Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with creamy cheese in an easy-to-make format. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and rich flavors. With minimal prep time and a heavenly taste, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon and cream cheese creates a refreshing and deliciously tangy treat.
- Versatile Dessert: Great on its own or served with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It serves 12, making it ideal for parties or family dinners.
- No-Fuss Baking: Just dump ingredients in layers, bake, and enjoy!
Tools and Preparation
To make the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer: Saves time when mixing cream cheese and other ingredients to achieve a smooth texture.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and easy removal of the cake.
Ingredients
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 a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will ensure your cake comes out without sticking to the edges.
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 the cake mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to create a base.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Filling
Spread 1.5 to 2 cans of lemon pie filling over the cake mix base. Ensure it’s evenly distributed for that burst of lemony goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spoon or spread this mixture over the lemon pie filling, creating another delicious layer.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cake Mix
Sprinkle the remaining cake mix mixture over the cream cheese layer. It doesn’t need to completely cover the cheese layer; the crumble effect will give the cake a lovely texture and rustic look.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. The cake will be ready when the cream cheese layer is set and no longer jiggly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. The layers will firm up as it cools. You can dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before serving or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Serving your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this cake that will impress your family and friends.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to each slice, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
Top with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of light and fluffy whipped cream complements the creamy texture of the cheese layer while adding a refreshing touch.
Add Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, making it an indulgent treat.
Garnish with Lemon Zest
- Sprinkle extra lemon zest on top for a vibrant presentation and an extra zing that enhances the lemony flavor profile.
Drizzle with Lemon Glaze
- A simple lemon glaze drizzled over the top can enhance sweetness and provide an additional layer of lemon flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.
How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Perfecting your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh lemons for zest and high-quality cream cheese can greatly enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until they are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing cream cheese and egg to come to room temperature helps them blend smoothly into the batter.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake as oven temperatures may vary; bake until golden brown but not dry.
- Cool Before Serving: Letting the cake cool for at least 45 minutes allows it to set properly, making slicing easier.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding other extracts or spices like almond extract or nutmeg for unique flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Complementing your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dump cake.
- Lemon Sorbet: This light, citrusy treat enhances the lemon flavor while providing a cool, refreshing element.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars add a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the dump cake.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic combination of chocolate and lemon creates a fun twist at your dessert table.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy texture that balances out the softness of the cake.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites add an extra dose of creaminess and decadence alongside your dump cake.
- Meringue Cookies: Light and airy meringue cookies serve as a delightful sweet treat that complements any dessert spread.
- Chilled Beverage Options: Serve with lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing drink pairing that ties in with the lemon theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, it’s easy to make missteps that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your mixture. Always make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth texture.
- Overmixing the cake layer: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not greasing the pan properly: A poorly greased pan can cause your cake to stick. Always ensure your baking dish is well-greased before adding any ingredients.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can lead to messy slices. Allow at least 45 minutes for cooling to set the layers properly.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking often.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute regular yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version. Check labels carefully to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use fresh lemons instead of pie filling?
Yes! You can make your own lemon filling using fresh lemon juice, zest, and sugar if you prefer a homemade taste.
What is the best way to serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe?
This dump cake is delicious on its own or served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an added treat.
How long does it take to prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe?
The total time for preparation and baking is approximately 55 minutes, making it a quick and easy dessert option!
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding fruits or adjusting sweetness levels. This scrumptious dessert brings together flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try today!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe, a scrumptious dessert that marries the zesty brightness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This easy-to-make treat requires minimal prep time and is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a sweet indulgence at home. With layers of buttery cake mix, tangy lemon filling, and a velvety cream cheese layer, every bite offers a burst of refreshing flavor. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or served warm with ice cream, this cake will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Experience the joy of baking with this simple yet impressive recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow or lemon 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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix and melted butter until crumbly. Press half into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread lemon pie filling over the cake base evenly.
- In another bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread over the lemon filling.
- Sprinkle remaining cake mixture on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
