Welcome to your new favorite dessert recipe! If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts indulgent and ridiculously easy to make, this is it. Imagine a perfectly moist, buttery cake with a tangy burst of lemon and the creamy goodness of cream cheese what could be better than that? Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dump cake it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Lemon Cake Mix: The base of our dump cake. It provides a soft, tender texture with a hint of zesty lemon flavor.
Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy star of the show. It melts beautifully into the cake, giving it a luscious texture.
Butter: You can’t go wrong with butter! It adds richness and helps the cake form a golden, slightly crispy top.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the lemon and cream cheese. It gives the dish the perfect sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your cake the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. The texture should be velvety and light.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.
Assemble the Dish: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Next, sprinkle the lemon cake mix on top, followed by the melted butter. Don’t stir it—just let it all come together as it bakes. The butter will soak into the mix and create a wonderful texture.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the cake is bubbly. It’s the perfect combination of gooey and crispy!
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Trust me, waiting will make it even better as the flavors settle.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this cake is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side is a perfect contrast to the warm, tangy cake.
Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping the cream cheese mixture and cake mix ahead of time. Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
Spice It Up: If you want to add a little extra depth of flavor, sprinkle in a bit of lemon zest or even a splash of vanilla extract.
Dietary Adjustments: Looking to make this recipe dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to double if you’re cooking for a crowd or want to freeze some for later!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute lemon cake mix with another flavor?
A1: Yes! You can use vanilla or yellow cake mix if you prefer a more subtle flavor. It will still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dish the night before, then bake it the next day when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the cake’s texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! This recipe doubles easily for a larger crowd. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Q7: Can I use a different fruit cake mix?
A7: Absolutely! You could experiment with peach, strawberry, or even blueberry cake mix for a twist on the original flavor.
Q8: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A8: Yes, you can sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nice crunch.
Q9: Can I use a different cheese instead of cream cheese?
A9: While cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, you could try ricotta cheese for a slightly different but still creamy result.
Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A10: The recipe as written isn’t gluten-free, but you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make it work for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
There you have it an easy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying dessert that’s bound to steal the show. Whether you’re serving it up at a family dinner or sneaking a piece for yourself (we won’t tell!), this lemon cream cheese dump cake is sure to become your new go-to. Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling.
- Add the Cake Mix and Butter:
- Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible for even baking.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For an extra citrusy twist, sprinkle a bit of lemon zest on top before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg