Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dump cake combines the refreshing zest of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all baked under a golden, buttery cake crust. It’s effortless to prepare—just layer the ingredients and bake—making it ideal for busy days, potlucks, or last-minute desserts.

Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix
1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar or whipped cream for topping

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

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Ingredients:
Spread lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the pie filling.
Mix Cake Batter:
In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
Beat until smooth.
Assemble Cake:
Pour cake batter evenly over the lemon filling and cream cheese layer.
Bake:
Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
Cool and Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving.
Optional: dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Berry Twist: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries under the batter.
Glaze: Drizzle with lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting.
Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking.
Zesty: Add lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness.
Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other cake mixes?

Yes, white or yellow cake mixes also work well.

How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?

Drop spoonfuls evenly and don’t overmix the batter.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It’s balanced with tangy lemon and creamy cheese.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.

What sides go well?

Serve with fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream.

Can I use homemade lemon filling?

Absolutely, fresh lemon curd works wonderfully.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the bright flavor and sweet cake are sure to please.

Can I add nuts?

Chopped pecans or almonds add nice crunch.

How thick will the cake be?

About 2 inches thick, depending on the pan.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightfully tangy and creamy dessert that’s effortless to make and sure to impress. With layers of bright lemon filling, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cake crust, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion that comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor.