Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and zesty lemon in a simple, easy-to-make cake. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, this dump cake offers a unique twist on traditional desserts. Its layers of lemon filling and cream cheese create a luscious experience that will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and no complicated techniques—just mix and bake!
- Deliciously Zesty: The combination of lemon and cream cheese provides a refreshing flavor that brightens any occasion.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer picnics or cozy fall evenings, this cake adapts to any season.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its appealing presentation and delightful taste, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: You can whip up this treat with basic kitchen tools you already have.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and allows all layers to come together beautifully.
- Electric mixer: Makes blending ingredients quicker and ensures a smooth cream cheese mixture without lumps.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
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 Filling
- 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 your 9×13-inch baking pan. This step is crucial to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
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 this mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to form a solid base.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Filling
Spread 1.5 to 2 cans of lemon pie filling over the cake mix base. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every bite bursts with lemony goodness.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Layer
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spoon or spread this creamy mixture over the lemon pie filling for added richness.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cake Mix
Sprinkle the remaining cake mix mixture over the cream cheese layer. It doesn’t need complete coverage—the crumble effect will create an appealing texture.
Step 6: Bake
Place your assembled cake in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. The cake is done when the cream cheese layer is set with no jiggle.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your cake to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. As it cools, layers will firm up nicely. You can dust with powdered sugar before serving or even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
This delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is perfect for serving at gatherings or as a delightful treat after dinner. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dessert.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a sweet and juicy contrast to the tangy lemon flavor.
- Raspberries: Their tartness complements the cake beautifully, enhancing its zesty profile.
- Blueberries: These provide a pop of color and a burst of sweetness with every bite.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the cake’s flavors.
- Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, lemon sorbet enhances the citrus notes of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream gives an extra touch of sweetness.
Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
Sprinkling powdered sugar on top not only makes the cake look irresistible but also adds a hint of sweetness that elevates each slice.
Create Individual Servings
Serve in small cups for a fun presentation. Layer cake pieces with cream cheese mixture and berries for an impressive dessert.
How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
To ensure your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake comes out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh lemons and high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
- Mix evenly: Ensure all layers are spread evenly in your baking dish for consistent texture and flavor throughout the cake.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cake as ovens vary; check for doneness by looking for a golden top and firm center.
- Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool completely helps set the layers and makes slicing easier.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding toasted coconut or nuts for added texture and flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A light salad with citrus dressing complements the lemon flavor in the cake.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: The savory taste of grilled chicken pairs well, balancing out the sweetness of the cake.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad provides protein and textures that contrast nicely with dessert.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simply seasoned roasted asparagus adds a touch of elegance to your meal without overpowering the dessert.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Lightly seasoned breadsticks can serve as a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors of the dump cake.
- Cheese Platter: Offering a selection of cheeses can create an interesting combination when served before or after dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to be aware of.
-
Skipping the greasing step: Always grease your baking pan well. This prevents sticking and ensures that your cake comes out in one piece.
-
Overmixing the cake batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light, fluffy texture.
-
Not allowing the cake to cool: Patience is key! Letting the cake cool for at least 45 minutes helps firm up the layers and enhances the flavor.
-
Using cold cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your mixture, affecting the smoothness of the cheese layer.
-
Ignoring lemon zest: Adding lemon zest elevates the flavor. Don’t skip this essential step for that extra burst of lemony goodness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The dump cake can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm it through, which takes about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe special?
This recipe combines creamy cheesecake flavors with zesty lemon, creating a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty.
Can I use other fruit fillings?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute lemon pie filling with other flavors like cherry or blueberry for a different twist on this dump cake recipe.
How do I ensure my cake stays moist?
Keeping an eye on baking time is crucial; overbaking can dry it out. Also, using pie filling helps maintain moisture within the layers.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day in advance. Just store it properly and let it cool before covering it with plastic wrap or foil.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by trying different pie fillings or adding fresh fruits. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the zesty brightness of lemon. This simple-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. With its luscious layers of lemon filling and cream cheese, this cake promises to impress your guests with its flavor and presentation. Plus, it requires minimal prep time and just a few basic ingredients, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted butter until crumbly. Press half into the baking pan as the base.
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the cake mix layer.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread this mixture over the lemon filling.
- Sprinkle the remaining cake mix on top for texture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set. 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 slice (approximately 80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
