Introduction

There’s something magical about desserts that bring sunshine to the table — and this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake does just that. Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, it’s the perfect blend of zesty lemon pie filling, smooth cream cheese, and a buttery cake crust that melts in your mouth. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re tasting pure happiness.

What makes this dessert truly special is how simple it is to prepare. No complicated mixing or layering — you literally just “dump” everything together and bake! It’s the ultimate easy dessert recipe for busy days, family gatherings, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with whipped cream, this family-friendly comfort dessert will become one of your go-to recipes for holidays, potlucks, or weekend treats. Sweet, tangy, and buttery — it’s everything you love about lemon desserts in one easy dish.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Easy: Just layer, bake, and enjoy — no mixing required!
• Bright & Tangy Flavor: The lemon pie filling adds the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
• Rich & Creamy Texture: Cream cheese adds luscious pockets of flavor in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or summer cookouts.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

 

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) Lemon cake mix
• 1 can (21 oz) Lemon pie filling
• 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted

 

How To Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Add Lemon Pie Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese evenly over the lemon layer.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the cream cheese and filling.

Step 5: Drizzle Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top to moisten the cake mix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Optional: Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

 

Tips for Success

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
• Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness.
• For a richer flavor, use salted butter instead of unsalted.
• If your cake mix looks dry before baking, drizzle 1–2 extra tablespoons of melted butter.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

 

Variations

• Blueberry Lemon Twist: Add a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries before baking.
• Lemon Raspberry Delight: Drop a few dollops of raspberry jam into the pie filling.
• Tropical Sunshine: Sprinkle coconut flakes and crushed pineapple on top.
• Creamy Vanilla: Mix vanilla extract into the cream cheese before layering.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free yellow or lemon cake mix.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use yellow cake mix instead of lemon?
Yes! It will have a milder flavor but still be delicious.

2. Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?
Absolutely. Softened cream cheese spreads more evenly and melts beautifully.

3. Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?
Yes — about 1½ cups will work perfectly.

4. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day once chilled.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

6. Can I freeze Lemon Dump Cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives better flavor and texture, but margarine works in a pinch.

8. What if I don’t have lemon pie filling?
Use any fruit pie filling — cherry, blueberry, or apple!

9. Why is it called a dump cake?
Because you simply “dump” all the ingredients together — no mixing needed.

10. What can I serve this with?
Whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

 

 

Health Benefits

• Vitamin C Boost: Lemon adds a touch of natural brightness.
• Mood Lifter: Citrus desserts are known to energize and refresh.
• Protein-Rich: Cream cheese adds a small protein boost.
• Portion Control Friendly: A small serving goes a long way in satisfaction.
• Homemade Goodness: Fewer preservatives than store-bought desserts.

 

How to Serve

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat, or chilled with whipped cream for a refreshing summer dessert. Garnish with lemon zest or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare and bake up to a day in advance. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• To Store: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.