Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ideal dessert when you want something light yet indulgent. The creamy filling made with cream cheese and lemon pairs perfectly with the golden, cake-like topping that forms while baking. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so you can enjoy this sweet treat even on a busy day. The best part? It’s a one-pan dessert, meaning cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for a more intense lemon flavor)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the lemon pie filling and vanilla extract (if using) and mix until fully combined.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the cream cheese and lemon mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix on top of the cream cheese layer. Do not mix; just spread it out evenly.
Add Butter: Pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. You may notice that the cake mix forms a crust-like topping while the cream cheese layer remains soft and creamy.
Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Lemon Poppy Seed Dump Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the cake mix for a lovely crunch and flavor.
Berry Lemon Dump Cake: Add fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries) between the cream cheese layer and the cake mix for a fruity twist.
Lemon Coconut Dump Cake: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded coconut over the cake mix before pouring on the melted butter for added texture and flavor.
Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts) to the top of the cake mix before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pie filling?

Yes, you can swap the lemon pie filling for other flavors like cherry, blueberry, or peach. Just make sure to adjust the cake mix and butter accordingly.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, you can also use white, lemon, or even a butter cake mix for different flavor profiles.

Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?

Yes, this dump cake can be made a day ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free. Just ensure that the pie filling and cream cheese are gluten-free as well.

What is the best way to serve this dessert?

Serve the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of lemon glaze for extra sweetness.

Can I make this recipe without the cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler version. Just use the lemon pie filling and cake mix, and add some lemon zest for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its refreshing lemon flavor, creamy filling, and golden cake topping, it’s the perfect treat for lemon lovers. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress! It’s simple, flavorful, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.