Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, a dessert that combines the zesty flavor of lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to cozy family dinners. The best part? It requires minimal effort—just dump the ingredients together, bake, and enjoy! With its bright citrus flavor and creamy texture, this cake is a refreshing treat that will leave your taste buds singing. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just mix and dump—no complicated steps or fancy techniques required!
- Bright and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and cream cheese creates a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for warm weather.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it chilled with whipped cream.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is sure to impress your guests, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
Ingredients List
To make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 1 can (15 ounces) lemon pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Fresh lemon slices or zest (for garnish, optional)
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread Lemon Pie Filling: Pour the lemon pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling, spreading it gently but not completely covering the filling.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring that it covers as much of the mix as possible.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices or zest, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations & Substitutions
- Fruit Variations: Substitute lemon pie filling with other fruit fillings like cherry, blueberry, or peach for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Extra Zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
Conclusion
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. With its bright lemon flavor and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments! For more delicious recipes, visit https://eldralys.com/ for culinary inspiration. Enjoy your baking adventure!
