Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe: Bake Joy Now

Dessert lovers rejoice when a simple lemon cream cheese dump cake recipe lands on their radar!

This delightful treat combines tangy citrus with creamy richness in one effortless dish.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this incredible dessert with minimal effort.

The magic happens when layers of ingredients tumble into a single pan, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Buttery crumbles melt into a luscious base while zesty lemon notes dance through each delectable bite.

Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparation times.

Serve this irresistible dessert warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

What to Use for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

For Base Layer:
  • Lemon Pie Filling: Provides the tangy, zesty foundation that creates a vibrant citrus base for the dessert, selecting a high-quality brand ensures rich, authentic lemon flavor.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness and melts beautifully, creating delightful pockets of indulgence throughout the cake.
  • Cream Cheese: Brings luxurious richness and a smooth texture, look for full-fat cream cheese for maximum creaminess.
For Cake Layer:
  • Lemon Cake Mix: Delivers quick and foolproof cake base with intense lemon essence, choose a mix with real lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
For Topping Layer:
  • Butter: Creates a golden, crispy top layer that provides rich, buttery moisture, using unsalted butter allows better control of the cake's overall sweetness.

Must-Have Tools for Dump Cake Success

  • 9×13-inch baking dish or 12-inch oven-safe skillet: Perfect for creating your delicious dessert with even heat distribution.
  • Knife: Sharp blade for slicing butter into small, even pads.
  • Measuring cups: Helps you accurately portion ingredients for a foolproof recipe.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading lemon pie filling and ensuring an even layer.
  • Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling hot baking dishes.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Lemon Love Preparation

Warm up your kitchen and get ready for a zesty adventure by heating the oven to a cozy temperature perfect for baking magic.

  • Baking Dish Canvas

Select a spacious rectangular baking dish that will become the stage for your delightful dessert creation.

  • Lemon Landscape

Pour a vibrant layer of tangy lemon pie filling across the bottom, creating a smooth and inviting base that promises bright flavors.

  • Flavor Builders

Scatter white chocolate chips and tender cream cheese cubes across the lemon foundation, adding delightful texture and unexpected richness.

  • Cake Mix Blanket

Gently cascade the lemon cake mix over the entire surface, completely covering the hidden treasures beneath in a soft, pale layer.

  • Buttery Finishing Touch

Dot the top with delicate butter pads, ensuring every inch gets a luxurious golden kiss during baking.

  • Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into the waiting oven and let the heat work its transformative magic for about an hour, watching for a golden crown and bubbling edges that signal dessert perfection.

Tips for Layering This Dump Cake

  • Swap lemon pie filling with cherry, blueberry, or raspberry for a fruity twist that transforms the entire dessert experience.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or toasted coconut flakes over the cake before baking to add delightful texture and nutty depth.
  • Blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then dollop or swirl into the filling for extra creamy richness.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with lemon glaze, or dust with powdered sugar to create a restaurant-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
  • Prepare the entire cake up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state, which allows flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Serving Lemon Cream Cheese Cake Warm or Cold

  • Delightful Dessert Companions
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange slices on a decorative tray with fresh mint leaves and lemon zest sprinkles for an elegant presentation that wows guests.
  • Creamy Cool Complement: Serve warm cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or tangy lemon sorbet to enhance the dessert's rich, citrusy flavor profile.
  • Sweet Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a hot cup of chamomile tea or chilled lavender lemonade to balance the cake's sweet and zesty notes, creating a refreshing dessert experience.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Warm individual portions for a decadent morning treat, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Proper Storage Tips for Lemon Dump Cake

  • Fresh Slice Strategy: Cut the cake into individual portions after completely cooling, making grab-and-go servings easier for busy families or quick dessert needs.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Store covered cake in airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping cream cheese ingredients fresh and maintaining delicate texture.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, allowing safe freezer storage for 2-3 weeks without losing flavor quality.
  • Temperature Transition Tips: Allow frozen cake slices to thaw naturally in refrigerator for 3-4 hours before serving, ensuring soft and delicious texture returns without compromising taste.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Zesty Southern lemon cream cheese dump cake offers a simple, foolproof dessert packed with tangy citrus flavor. Quick assembly and minimal effort result in a delightful treat you can enjoy with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) lemon cake mix
  • 1 can (16 oz / 454 g) lemon pie filling
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal environment for baking the dessert.
  2. Baking Vessel Selection: Choose a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 12-inch oven-safe skillet to accommodate the layered creation.
  3. Foundational Layer: Spread lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking container, establishing a vibrant citrus base.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the lemon filling, introducing delightful bursts of sweetness.
  5. Creamy Integration: Distribute cream cheese cubes across the surface, adding a rich, velvety texture to the dessert.
  6. Cake Mix Application: Evenly pour lemon cake mix over the entire landscape, completely covering the underlying ingredients.
  7. Moisture Infusion: Strategically place butter pads across the cake mix surface to ensure even richness and moisture.
  8. Baking Process: Slide the prepared dessert into the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
  9. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool, letting the layers meld and flavors intensify before indulging in this delectable treat.

Notes

  • Precise Temperature Control: Maintain exact 350°F for perfect cake texture and even baking; slight temperature variations can dramatically impact the final result.
  • Strategic Layer Distribution: Spread ingredients evenly to ensure each bite delivers balanced lemon, cream cheese, and white chocolate flavors without clumping.
  • Butter Placement Technique: Distribute butter pads uniformly across the cake mix surface to guarantee consistent moisture and prevent dry patches.
  • Cooling Crucial Step: Allow cake to rest 15-20 minutes after baking, enabling layers to set and flavors to meld, transforming the dessert from good to extraordinary.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star