Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional dump cake that has captured the hearts and taste buds of dessert lovers everywhere. With a bright, zesty flavor profile that dances on your palate, this cake brings the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether served at a sunny picnic or as a comforting dessert during the winter months, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake offers a refreshing burst of flavor that leaves you wanting more. The simplicity of its preparation, combined with the luxurious texture of cream cheese and the vibrant essence of lemon, has made this cake a staple in many households, proving that desserts can be both easy and extraordinary.
What Is Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that layers rich cream cheese and zesty lemon filling beneath a golden, buttery cake topping. Unlike traditional cakes that require precise measurements and meticulous mixing, this delightful recipe embraces a ‘dump’ method where you layer the ingredients in a baking dish without the fuss. The result is a wonderfully moist and tender cake that boasts a creamy, luscious texture reminiscent of a cheesecake combined with the lightness of a sponge cake. Its bright lemon flavor sets it apart from other dump cakes, making it a refreshing choice that’s perfect for any dessert lover.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Extremely easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.
- Deliciously rich flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Family-friendly and a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
- Perfect for any season, pairing beautifully with fresh fruits or whipped cream.
How Does It Taste?
The first bite of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a burst of sunshine! The creamy layer of cream cheese provides a smooth, velvety contrast to the light and fluffy cake topping, while the tangy lemon filling adds a refreshing zing that awakens your taste buds. Each forkful is a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with a texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect treat for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
This delightful dessert features several key ingredients that not only contribute to its incredible flavor but also offer health benefits:
- Lemon: High in vitamin C, lemons boost your immune system and add a refreshing taste.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy texture and a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist cake, making it a comforting indulgence.
- Granulated Sugar: While a treat, sugar in moderation can provide a quick source of energy, perfect for lifting spirits.
With its delightful flavor and simple preparation, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a dessert that brings joy and brightness to any table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box yellow cake mix – this serves as the base of our dump cake, providing a sweet and moist texture.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese – adds a rich, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the lemon.
- 1 cup lemon curd – brings a vibrant lemon flavor and creamy consistency, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – melted, this helps bind the mixture and adds moisture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for sweetness and to balance the tartness of the lemon curd.
- 1 cup water – helps to moisten the cake mix for a perfect bake.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – for an extra zing of fresh lemon flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – essential for holding all the ingredients as they bake into a delicious cake.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cream cheese and other ingredients.
- Whisk – to ensure all ingredients are well blended and smooth.
- Spatula – for spreading the cake mix evenly in the baking dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key in baking!
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Dairy-free cream cheese – for a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
- Gluten-free cake mix – if you need a gluten-free option, swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free alternative.
- Additional fruits – consider adding fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Extra lemon juice – if you prefer a more tart cake, you can add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the sugar.
Step 3: Add Lemon Curd and Zest
Next, add the lemon curd, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until it’s fully combined and has a lovely, bright yellow color.
Step 4: Prepare the Cake Base
In another bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and water. Stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. You don’t want to overmix, as it can affect the texture of your cake.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Pour the cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, carefully drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the batter. Use a spatula to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter for a marbled effect.
Step 6: Pour the Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the entire mixture. This will create a crispy, golden topping as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What to Serve With
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For drinks, consider a refreshing iced tea or a sparkling lemonade to complement the citrus flavor.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds a fresh, aromatic quality that elevates the dish.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving for a neater presentation and enhanced flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense texture, so mix just until combined.
- Not greasing the baking dish properly may result in sticking, making it difficult to serve the cake.
- Skipping the cooling step can make the cake crumble when you cut into it.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also cover the baking dish with plastic wrap if you prefer.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Can I freeze this dump cake? Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
- Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet? You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture to your preference.
Nutritional Info
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake serves about 12 people, with each serving approximately containing 300 calories, 15g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines ease of preparation with incredible flavor, then the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an absolute must-try! This recipe takes the tangy zest of lemon and pairs it beautifully with the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to a cozy night in. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible! So why not give the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake a try? I promise it will brighten your day and have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
A delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of cream cheese and lemon filling topped with a buttery cake mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- {‘For the Cake Base’: [‘1 box yellow cake mix (13.25 to 15.25 ounces)’, ‘1 large egg’, ‘1/2 cup powdered sugar’, ‘1/2 teaspoon kosher salt’]}
- {‘For the Filling’: [‘1 can lemon pie filling (21 ounces), divided’]}
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
-
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish. -
Step 2
In a bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. -
Step 3
Stir in half of the lemon pie filling and the egg until combined. -
Step 4
In another bowl, combine cake mix, remaining lemon pie filling, melted butter, and salt. -
Step 5
Spread the cake mixture into the baking dish, then drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top. -
Step 6
Swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter gently. -
Step 7
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. -
Step 8
Cool for 15 minutes before serving with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: ~350 calories. Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Allergy Information
Always check labels for specific allergen information.