This Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a real treat! With layers of cream cheese and a refreshing lemon flavor, the buttery crust makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Honestly, it’s so easy to make, just dump the ingredients and let it bake. I love serving it with whipped cream on top—it adds a fun touch! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is your creamy base that adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using low-fat cream cheese or even ricotta for a different texture.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best for a vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but it might lack some brightness.
Lemon Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest adds a punch of lemon flavor. If unavailable, you can omit it or use orange zest for a different flavor twist.
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your crumb topping. If you’re aiming for a healthier dessert, use a gluten-free cake mix or make your own from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, simply leave them out or try using crushed cookies for added texture.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Cream Cheese Smoothly?
Mixing cream cheese can be tricky if it’s not soft enough. Here’s how to get it smooth:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it easier to blend.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s creamy. Don’t rush this step!
- When adding lemon juice and zest, slowly incorporate them to maintain a smooth texture. It should be well-combined without lumps.
By taking your time with this step, you’ll ensure a silky filling that layers beautifully with the lemon pie filling!
Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake With A Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- Zest of 1 lemon
For The Cake Layer:
- 1 (15 oz) can lemon pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll have it ready to cool and serve in just about an hour! Perfect for an afternoon treat or after-dinner delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat them together using a mixer or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is nice and smooth. Then, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest until everything is blended well.
3. Layer the Mixtures:
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, take the lemon pie filling and gently layer it on top of the cream cheese, spreading it out evenly to cover the surface.
4. Prepare the Cake Topping:
In another bowl, mix the dry yellow cake mix with the melted butter. If you want to, you can also add chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch! Use a fork or your fingers to combine everything until it looks crumbly.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Now, take that crumbly cake mix and sprinkle it generously over the lemon pie filling. Try to cover it as evenly as you can. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the cake to be set.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your cake cool slightly. You can enjoy it warm or chilled! For an extra touch, top it off with whipped cream or some additional lemon zest to really brighten the flavors.
Enjoy your Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake! It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can substitute it with white or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary a bit, and the texture may not be as rich but still delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation. You can enjoy it chilled or warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the lemon pie filling, are gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly but it should still come out delicious!
How Can I Make This Dessert Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, try reducing the powdered sugar to 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup in the cream cheese mixture. You can also use a sugar-free lemon pie filling for fewer calories and less sweetness!
