Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Let’s Talk Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a dump cake, and when you add the bright flavor of lemon and creamy richness of cream cheese, it transforms into a delightful dessert that evokes summer days. This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a quick and delicious dessert guaranteed to impress. Picture this: it’s a warm afternoon, you’ve got friends over, or maybe you’re just looking to treat yourself after a long week. This cake is so easy to whip up, and its refreshing lemon flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
What Makes This Recipe Special
If you’re in need of a dessert that checks all the boxes—easy prep, great taste, and budget-friendly—look no further! This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, family brunch gatherings, or even festive celebrations. The layers of creamy, tangy goodness topped with a golden cake surface are simply irresistible.
“This dump cake brought back memories of my grandmother’s cooking. It’s so easy to make, and the lemon flavor is zingy and refreshing. I’ll definitely be making this again!” — A happy home cook.
Preparing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Creating this delightful dessert is incredibly straightforward, perfect for both novice cooks and experienced bakers. You’ll need to gather your ingredients and follow some simple steps, leading to a dish that will win hearts and taste buds alike. Here’s a sneak peek at how effortlessly it comes together:
- Preheat the oven: Get that oven warm and ready for baking.
- Mix the creamy goodness: Combine your cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar.
- Layer it up: Create delicious layers with cream cheese, lemon pie filling, and cake mix.
- Bake: Send it into the oven until golden and bubbling!
What You’ll Need
For this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, gather these ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 can lemon pie filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting on top)
Note: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and sour cream with equally delightful results.
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to create your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cream cheese layer: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth. Spread it evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Add lemony delight: Pour the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
- Cake mix preparation: In another bowl, combine the lemon cake mix with melted butter and water. Stir until just mixed; don’t overdo it!
- Layer the cake mix: Spoon this mixture over the lemon pie filling.
- Bake it: Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool before serving: Let it cool slightly before diving in. It can be served warm or chilled, and you can dust it with powdered sugar if you like.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When serving your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, consider these ideas to elevate the experience:
- Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for added texture and a pop of color.
- Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge on a hot day, perfect for sun-filled gatherings.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To ensure your leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake stays delicious for days to come, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to a week. If you plan to enjoy it later than that, you can freeze individual portions. Just make sure to wrap slices well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly container.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For a foolproof dessert experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Mix carefully: Overmixing the cake batter can result in a denser texture, so stir just until combined.
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Cool before serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly. This makes slicing easier and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Creative Twists
Want to try something different? Here are a few variations to consider:
- Berry Boost: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the lemon pie filling for a burst of flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture for an extra zing.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the lemon cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free dessert that everyone can enjoy.
Your Questions Answered
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake recipe can be made in under an hour, making it a perfect quick dessert option!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this cake a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of lemon pie filling?
If lemon pie filling isn’t available, you can make your own using lemon curd or a homemade lemon filling recipe. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly!
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings a touch of sunshine to any occasion. So grab those ingredients and make your day a little sweeter!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth. Spread it evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Pour the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
- In another bowl, combine the lemon cake mix with melted butter and water. Stir until just mixed; don’t overdo it.
- Spoon the cake mix mixture over the lemon pie filling.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or chilled.
