Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Simple Ingredients : With only four ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those days when you want something sweet but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated bake.
- Effortless Prep : The “dump” method means you simply layer the ingredients and let the oven do the rest—no mixing bowls required!
- Bright and Zesty : The lemon adds a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese and sweetness of the cake mix.
- Versatile : Serve it warm with ice cream, cold with whipped cream, or enjoy it plain—it’s delicious any way you slice it.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to a potluck, this dump cake is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this dump cake’s success lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15–18 oz)
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese , softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh lemon zest (for garnish)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make this easy, zesty dessert? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- First Layer : Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Second Layer : Drop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese over the lemon pie filling. Use a spatula to gently spread the cream cheese into an even layer, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it will melt and blend during baking.
- Third Layer : Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Do not stir!
- Final Touch : Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will help create a golden, buttery crust as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh lemon zest for a pop of color and added zing.
