If you love quick and easy desserts that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake will be your new favorite! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll get a creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet dessert that’s bursting with lemon flavor. This no-fuss recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you need a last-minute dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 2 cans lemon pie filling (21 oz each)
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, melted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Spread both cans of lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will create the gooey, tangy base of your dump cake.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the lemon pie filling. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything—the cream cheese will spread as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the entire box of lemon cake mix evenly over the top. No mixing required—just dump and spread it gently with a spoon.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the cake mix. Try to cover as much as possible to ensure a golden, crispy topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. For the ultimate treat, top each serving with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Add Texture: Sprinkle shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or white chocolate chips over the cake mix before baking.
- Boost the Citrus: Mix fresh lemon juice or zest into the cream cheese layer for extra zing.
- Make It Ahead: This dump cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free lemon pie filling and a sugar-free cake mix to make a lighter version.
