Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of cheese. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy evening at home. Its unique layers create a wonderful texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this cake is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal effort; just dump the ingredients in layers, and you’re ready to bake!
- Burst of Flavor: The combination of lemon pie filling and cream cheese offers a refreshing taste that brightens up any meal.
- Versatile Dessert: It’s suitable for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its sweet and tangy flavors, this cake is sure to be a hit among family and friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes or toppings, like fresh berries or whipped cream.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can simplify your baking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and makes it easy to serve generous slices.
- Mixing bowls: Multiple bowls are useful for preparing different layers without mixing ingredients prematurely.
- Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer makes it easier to achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture quickly.
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 Lemon Layer:
- 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 step ensures your cake comes out without sticking.
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 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 another 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.
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; leaving some gaps creates a lovely crumble effect.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving or pair it with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Serving your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can elevate your dessert experience. This delightful cake pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its zesty flavor and creamy texture.
Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the tangy lemon flavors, making each bite irresistible.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the richness of the cream cheese layer, providing a sweet and airy finish.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness and color, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
Drizzle with Lemon Glaze
- A simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can add an extra punch of citrus flavor.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only enhance presentation but also add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
How to Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Achieving the perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure your cream cheese mixture is smooth before spreading it over the lemon filling; this will prevent lumps in your cake.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cake while baking; remove it when the top is golden to avoid dryness.
- Cool Properly: Allowing the cake to cool completely helps set the layers and enhances taste.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try using lemon zest from two lemons or adding a splash of almond extract for added depth.
- Store Correctly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious suggestions that complement this dessert beautifully.
-
Mixed Green Salad
A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake. -
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs provide a savory balance that pairs well with dessert. -
Roasted Asparagus
The earthy flavor of roasted asparagus adds depth and complements the lemony notes in your cake. -
Garlic Breadsticks
Soft garlic breadsticks can be a delightful addition, especially if served before dessert at a dinner gathering. -
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a vibrant dish that cuts through sweetness nicely. -
Fruit Platter
A colorful platter of seasonal fruits offers healthiness alongside sweetness, enhancing any meal setting. -
Potato Wedges
Crispy potato wedges seasoned lightly provide a comforting side that contrasts well with dessert’s texture. -
Quinoa Pilaf
A light quinoa pilaf packed with vegetables makes for a nutritious side that balances out your meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong cake mix: Always choose yellow or lemon cake mix for the best flavor. Using other flavors can change the intended taste of your dump cake.
- Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will not blend well, leading to lumps in the mixture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy cake.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow your cake to cool before slicing. This helps the layers set properly and makes for easier serving.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If you have leftovers, make sure they are completely cool before sealing.
Freezing Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe:
How do I enhance the lemon flavor?
You can enhance the lemon flavor by adding extra lemon zest or using lemon extract in addition to the pie filling.
Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights lemon, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
This recipe contains dairy and gluten from the cake mix. Consider using gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
How do I store leftovers from my Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that balances tanginess with creamy richness. Its easy preparation makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it with various fruit fillings or toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries for a personal touch!
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, a perfect blend of tangy lemon and creamy richness. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a cake that’s sure to impress your loved ones. The unique layers not only provide a wonderful texture but also ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an unforgettable treat!
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with melted butter until crumbly. Press half into the pan as the base.
- Spread lemon pie filling over the base evenly.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread this mixture over the lemon filling.
- Top with remaining cake mix for a crumble effect.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top.
- 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 (100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
