What is a dessert that is pure magic? I’m talking about Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Seriously, if you’re anything like me and sometimes the thought of a complicated baking project can make you sick. What makes you want to hide under the covers? Is this a good alternative to my grandma’s peach cobbler? What are the best spring and summer clothes to wear? What is the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy? We’re talking dump and bake levels of easy. What is your new favorite lemon cream cheese dump cake? With minimal effort.
What is a lemon cream cheese dump cake?
What is a lemon Cream Cheese dump cake? It’s essentially a moist cake base with tangy, creamy filling, all baked together to create an elegant cake. What a decadent treat. What is the beauty of simplicity? How do you dump all the ingredients into a pan and bake them? No fussy mixing, no complicated steps, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness. The name comes from the method – you dump everything in! What is the combination of lemon and cream cheese? Is light, it’s bright, and it is unbelievably satisfying? What is the best dessert to have when you don’t have a lot of time to spend on it?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor of this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is simply divine. The tanginess of the lemon perfectly complements the rich, creamy cream cheese, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s everything you could possibly want in a dessert. And the best part? It’s SO easy to make. Seriously, if you can operate a can opener and a measuring cup, you can make this cake. It’s almost embarrassingly simple, which is exactly what I need on busy weeknights.
Then there’s the cost factor. The ingredients are all pretty standard and affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to Whip up this treat. We’re talking pantry staples like cake mix, cream cheese, and lemons. It’s a budget-friendly dessert that tastes like a million bucks! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm or cold, top it with fresh berries, or even add a dollop of Whipped Cream. It’s delicious on its own, but it’s also a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
What I love most about this is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s a reminder that you don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques to create a memorable dessert. And honestly, the smiles on my family’s faces when they take that first bite? Priceless. This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a winner, every single time.
How do you make a lemon cream cheese dump cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make a lemon Cream Cheese dump cake? What is the best way to bake a cake? Golden brown and bubbly. What is the beauty of cake mix? What is the best way to top a cream cheese cake? What is the secret to a crispy crust? Is it really a matter of layering, swirling and baking your way to dessert perfection?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
I usually grab a Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker. Whatever’s on sale! * 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – make sure it’s completely melted and slightly cooled. Why is it not scald * 12 cup milk (I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!)
For the Filling:
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Super important that it’s soften or you’ll have lumps! Leave it out on the counter for at least an hour. * 1 cup granulated sugar * 2 large eggs *1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – Don’t skimp on the vanilla, it will ruin the flavor. How does it enhance the flavor of a dish? * 14 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed – Freshly squeeze is best for that bright lemon flavor. * 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Zest the lemon before you juice it!
For the Glaze (optional, but HIGHLY recommended):
* 1 cup powdered sugar * 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice – Add it gradually until you reach your desired desired consistency.
What are the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour in it – it prevents the cake from sticking like a charm. Make sure you get into all the corners! This is your foundation, folks, so make it a good one.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, pour the cake mix. Just the dry mix, no need to add any other ingredients just yet! Set aside for now. This is important because we need to prepare the cream cheese layer first.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Set aside. What is softened cream cheese? Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined. What is the best way to beat the eggs one at a time, followed by the Vanilla Extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest? Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Combine
Do not over mix the cake mix as this will result in a tougher cake. I want everything to be merged. I don’t want anything to go together.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Where does the “dump” come in? How do you spread the cream cheese mixture in a baking pan?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Do not overdo the cake mix. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. What is the best way to swirl the cream cheese and cake mix together using a knife or skewer? Don’t overdo it – you want some streaks of cream cheese to remain visible. What is the marble effect?
Step 7: Bake
Is it safe to bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes? When inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent burning. Ovens can vary, so start checking it around 40 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before glazing. This is crucial! If you glaze it while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt and become a runny mess. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add more lemon juice if desired. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the cake into squares and serve. What’s better with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream? Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra touch of elegance.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best recipes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake? What are some good ideas for serving it, depending on the occasion.
For Breakfast:Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or herbal tea. What’s a good way to start the day? Cut a small square and enjoy it alongside some fresh fruit.
For Brunch: Dress it up with some fresh berries and a sprig of mint. Serve it with a glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa for a touch of elegance.
As Dessert:Where does it shine? Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Drizzle with a little extra lemon juice for an extra zing. My family loves it after a light summer dinner.
For Cozy Snacks:What is a comfort food? I love snuggling up on the couch with a slice of this and snooze.
My family actually started a tradition of making this for our annual summer BBQ. It’s always good! Is it too heavy to eat after a big meal? Plus, it’s easy to transport, which is always a bonus.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
What is the best way to make a lemon cream cheese dump cake? What are some of my tried and true tips?
What is the cream cheese recipe? Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy filling. I usually leave it out on the counter for at least an hour.
Mixing Advice:Be careful not to overmix the cream cheese filling. Overmixing can cause the filling to deflate during baking.
Swirl Customization:Don’t be afraid to get creative with your swirling! Experiment with different patterns to create a marbled effect. Just be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the colors.
Ingredient Swaps:Can you substitute other citrus fruits for lemon? Orange or grapefruit would also be delicious! What are some good ways to add blueberries to a cake mix?
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of baking to prevent burning. Ovens can vary, so start checking it around 40 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Glaze Variations: For a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice. For a thinner glaze, use more. You can also add a drop of lemon extract for an extra boost of lemon flavor.
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the cake was a little too salty. It was still edible, but definitely not as good. So, trust me on this one – use unsalted butter!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s How to store your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to keep it fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure it’s tightly covered or stored in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day, it’s best to wait to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.
I usually store mine in the fridge because, let’s be honest, it rarely lasts more than a few days! But if I’m making it ahead of time for a party, I’ll freeze it and thaw it the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake! It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, this is it. The bright lemon flavor combined with the creamy filling is simply irresistible. And the best part? It requires minimal effort, which is always a win in my book. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other dump cake variations! I have a chocolate version and a berry version that are equally delicious. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them with me!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: 7 Reasons It’s Your New Dessert Fix!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 21 oz Lemon Pie Filling
- 0.75 cup Butter Melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in lemon pie filling until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
