Bright, Creamy, and Effortlessly Delicious
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that proves simple can still be spectacular. With its vibrant citrus flavor, creamy pockets of melted cream cheese, and a golden, buttery topping, this cake delivers big flavor with almost no effort. There’s no mixing bowls, no complicated steps—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or last-minute guests, this recipe combines the tangy freshness of lemon with rich creaminess in a dessert that feels comforting yet refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s fully ready when the cake is assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. As the cake bakes, these cubes melt into luscious, creamy pockets.
Step 4: Spread the Lemon Filling
Spoon the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese cubes and spread it evenly. This layer provides the bright, tangy flavor that defines the dessert.
Step 5: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the lemon filling. Make sure the surface is fully covered.
Do not stir—the layered structure is what makes a dump cake work.
Step 6: Pour the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is key to creating that golden, crumbly topping as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The edges will be crisp and the middle soft and creamy.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy it warm or at room temperature—especially delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese fully to avoid lumps and ensure smooth melting
- Don’t mix the layers—they combine naturally during baking
- Check doneness at 40 minutes and add a few extra minutes if needed
- Let it rest briefly so it sets and slices more easily
Flavor Variations & Ideas
- Add fresh lemon zest to intensify the citrus flavor
- Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a bakery-style finish
- Swap lemon pie filling for blueberry, cherry, or peach
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers over the cake mix for extra crunch
- Make it dairy-free with plant-based cream cheese and butter
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. With its perfect balance of tart lemon, rich cream cheese, and buttery cake topping, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this cake delivers comfort, brightness, and indulgence—all with minimal work.
Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation 🍋🍰
