Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is the ultimate dessert for any gathering, blending the richness of cream cheese with the refreshing taste of lemon. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply as a delightful treat after dinner. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying this zesty dessert in no time. Its unique layers create a delicious texture that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this delightful dessert.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and cream cheese brings a bright, tangy taste that is hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on its own, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or alongside ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This recipe makes 12 servings, ensuring there’s plenty to share with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your preparation process and ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and easy serving.
- Electric mixer: It helps achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture quickly, saving time and effort.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring every bit of batter is incorporated.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for extra lemon flavor)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Layer
- 1.5 to 2 cans (21 oz) lemon pie filling
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake comes out without sticking to the edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Cake Layer
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Spread about half of the cake mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to create a base.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Filling
Spread 1.5 to 2 cans of lemon pie filling over the cake mix base. Ensure it’s evenly distributed for that burst of lemony goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spoon or spread this mixture over the lemon pie filling, creating another delicious layer.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cake Mix
Sprinkle the remaining cake mix mixture over the cream cheese layer. It doesn’t need to completely cover this layer; leaving some gaps adds texture.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top. The cake is ready when the cream cheese layer is set and no longer jiggly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. The layers will firm up as it cools. Dust with powdered sugar before serving or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Whether you enjoy it plain or with some added flair, there are plenty of options to consider.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that balances the tartness of the lemon with creamy sweetness.
- Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing complement, lemon sorbet enhances the citrus flavors beautifully.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Simple Elegance: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful presentation for your cake.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a juicy contrast and enhance the overall freshness of the dessert.
- Blueberries: Their slight tartness pairs perfectly with the sweet and creamy layers of the cake.
Add Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds richness and lightness, perfect for this indulgent dessert.
Garnish with Lemon Zest
- Fresh Zest: Sprinkling extra lemon zest on top not only looks appealing but also intensifies the lemon flavor in each bite.
How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
To make your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake even more irresistible, consider these tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh lemons and high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is done; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool fully before slicing ensures clean cuts and better presentation.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other citrus zest, like lime or orange, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can enhance your meal. Consider these delicious options:
- Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad with grilled chicken offers a healthy contrast to the rich cake.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf serves as a nutritious base that complements sweet desserts well.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the dump cake.
- Classic Caesar Salad: The tangy dressing in Caesar salad pairs nicely with lemon desserts, adding depth and flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the citrus theme while adding vibrancy to your plate.
- Pasta Primavera: This colorful vegetable pasta dish brings freshness and works great as a side to balance out dessert richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking pan can cause the cake to stick. Always lightly grease your pan to ensure easy removal.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese or butter can lead to a lumpy filling. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Overmixing the cake batter: Mixing too vigorously can toughen the cake. Stir gently until just combined for a tender texture.
- Underbaking the cake: Pulling the cake out too early may leave it soggy. Bake until golden brown and set in the center for best results.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the cake while it’s hot can result in messy slices. Allow it to cool completely before serving for clean pieces.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep it covered with plastic wrap if not using a container.
Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe.
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
You can definitely swap out lemon pie filling for other flavors like cherry or blueberry, creating unique variations of this dump cake.
How do I know when my dump cake is done?
Look for a golden brown top and check if the cream cheese layer is set and no longer jiggly. This usually takes about 35-40 minutes in the oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before covering.
What should I serve with Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is not only easy to make but also brings delightful flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by using different pie fillings or adding fruits like berries. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, promising satisfaction with every bite!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate treat for dessert lovers! This delightful cake combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with a refreshing burst of lemon, making it the perfect addition to any gathering. With minimal preparation and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this irresistible dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. Each slice offers a unique texture and flavor profile, featuring layers of sweet lemon pie filling and a buttery cake base. Whether served on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this zesty lemon treat will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 to 2 cans (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter until crumbly. Press half into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread lemon pie filling evenly over the cake base.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread over the lemon layer.
- Sprinkle remaining cake mix on top; it’s okay if some gaps remain.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Let cool for at least 45 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
