Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: A Bright, Easy, and Irresistible Dessert

If you’re looking for a foolproof dessert that’s bursting with sunshine flavor and takes almost no effort to make, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect treat. It’s the kind of recipe home bakers love—minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that tastes like something from a bakery. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for guests, a potluck favorite, or simply want a sweet and tangy treat with your afternoon coffee, this dump cake delivers every time.

In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: what it is, why dump cakes are so popular, tips for perfect texture, serving suggestions, variations, and a full printable recipe.

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What Is a Dump Cake?

A dump cake is one of the easiest desserts ever created. The method is simple: dump the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them, and bake—no mixing bowls required. The result is something between a cobbler and a cake, with a rich, buttery topping and a gooey, flavor-packed filling beneath.

Dump cakes became popular because they use pantry staples, require almost no effort, and taste incredible. Adding cream cheese takes the classic dump cake to a whole new level, giving it richness, tang, and a cheesecake-like creaminess.

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Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This recipe is beloved for its irresistible balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dessert rotation:

✓ Crazy Easy to Make

No mixing bowls, no complicated steps, and no need for baking skills. Just layer, dump, and bake.

✓ Bright, Fresh Lemon Flavor

The combination of lemon pie filling, lemon zest, and buttery cake mix gives this dessert a vibrant flavor worthy of spring and summer.

✓ Creamy Cheesecake Pockets

Cream cheese melts into the cake, forming velvety swirls that taste like lemon cheesecake baked into a cobbler.

✓ Feeds a Crowd

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, office parties, and family gatherings.

✓ Customizable

You can adjust the flavor, sweetness, texture, or toppings to suit any occasion.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is how simple the ingredient list is. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
  This provides the bright lemon base and luscious texture.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or lemon cake mix
  Yellow cake mix makes the dessert richer; lemon cake mix intensifies the citrus.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  Adds richness and creamy cheesecake-like texture.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  The butter helps the cake mix transform into a golden, crisp topping.
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream (optional)
  Helps soften the cream cheese pockets for an extra smooth texture.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  Adds natural lemon fragrance and boosts the fresh citrus flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  Rounds out the sweetness and enhances the creaminess.
• Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this dump cake is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for the perfect result every time.

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Add the Lemon Pie Filling

Spread both cans of lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle lemon zest over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Add Cream Cheese

Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes or teaspoon-sized dollops and scatter evenly over the lemon layer. If using milk or cream, drizzle it lightly across the cream cheese to help it soften.

4. Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the entire dish. Don’t stir—this is key to the classic dump-cake texture.

5. Add Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly across the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible. Dry spots are okay because they will bake and crisp beautifully.

6. Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the lemon filling is bubbling around the edges.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes before serving so it can set. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled—each way is delicious.

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Tips for Making the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

To elevate your dump cake from good to unforgettable, consider these expert tips:

1. Don’t Mix the Layers

The magic of dump cake comes from layering. Mixing leads to a mushy, less appealing texture.

2. Cover the Cake Mix with Butter

Butter is the ingredient that transforms dry cake mix into a crisp, golden topping. Pour it evenly for best results.

3. Use Softened Cream Cheese

Cold cream cheese clumps too much. Softened cream cheese creates smooth, creamy pockets throughout the cake.

4. Allow Rest Time Before Serving

Dump cake firms up slightly as it cools. Cutting too early will cause it to collapse.

5. Want Extra Lemon Flavor?

Add:

• More zest
• A teaspoon of lemon extract
• A handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries

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Flavor Variations (Have Fun with It!)

Lemon is delicious on its own, but this recipe is incredibly versatile. Try one of these fun twists:

1. Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake

Add 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon layer. The tart-sweet combination is incredible.

2. Strawberry Lemonade Dump Cake

Replace one can of lemon pie filling with strawberry pie filling.

3. Coconut Lemon Cream Cake

Sprinkle 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes over the lemon filling for tropical flavor.

4. Lemon Bar Dump Cake

Add a thin layer of graham cracker crumbs beneath the lemon filling for a lemon bar–like result.

5. Lemon Cream Cheese Angel Cake

Swap the cake mix for angel food cake mix for a fluffy, lighter texture.

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How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This dessert is delicious on its own, but garnishes can make it extra special.

Serve With:

• Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Powdered sugar
• A drizzle of lemon glaze

Best Occasions for This Dessert

• Holiday gatherings
• Summer parties
• Easter brunch
• Mother’s Day
• Potlucks
• Casual family dinners

It’s a dessert that works in every season thanks to its bright flavor and creamy texture.

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How to Store Leftovers

Dump cake stores beautifully.

Refrigerator:

Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer:

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven for best texture.

To Reheat:

Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds.

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Printable Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or lemon cake mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Powdered sugar or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread lemon pie filling evenly in the dish and sprinkle with lemon zest.
3. Scatter softened cream cheese cubes over the lemon filling. Add milk if using.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top—do not mix.
5. Pour melted butter evenly over the surface.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
7. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
8. Serve with powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream.

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Final Thoughts

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is one of those desserts you make once and instantly add to your permanent recipe collection. It’s bright, creamy, buttery, and shockingly easy for how delicious it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to a simple homemade dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress without any stress.

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