically takes about 45–50 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbly on top.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for best results.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can use gluten-free cake mix as a substitute for regular cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free without compromising taste.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an easy yet impressive dessert that everyone will love. Its creamy texture paired with tangy lemon flavor makes it perfect for any gathering. Feel free to customize it by adding fresh berries or swapping out different fruit fillings. Try this versatile treat today!