Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that layers tangy lemon pie filling with creamy cubes of cream cheese, all topped with a buttery cake mix crust. Quick to assemble and perfect for any occasion, it bakes into a golden, bubbly treat that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 (21-ounce can) lemon pie filling
- 1 (8-ounce block) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
Cake Topping
- 1 (15.25 ounce box) yellow cake mix or lemon cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Spread the lemon filling: Evenly distribute the lemon pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a tangy base layer.
- Add cream cheese: Place the softened cream cheese cubes evenly over the lemon pie filling, which will add a rich and creamy texture as it bakes.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow or lemon cake mix on top of the cream cheese layer. Do not stir or mix it in; it should remain as a dry topping.
- Drizzle melted butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring coverage all over to help create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. For an extra special touch, serve warm topped with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. Vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully with this dessert.
Notes
- You can use either yellow or lemon cake mix depending on whether you want a more neutral or stronger lemon flavor in your cake topping.
- Softening the cream cheese at room temperature makes it easier to cube and distribute evenly.
- Do not mix the cake mix into the lemon filling; keep it as a dry layer to achieve the classic dump cake texture.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream or lemon zest add extra flavor and presentation appeal but are not necessary.
- Letting the cake cool slightly helps the layers set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
