Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of lemon and cream cheese with the ease of a dump cake. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is great for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you want a sweet treat at home. With its creamy texture and zesty lemon flavor, this cake stands out as a unique and delicious option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon pie filling and cream cheese creates a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile for Occasions: Great for parties, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this cake fits any event seamlessly.
- Rustic Presentation: The crumbled top layer gives this cake a charming rustic look that’s appealing to serve.
- Perfectly Sweet: Dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with ice cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for ensuring even cooking and easy serving for large groups.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to prepare different components without mixing flavors prematurely.
- Whisk or electric mixer: A whisk helps incorporate air into your mixture for a light texture; an electric mixer saves time and effort if you’re short on it.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for extra lemon flavor)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1.5 to 2 cans (21 oz) lemon pie filling
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will ensure your cake comes out smoothly without sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Cake Layer
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Spread about half of the cake mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to create a base.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Filling
Spread 1.5 to 2 cans of lemon pie filling over the cake mix base. Ensure it’s evenly distributed for that burst of lemony goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spoon or spread this mixture over the lemon pie filling, creating another delicious layer.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cake Mix
Sprinkle the remaining cake mix mixture over the cream cheese layer. It doesn’t need to cover completely; let some of that creamy goodness peek through for added texture.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. The cake is done when the cream cheese layer is set and no longer jiggly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. The layers will firm up as it cools. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving or pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Serving your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is just as important as baking it. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its deliciousness and presentation.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices with a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast that enhances the lemon flavor.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Add a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream on top for a creamy and indulgent experience, perfect for hot days.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each slice with homemade whipped cream to add a light and airy texture, balancing the richness of the cake.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant touch that makes this dessert look even more appealing.
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy a slice alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or dessert after dinner.
How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, consider these tips for perfection.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Let your cream cheese and egg reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
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Choose quality lemon pie filling – Using high-quality lemon pie filling will enhance the flavor profile of your cake, making it more vibrant and delicious.
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Don’t overmix – When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
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Check doneness carefully – Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven varies. The cake should be golden brown on top and set in the middle.
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Let it cool completely – Allow the cake to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up for easier serving.
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Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add other flavors like almond extract or different citrus zests to customize your cake to your liking.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the tangy lemon flavor beautifully.
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Lemon Sorbet – This citrusy frozen treat is light and refreshing, making it an excellent palate cleanser alongside your cake.
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Pineapple Chunks – The sweetness of fresh pineapple contrasts nicely with the tartness of lemon, creating a delightful balance.
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Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that pairs well with dessert.
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Chilled Mint Tea – A refreshing beverage that cleanses the palate while enhancing the overall citrus theme of your meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies – For those who love variety, classic chocolate chip cookies offer a rich counterpoint to the lemony taste.
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Coconut Macaroons – These sweet treats provide a chewy texture that complements the softer layers of the dump cake.
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Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness while adding savory notes to your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your mixture. Always soften the cream cheese before mixing for a smooth texture.
- Not greasing the pan properly: Skipping this step can lead to a stuck cake. Lightly grease your baking dish to ensure easy removal.
- Overmixing the cake batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Using too much lemon filling: While lemon flavor is essential, adding too much can make the cake soggy. Stick to 1.5 to 2 cans for the perfect balance.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can affect its structure. Allow it to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 30-60 seconds on high.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe that might help you as you prepare this delightful dessert.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use lemon cake mix for an extra burst of flavor or even chocolate cake mix if you’re looking for something unique!
How do I know when my dump cake is done?
The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy, and the cream cheese layer should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
You can use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice if necessary, but fresh zest adds a wonderful flavor boost!
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh berries or crushed pineapple would be excellent additions mixed with the lemon filling.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that brings together the creamy richness of cheese with zesty lemon flavors. Its simplicity makes it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in. Feel free to customize it by adding fruits or experimenting with different cake mixes!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a heavenly dessert that blends the tangy brightness of lemon with creamy richness, all wrapped up in a simple dump cake process. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful treat requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence at home. With its luscious layers of lemon pie filling and cream cheese, every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave everyone coming back for more. Serve it warm or chilled, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 to 2 cans (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine yellow cake mix and melted butter until crumbly. Press half into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread lemon pie filling over the cake base evenly.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread over the lemon filling layer.
- Sprinkle remaining cake mix on top; bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for at least 45 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
