Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple, tangy, and moist dessert made with a box cake mix, fresh lemon, and cream cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight desserts, holidays, or gatherings, this dump cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s effortless to make.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For a 9×13-inch baking dish:

1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 can lemon pie filling (21 oz)
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor depth)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh lemony boost)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Layering:

Dump the lemon pie filling evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed.
Dot the top of the filling with the cream cheese cubes. Space them out evenly across the surface.
- Optional: Sprinkle with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest at this stage for extra flavor.
Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the top. Do not mix it in — just spread it out as a dry layer.

Add Butter:

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to avoid dry spots.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Cool & Serve:

Let the dump cake cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Why You love the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Easy & Quick: Minimal prep and ingredients — perfect for busy cooks.
Tangy & Sweet: Lemon flavor pairs perfectly with creamy, rich cream cheese.
Versatile: Works as a dessert, brunch treat, or special occasion cake.
Crowd-Pleaser: Both adults and kids love the tangy-sweet flavor combination.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Tips & Variations

Tips

Use cold cream cheese cut into small cubes so it stays creamy and doesn’t fully melt into the cake.
For extra richness, add a few pats of butter on top of the cake mix before baking.
Grease your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and for easier serving.
Let the cake cool slightly before cutting; it helps the filling set.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or chilled with whipped cream for different textures.

Variations

Berry Twist – Add blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries along with the lemon filling.
Coconut Lemon – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top before baking for added flavor.
Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy topping.
Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free cake mix without changing the rest of the recipe.
Extra Citrus – Mix in some orange or lime zest for a bright, tangy flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy, tangy-sweet contrast.
Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing touch.
Pair with a side of fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) to balance the richness.
Drizzle with a light lemon glaze or white chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Enjoy it chilled as a cool summer dessert, or warm with hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Questions and answers about Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish—usually pie filling, cream cheese, and cake mix—then baked into a rich, cobbler-like treat.

Do I need to mix the ingredients?
No mixing is required. You just layer the lemon filling, cream cheese, and dry cake mix, then top with butter and bake. The oven does all the work.

Can I use other cake mix flavors?
Yes, you can swap the yellow or white cake mix with lemon cake mix for extra citrus flavor, or try vanilla for a milder taste.

How should I serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
It can be served warm with ice cream or whipped cream, or chilled for a firmer, refreshing dessert. Fresh berries also pair beautifully with it.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and warm before serving, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and creamy. Its ease of preparation doesn’t compromise its flavor — it’s moist, flavorful, and visually stunning.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert or a centerpiece for a special occasion, this dump cake delivers deliciously every time.

With minimal effort, pantry-friendly ingredients, and maximum flavor, this cake is bound to become a family favorite. Serve it with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence, and watch it disappear in no time.

Lemon cream cheese dump cake