Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a dessert dream come true. With just a handful of ingredients and no mixing required, it’s one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make. The sweet-tart lemon filling, swirled with rich cream cheese and topped with a buttery, golden cake layer, makes every bite simply magical.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ridiculously Easy – Just dump, layer, and bake—no bowls or mixers needed.
Incredible Texture – Gooey lemon base, creamy pockets of cheesecake, and golden cake topping.
Perfect for Spring or Summer – Light, bright flavor that’s always a hit.
Feeds a Crowd – Great for potlucks, family dinners, or brunch parties.
Customizable – Swap in different fruit fillings or cake mix flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for added depth)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra brightness)

Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Whipped cream
Fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries)
Vanilla ice cream

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula or spoon
Measuring spoons
Zester (optional)
Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Add the Lemon Pie Filling
Spread the entire can of lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
Use a spatula or spoon to spread it to all corners.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Cubes
Scatter the cubed cream cheese evenly over the lemon filling.
For extra flavor, you can stir in a bit of lemon zest or vanilla extract with the cream cheese beforehand.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the entire dish, covering all the filling and cream cheese.
Do not stir—just make sure the mix is spread evenly.

Step 5: Pour Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix.
Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
This helps create a beautifully golden, slightly crisp topping.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes.
The top should be golden brown, and the edges will be bubbly.
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving—it helps the layers set.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake
Use High-Quality Pie Filling – It’s the base flavor, so choose one with real lemon.
Don’t Stir the Layers – Let the ingredients stay in their layers to create that perfect texture.
Cover All the Cake Mix – Pour butter evenly or add a little extra if there are dry spots.
Chill for Neater Slices – Refrigerate before serving if you want clean-cut squares.
Double the Cream Cheese – For extra richness, add more cream cheese chunks.

Serving Suggestions
Brunch – Serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a sweet treat.
Dessert Buffet – Pairs well with chocolate desserts or fruit tarts.
Tea Time – A slice with a hot cup of tea or coffee is divine.
Holiday Gatherings – Bright citrusy flavors make it perfect for Easter or Mother’s Day.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings for 20–30 seconds until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade lemon filling?
   Yes! If you have homemade lemon curd or pie filling, use about 2 cups.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Definitely. Bake it, cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat just before serving.
3. What’s the best cake mix for this recipe?
   Yellow cake mix is classic, but white or even lemon cake mix also work wonderfully.
4. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
   You can, but full-fat cream cheese offers the creamiest texture.
5. Can I add fruit to the filling?
   Yes! Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.

Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. With just a few ingredients and zero fuss, it delivers incredible flavor and texture in every single bite. Whether you serve it for a casual weeknight dessert or a special brunch, it’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a review or share your version on social media—happy baking!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 310mg

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