A Sweet Mistake That Became Our Favorite Dump Cake
I wasn’t planning to bake anything fancy. I had a box of lemon cake mix, some cream cheese that was almost forgotten in the fridge, and just enough energy for something easy. That’s how this lemon cream cheese dump cake was born—by accident, but now it’s a full-on favorite in our house.
It’s one of those desserts that tastes like you did a whole lot more work than you actually did. The lemon cake is sweet and zesty, and the cream cheese melts into little pockets of richness that make it feel like a shortcut cheesecake. This lemon cream cheese dump cake really walks the line between cake and cobbler, with a creamy center and golden, buttery top.
I served it warm that night, and everyone asked for seconds—even my son, who claims he “doesn’t like lemon.” It’s now on our regular rotation for potlucks, Easter brunches, and late-night cravings.
If you like desserts that come together in minutes but feel like something special, you’ll love this lemon cream cheese dump cake just as much as we do.
For more cozy, feel-good sweets, our Chai Spiced Pear Baked Oatmeal Singles are another family favorite you can whip up without fuss.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: Easy Citrus Dessert Magic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This lemon cream cheese dump cake is zesty, creamy, and full of citrus flavor. Just layer and bake for a dessert that’s always a hit.
Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix
1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. Spread lemon pie filling evenly in dish.
3. Scatter cream cheese cubes evenly over filling.
4. Sprinkle dry cake mix on top—don’t stir.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over cake mix.
6. Bake for 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serve with whipped cream or powdered sugar dusting.
You can use vanilla or white cake mix as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: lemon cream cheese dump cake, dump cake with lemon, citrus dessert
Part 2: Ingredients & Mistakes to Avoid
What You’ll Need for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This lemon cream cheese dump cake is made with just a few pantry staples and a brick of cream cheese. Here’s what you’ll need to pull it off:
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla, powdered sugar for topping
The combo of tangy lemon and smooth cream cheese bakes into something that tastes far more complicated than it is. The lemon brightens the cake while the cream cheese adds depth and that irresistible cheesecake-like bite.
The Biggest Mistake to Avoid
The number one mistake people make with a dump cake—especially this one—is mixing it. Don’t stir the layers. Dump cakes work because everything stays in its place: the filling bubbles up from the bottom, the cake mix browns on top, and the butter soaks through as it bakes. Mixing it ruins the texture and creates a gummy center instead of a crisp topping.
Also, make sure your cream cheese is cut into small cubes and spaced out across the filling. This gives you even pockets of richness throughout the cake. If it clumps in one area, it can stay overly soft or make parts of the cake too wet.
And yes—you can absolutely put cream cheese in a dump cake. It not only works—it makes it better.
Looking for something savory to serve alongside your sweet? Try our Warm Butternut Squash Farro Salad. It balances the richness of this dessert beautifully.
Part 3: Mixing Lemon + Cream Cheese & Flavor Variations
Can You Mix Lemon and Cream Cheese?
Absolutely. The tart brightness of lemon and the smooth richness of cream cheese are a classic match. Think lemon cheesecake—but simpler. In a lemon cream cheese dump cake, the cream cheese melts into the lemon pie filling just enough to tone down the citrus while adding creamy depth.
This pairing works because both ingredients bring something bold. Lemon keeps things fresh and vibrant, while cream cheese makes it feel rich and indulgent. It’s the reason why this lemon cream cheese dump cake is often requested in our house—it tastes like you made a layered dessert, but it’s all done in one pan.
Easy Variations to Try
Want to add your own spin to this lemon cream cheese dump cake? Here are a few simple options that work every time:
- Berries: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries over the lemon filling before topping with cake mix.
- Cake mix swaps: Use vanilla or white cake mix for a milder flavor if you want less lemon intensity.
- Zest it up: Sprinkle lemon zest over the top before baking for extra citrus flavor.
- Finishing touches: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze once cooled.
And if you want to compare it to a simpler citrus version, don’t miss our go-to Lemon Dump Cake—it’s the base recipe that inspired this rich and tangy cream cheese twist.
There’s a reason this lemon cream cheese dump cake continues to show up at our family dinners, brunches, and even just weeknight cravings—it’s versatile, bold, and baked with love.
Part 3: Mixing Lemon + Cream Cheese & Flavor Variations
Can You Mix Lemon and Cream Cheese?
Absolutely. The tart brightness of lemon and the smooth richness of cream cheese are a classic match. Think lemon cheesecake—but simpler. In a lemon cream cheese dump cake, the cream cheese melts into the lemon pie filling just enough to tone down the citrus while adding creamy depth.
This pairing works because both ingredients bring something bold. Lemon keeps things fresh and vibrant, while cream cheese makes it feel rich and indulgent. It’s the reason why this lemon cream cheese dump cake is often requested in our house—it tastes like you made a layered dessert, but it’s all done in one pan.
Easy Variations to Try
Want to add your own spin to this lemon cream cheese dump cake? Here are a few simple options that work every time:
- Berries: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries over the lemon filling before topping with cake mix.
- Cake mix swaps: Use vanilla or white cake mix for a milder flavor if you want less lemon intensity.
- Zest it up: Sprinkle lemon zest over the top before baking for extra citrus flavor.
- Finishing touches: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze once cooled.
And if you want to compare it to a simpler citrus version, don’t miss our go-to Lemon Dump Cake—it’s the base recipe that inspired this rich and tangy cream cheese twist.
There’s a reason this lemon cream cheese dump cake continues to show up at our family dinners, brunches, and even just weeknight cravings—it’s versatile, bold, and baked with love.
Part 5: FAQs About Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?
Yes! Homemade lemon curd adds a more intense lemon flavor. Just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t make the base too runny. You’ll need about 1¾ to 2 cups to replace the canned lemon pie filling.
Can I make lemon cream cheese dump cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake it a day in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a low oven until bubbly again.
What kind of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat block-style cream cheese is ideal. Avoid whipped or spreadable versions—they don’t melt as well and may make the cake watery in spots.
Is this recipe good for a crowd?
Yes—it’s made for it! This lemon cream cheese dump cake serves 8–10 and can easily be doubled for a larger baking dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser at showers, brunches, and potlucks.
Conclusion
This lemon cream cheese dump cake is one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll turn to again and again. It’s bright, creamy, and made with just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Whether you’re making it for brunch, bringing it to a potluck, or baking something quick on a weekday, it always delivers. And the best part? It’s impossible to mess up.
Love cozy bakes like this? Be sure to follow along on Pinterest @RecipesFaza for more no-fuss favorites, sweet and savory.
