Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Bright, tangy lemon meets creamy cheesecake layers in this easy dump‑and‑bake dessert.
Introduction
Dump cakes are beloved for their simplicity: layer ingredients, bake, and enjoy. This lemon cream cheese version elevates the classic with a luscious cream cheese swirl and crunchy nut topping. It’s a sunny, crowd‑pleasing dessert that works for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight treats.
Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix
1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Whipped cream or powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
Layer Filling: Spread lemon pie filling evenly in dish. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over top.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry lemon cake mix evenly over filling.
Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter across cake mix. Sprinkle nuts if using.
Bake: 45–50 minutes, until golden and set.
Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly. Top with whipped cream or powdered sugar if desired.
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 12
Tips for Success
Use full‑fat cream cheese for the richest texture.
Don’t stir layers — the magic of dump cake is in the layering.
Add zest of one lemon to cream cheese mixture for extra brightness.
Serve warm for gooey texture, or chilled for a firmer bite.
Fun Variations
Berry Lemon: Add blueberries or raspberries before baking.
Tropical Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top.
Glazed Finish: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze after baking.
Nut‑Free: Skip nuts and add white chocolate chips for sweetness.
Storytelling Element
Imagine scooping into this cake — golden crust on top, tangy lemon filling underneath, and pockets of creamy cheesecake throughout. It’s sunshine in dessert form, with just the right balance of sweet and tart.
Conclusion
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a quick, crowd‑pleasing dessert that looks impressive but requires almost no effort. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.