Craving something sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake! This simple yet mouthwatering dessert is a combination of zesty lemon, creamy cheese, and a buttery, golden topping. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself, this dessert is called a “dump cake” because you literally just dump the ingredients in – no fuss, no hassle. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients, it’s a recipe that’s easy enough for anyone to master.
Let’s get into the full recipe, along with tips and some creative variations to make this dessert truly shine!
Table of Contents:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Baking Tips and Tricks
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
- Fresh lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling.
- Add Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling layers. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible. Do not mix!
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The topping should be slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Baking Tips and Tricks
- Melted Butter Coverage: Make sure to drizzle the butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix to avoid dry patches. If needed, gently spread the butter using the back of a spoon.
- Cream Cheese Placement: Don’t worry about making the cream cheese mixture even – leaving some spots thicker creates delicious pockets of creamy flavor throughout the cake.
- Cake Mix Options: While this recipe calls for lemon cake mix, you could substitute with a yellow or vanilla cake mix if you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor.
Variations
1. Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Add a layer of fresh or frozen blueberries on top of the lemon pie filling before adding the cream cheese mixture. The combination of lemon and blueberries is a match made in heaven!
2. Strawberry Lemon Dump Cake
Replace the lemon pie filling with strawberry pie filling, and use a vanilla or yellow cake mix for a bright, berry twist on this dessert.
3. Gluten-Free Lemon Dump Cake
Substitute a gluten-free lemon cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Be sure to verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use homemade lemon pie filling instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own lemon pie filling, it will add a fresh homemade touch to the recipe. Just make sure you have about 21 ounces of filling.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave if you prefer it warm.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this cake a day ahead. It tastes just as good when reheated, or even chilled. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a deliciously easy dessert that combines sweet, tangy lemon with rich cream cheese and a buttery, crisp topping. It’s perfect for any occasion and easy enough for even the most novice bakers to succeed with. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is sure to please.
Feel free to try out the variations or even come up with your own twist. Whatever you decide, you’ll be left with a dessert that’s undeniably delightful. Happy baking!
