There's something incredibly satisfying about the zesty, creamy goodness of a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. With a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours. The tart lemon and rich cream cheese come together under a crispy, buttery cake layer that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first discovered this dessert when looking for a quick treat that felt fancy without the fuss. Since then, it’s become a staple for family gatherings and potlucks, always impressing guests with its bright flavors and creamy texture. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is bound to become one of your favorite go-to desserts, and here’s why.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. True to its name, all you really need to do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish – no extensive mixing or complicated steps required. It’s a no-fuss recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

The flavors are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet. The lemon provides a fresh brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy filling, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Not only is this cake delicious, but it’s also super versatile. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chill it for a firmer texture, this cake adapts to suit your preferences.

And finally, this recipe uses basic, affordable ingredients. With a few pantry staples and a box of cake mix, you’ll have a dessert that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is chosen to create a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dessert truly shine.

Lemon Pie Filling: This is the base that gives the cake its vibrant lemon flavor. Using canned lemon pie filling makes things easy and convenient, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can use homemade filling for an extra-special touch.
Cream Cheese: Adding a layer of softened cream cheese brings a rich, tangy flavor that complements the lemon. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier spreading and an even layer.
Yellow Cake Mix: The cake mix creates the topping and brings a soft, fluffy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. A lemon cake mix would work wonderfully here if you want an extra boost of citrus flavor.
Butter: For the topping to become crisp and golden, slices of cold butter are layered over the cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter melts and combines with the cake mix, creating a crumbly, buttery crust.
Powdered Sugar (optional): A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving can add a touch of sweetness and a bit of elegance to your dump cake.

You won’t need any special equipment to make this recipe, just a baking dish and a spatula for spreading the cream cheese. This cake is all about keeping things simple!

How To Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Creating this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is as simple as layering a few ingredients. Let me walk you through it.

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Layer the Lemon Pie Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will create a delicious, fruity base that infuses the cake with bright citrus flavor.
Add the Cream Cheese Layer: Dollop softened cream cheese across the lemon filling. Using a spatula, gently spread it into an even layer over the filling. It’s okay if it doesn’t spread perfectly; it will melt into the filling as it bakes.
Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Next, sprinkle the entire package of yellow cake mix over the cream cheese. Try to spread it evenly, so the butter in the next step will coat the cake mix uniformly as it bakes.
Top with Butter Slices: Slice cold butter into thin pats and distribute them evenly over the cake mix. As the butter melts, it will combine with the cake mix, creating a golden, crumbly crust on top.
Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

This cake is best enjoyed warm, but if you prefer a more solid texture, allow it to cool completely and chill in the refrigerator. Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though this cake usually disappears fast!), you can store your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in the fridge.

Refrigerator: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. The texture will be firmer when chilled, which some people love!
Freezer: You can freeze individual portions if you’d like to enjoy this dessert over time. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. For a larger portion, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is versatile and can easily be customized to fit your taste.

Try a Different Fruit Filling: Swap out lemon for blueberry, cherry, or peach pie filling for a whole new flavor experience. Each one complements the cream cheese beautifully!
Make It Extra Lemony: If you’re a big fan of lemon, use a lemon-flavored cake mix instead of yellow for a double dose of citrus. You could also add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, over the butter slices for a nutty crunch that adds texture to each bite.
Use Whipped Cream Cheese: If you want a lighter texture, whipped cream cheese spreads more easily and creates an airy layer within the cake.
Serve It Chilled: For a cheesecake-like consistency, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. This makes it a refreshing dessert for warmer weather.

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that can be easily adapted to suit your cravings. Whether you stick to the original or try a fun variation, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!