Lemon desserts have a way of capturing our taste buds with their fresh and zesty flavors. One delightful way to enjoy this bright citrus is through a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This dessert is not only easy to make, but it also combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the light, tangy flavor of lemon. The result is a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings, family events, or just a cozy night at home, this cake is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons why you should consider making Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. First, it is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Secondly, the flavors work beautifully together. The tartness of lemon pie filling balances perfectly with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese. Moreover, the cake mix adds a delightful texture to the top, making each bite an experience of contrasts.
Another reason to make this recipe is its versatility. It can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature, making it great for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or simply wanting a sweet treat after dinner, this cake fits the bill. Plus, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, receiving compliments from friends and family alike!
Lastly, this recipe is a real time-saver. It requires minimal prep work, so even if you are busy, you can whip it up in no time. Just gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and you will have a stunning dessert ready to bake. If you love quick and delicious recipes, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a perfect addition to your cooking repertoire.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Making your own Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is easy and fun. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delightful dessert to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It is crucial to get your oven ready before you begin, as this will ensure an even baking process.
Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it. You can use butter or non-stick spray for this task. Greasing the dish helps prevent the cake from sticking.
Open the can of lemon pie filling and spread it evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form a delicious tangy layer for your cake.
Take the softened cream cheese and cut it into small cubes. Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the lemon pie filling. The cream cheese will create a rich and creamy texture in your cake.
Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer. Make sure to cover it well for the best flavor.
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Do not stir! This will create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the edges to be bubbly and the top to be golden and crumbly. The center may be slightly soft, which is perfectly fine.
Once it is done baking, take the cake out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the cake set a little more.
For an added treat, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm lemon cake, creating a delightful dessert experience.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can be served in various ways to enhance its deliciousness.
Warm: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven while it is still warm. The creamy texture of the warm cream cheese combined with the lemon flavors creates a comforting dessert.
Chilled: If you prefer a cooler dessert, let it cool completely and then refrigerate. Chilling gives the cake a firm texture, making it easy to slice into squares.
A La Mode: For a classic touch, serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm cake and adds a creamy element to each bite.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Instead of ice cream, you can also top your slice with whipped cream. This adds lightness and sweetness that pairs excellently with lemon.
Garnished with Lemon Zest: To elevate its appearance and flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top. It adds a vibrant touch and enhances the lemony flavor.
How to Store Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Storing your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake properly is important to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, it can be kept at room temperature. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigeration: For storage beyond a couple of days, it is best to refrigerate the cake. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This will keep it fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the cake. Cut it into individual pieces and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy.
Tips to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before using it. This will make it easier to scatter and allow it to blend well into the cake.
Watch Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven; keep an eye on the cake. It should be bubbly at the edges and golden on top.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon pie filling and quality cake mix. Fresh ingredients can elevate the taste of your dessert.
Don’t Over-Stir: When you drizzle butter over the cake mix, do not stir! The layers create a nice texture and flavor contrast when baked.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding in some lemon zest into the pie filling for an extra citrus kick or mix in some blueberries for a fruity twist.
Variation
While the basic Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is wonderful as it is, you can also experiment with a few variations:
Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake: Add a can of blueberries or fresh blueberries to the lemon pie filling for a beautiful combination of blueberry and lemon flavors.
Strawberry Lemon Dump Cake: Substitute lemon pie filling with strawberry pie filling for a sweeter, berry-infused cake. The fusion of flavors creates a delightful, varied dessert.
Chocolate Lemon Dump Cake: For chocolate lovers, add chocolate chips to the cake mix for an exciting blend of lemon and chocolate flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! You can try a different flavor of cake mix such as vanilla or yellow cake. Just note that the overall taste will change.
2. Is it necessary to use softened cream cheese?
Yes, softened cream cheese is important. It mixes better and incorporates nicely into the cake, creating a creamier texture.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat it slightly in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
4. How can I tell when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when the edges are bubbly, and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center may come out slightly moist but should not have wet batter.
5. What should I serve with Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries. You can also enjoy it plain or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Enjoy making and indulging in this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. It is sure to become a favorite dessert for you and everyone you serve it to!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them over the lemon pie filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix without stirring.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until edges are bubbly and the top is golden.
- Let the cake rest for about 5 minutes before serving.