There's nothing quite like the sweet, tangy aroma of a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake baking in the oven. This recipe is a personal favorite, combining the freshness of lemon with a rich, creamy layer of cheese and a buttery, golden topping that’ll make your taste buds sing. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or a simple treat at home, this cake is easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Just dump, bake, and enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite.

Whether you're an experienced baker or a total beginner, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is foolproof. Let’s dive into why this might just become your new favorite dessert!

Why You'll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Get ready to meet the cake of your dreams! This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake offers the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and sweet in every bite.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. True to the "dump cake" style, you simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. There’s no need for fancy mixers or elaborate prep.

Not only is this cake delicious, but it's also surprisingly affordable. You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, and the recipe uses a boxed cake mix to keep things simple and budget-friendly.

The flavor combination is next-level. The tartness from the lemon perfectly complements the creamy richness of the cream cheese, while the buttery cake mix adds a satisfying texture to each bite.

Finally, this cake is a hit with everyone! It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy dessert night at home. And as a bonus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake lies in its simplicity and its classic ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors.

Lemon Cake Mix: The base of this cake is a store-bought lemon cake mix, which gives it that signature lemony flavor with minimal effort. Look for a high-quality brand for the best results, or even try a lemon-flavored gluten-free cake mix if you need a gluten-free option.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese layer brings creaminess to balance the bright lemon. Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly. For a lighter option, you could use Neufchatel cheese, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
Lemon Pie Filling: This filling brings an extra dose of lemony flavor. If you can’t find lemon pie filling, you can use lemon curd, but be prepared for a stronger citrus flavor.
Butter: Melting the butter before adding it helps create a deliciously golden, crumbly topping. It’s best to use unsalted butter, so you can control the saltiness of the final cake.
Optional Toppings: A sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh whipped cream can elevate this cake. Fresh lemon zest is another great way to bring out the cake’s citrus notes.

No special equipment is needed here – just a 9x13-inch baking dish and an oven. With this setup, you’re ready to make a lemony dessert masterpiece!

How To Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to create this delightful dessert in a few simple steps.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This will help ensure your cake doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easier to serve.

Next, spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the base layer and infuse the whole cake with a deliciously tart flavor.

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar, stirring until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling, gently spreading it as evenly as possible. This layer creates a creamy contrast to the lemony base.

Now, sprinkle the lemon cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t mix it – just let it sit as a layer on top. The dry mix will absorb the moisture from the filling below and the butter above, creating a crumbly topping.

Finally, drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible, so the topping bakes up golden and buttery. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature, and each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, citrusy, and sweet flavors.

Storage Options

Storing this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is easy, and it holds up well for a few days.

For short-term storage, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you’re making this cake ahead of time, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The cake reheats beautifully and keeps its texture well, especially if enjoyed within a day or two of baking.

You can also freeze portions of this cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and warm it up before serving for a freshly baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative with it!

Try a Different Cake Mix: Swap the lemon cake mix for a vanilla or yellow cake mix if you prefer a milder lemon flavor. Both options will yield a deliciously creamy cake with a hint of citrus.
Add Fresh Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or even strawberries add a fresh pop of flavor and color. Scatter them over the cream cheese layer before adding the cake mix for a berry twist.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix to make this dessert gluten-friendly. Just be sure to double-check all ingredients for gluten-free certification.
Switch Up the Filling: If you’re feeling adventurous, try this cake with a different pie filling, like cherry or blueberry, for a unique flavor combo. Lemon and berry are a match made in dessert heaven!
Add a Streusel Topping: For extra texture, mix a bit of granulated sugar with chopped nuts or oats and sprinkle it over the cake mix before adding the butter. This will give your cake a delightful, crunchy topping.

No matter how you make it, this cake is bound to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!