Introduction
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an easy and refreshing dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
It combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the smooth, creamy texture of cream cheese for a truly decadent treat. Perfect for any occasion, this cake requires minimal ingredients and preparation.
making it ideal for busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix
1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it’s fully heated before you begin assembling your ingredients.
Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and makes for easier cleanup.
Next, take the softened cream cheese and cut it into small cubes. Place them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
The cream cheese will melt beautifully into the cake as it bakes, adding richness and flavor throughout.
Open the can of lemon pie filling and spread it evenly over the cubes of cream cheese. This will serve as the base layer of your cake, giving it that signature tart lemon flavor.
Now, sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix directly on top of the lemon pie filling. Be sure to cover the entire surface, as the cak.
mix will form the cake layer as it bakes. Don’t stir the layers—just let them sit on top of each other for now.
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This will help the cake to form a golden,.
Crumbly topping as it bakes. The butter will melt into the cake mix and create a deliciously crisp layer.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll notice the edges becoming crispy and the cake will have a beautiful texture.
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room.
temperature, and it’s even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Make
To make the perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, start by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring the cream.
cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the cake and ensure a smooth texture.
The key to success with this recipe is to keep the layers distinct without mixing them. The cream cheese will provide a rich and creamy bottom layer.
while the lemon pie filling adds a bright and tangy contrast. Be sure not to mix the ingredients together before baking; the separation will allow the flavors to meld beautifully during cooking.
For the dry cake mix, make sure you evenly distribute it across the lemon pie filling. The cake mix will absorb moisture from the butter, creating a crumbly top layer as it bakes.
Don’t worry about stirring or trying to blend everything together; just let the layers sit on top of each other.
Another important step is to evenly pour the melted butter over the dry cake mix. This ensures that the butter evenly.
coats the top layer, allowing it to crisp up and form a nice, golden crust.
It’s also crucial to check the cake after 40 minutes of baking. You want to make sure the cake has fully set.
with no gooey batter in the middle. If needed, let it bake for a few more minutes. Once it reaches the perfect golden brown color, it’s done.
After removing it from the oven, let it cool slightly. This will help the cake to set further, making it easier to cut and serve.
Don’t be tempted to dive in too soon, as the warm cake can be a bit too soft to hold its shape.
When it’s time to serve, consider adding a sweet topping such as whipped cream or ice cream. The creamy topping pairs perfectly with the tartness of the lemon and the richness of the cake.
Tips
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before starting the recipe. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps in the cake and prevent it from melting smoothly. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding some fresh lemon zest to the cake mix or lemon pie filling.
This will provide an extra burst of citrusy freshness that complements the tangy lemon flavor of the filling.
For a more decadent topping, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the baked cake once it cools. This adds a lovely sweetness that contrasts nicely with the tart lemon.
If you don’t have lemon pie filling, you can substitute it with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or cherry.
for a different flavor twist. The cake base works just as well with various fruity fillings.
For a more golden and crunchy topping, try adding some crushed graham crackers or nuts (like almonds or pecans) on top of the cake mix before pouring the butter. This gives the cake an extra crunch and texture.
If you’re looking to make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy butter option.
You can also choose a lemon cake mix that’s dairy-free for a fully plant-based dessert.
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of this cake in mason jars or small bowls for a cute presentation.
This is perfect for parties or when you want to serve guests in a more personal and creative way.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a fantastic dessert that is both easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of lemon.
cream cheese, and cake mix creates a delicious treat with minimal effort required. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a special occasion.
This cake will surely become a favorite in your dessert rotation, and with the flexibility to adjust the toppings and fillings.
you can make it your own. Whether you serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or enjoy it on its own, this dessert is sure to impress everyone who tries it.