Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert that's as easy as 1-2-3! The Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Delight is here to revolutionize your baking game. If you're looking for a fuss-free treat that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, you've hit the jackpot. This cake combines the vibrant tang of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all nestled under a buttery cake topping. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or simply satisfying that sweet craving.
Why You'll Love This Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This dessert isn't just easy; it's an experience! Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Effortless Preparation: As the name suggests, it’s a dump cake! No complicated mixing, no multiple bowls – just layer and bake.
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The bright, zesty lemon cuts through the rich, sweet cream cheese, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that's both refreshing and indulgent.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good dump cake, and this lemon cream cheese version is guaranteed to get rave reviews.
- Versatile: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled for a lighter treat.
Ready to dive into the fascinating world of dump cakes? Let's get baking!
Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Dream
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!
The Lemon Layer
- 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling
The Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The Cake Base
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Zest of 1 lemon, powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Delicious Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to create your lemon cream cheese masterpiece:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling. Don't worry about spreading it perfectly, as it will melt and swirl.
- Step 4: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the lemon and cream cheese layers.
- Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer, ensuring as much of the dry mix is covered as possible.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The center should be set.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and fresh lemon zest if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Zesty Lemon Dump Cake
- Don't Stir! The magic of a dump cake is in its layers. Resist the urge to mix the ingredients once they are in the baking dish.
- Even Butter Drizzle: Try to get the melted butter over as much of the dry cake mix as possible. This helps create that delicious, crisp crust.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Watch the Edges: If the edges start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Variations to Try
- Berry Bliss: Add a cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries over the lemon pie filling before adding the cream cheese for an extra fruity dimension.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle a 1/2 cup of shredded coconut over the cake mix layer before drizzling with butter.
- Spiced Up: A pinch of cardamom or ginger in the cream cheese mixture can add a delightful warmth.
This Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is truly a delight in every bite. It's the kind of dessert that feels special, yet requires so little effort. Go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to impress your taste buds and your guests!
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a delightfully simple dessert where ingredients are 'dumped' into a baking dish without much mixing, relying on the oven to create layers and flavors. It's known for its minimal effort and delicious results!
Can I use fresh lemons instead of lemon pie filling?
While lemon pie filling provides convenience and a consistent texture, you could create a homemade lemon curd or a lemon custard mixture from scratch using fresh lemons. This would add a more intense, natural lemon flavor but would also increase the preparation time.
How do I store leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
Store any leftover Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can enjoy it chilled, or gently warm individual servings in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, this dump cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert! Prepare and bake it as directed, then let it cool completely. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. It tastes just as wonderful (if not better) the next day!
Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
This unbelievably easy Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake combines tangy lemon, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cake mix for a perfect, fuss-free dessert.
Ingredients
1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: Zest of 1 lemon, powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling. Don't worry about spreading it perfectly, as it will melt and swirl.
Step 4: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the lemon and cream cheese layers.
Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer, ensuring as much of the dry mix is covered as possible.
Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The center should be set.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and fresh lemon zest if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add the zest of one fresh lemon to the cream cheese mixture. You can also add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries over the lemon pie filling for a fruity twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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