Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a bright, creamy, and irresistibly easy dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. Tangy lemon pie filling, rich cream cheese, and buttery cake mix bake together into a layered dessert with a golden, crisp topping and soft, creamy pockets throughout.
Introduction
This recipe is perfect for when you want a homemade dessert without complicated steps or extra dishes. True to its name, everything is layered directly into the baking dish with no mixing required. The result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like you spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually did.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly easy with no mixing required
Sweet and tangy lemon flavor balanced by creamy cheese
Perfect for beginner bakers
Great for potlucks, holidays, or last-minute desserts
Uses simple, store-bought ingredients
Ingredients
2 cans lemon pie filling, about 21 ounces each
1 package cream cheese, 8 ounces, softened
1 box dry yellow or lemon cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and sliced
Optional 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the Lemon Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. If using lemon zest, sprinkle it over the filling for extra brightness.
Add the Cream Cheese
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese evenly over the lemon filling. Do not spread.
Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the lemon and cream cheese layers. Make sure the surface is fully covered.
Add the Butter
Slice the cold butter into thin pats and place them evenly over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Cool
Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool slightly. It will continue to set as it cools.
Variations
Use blueberry or cherry pie filling instead of lemon
Add sliced almonds or crushed vanilla cookies on top
Swirl lemon curd into the pie filling for extra tang
Serve with fresh berries for contrast
Tips for the Best Results
Do not stir the layers once assembled
Slice butter thinly to ensure even browning
Use softened cream cheese for smoother pockets
Let the dessert rest before serving to help it set
Storage Tips
Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Pair with whipped cream for a lighter finish
Enjoy with coffee or tea as a simple dessert
FAQs
Is this a traditional cake?
No. This dessert bakes into a layered texture similar to a cobbler or crisp rather than a uniform cake crumb.
Why are there cream cheese pockets?
The cream cheese is meant to stay in soft pockets, adding richness and contrast to the lemon filling.
Can I use lemon cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes, lemon cake mix enhances the citrus flavor even more.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes. It can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for lemon lovers. With its bold citrus flavor, creamy texture, and buttery topping, it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, this recipe is a reliable favorite that never disappoints.