This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a light, tangy twist on the classic dump cake. Made with layers of lemon cake mix, rich cream cheese, and buttery goodness, this dessert is an effortless way to enjoy a burst of lemony flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you’re craving a bright, refreshing dessert!
The first time I made this, I was looking for something easy and delicious to bring to a family gathering. The zesty lemon and creamy filling were a big hit, and now it’s become one of our go-to recipes! Let’s take a closer look at how simple and tasty this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can be.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

If you’re new to dump cakes, prepare to fall in love with how easy they are. Just layer, bake, and enjoy – no mixing bowls required! Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
No-Fuss Recipe: This dessert requires no mixing or complicated steps. Just dump the ingredients into your baking dish, and you’re done!
Refreshing Lemon Flavor: The combination of lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling brings a bright, citrusy taste that’s balanced by the creamy filling.
Rich and Creamy: With pockets of cream cheese throughout, this cake is ultra-moist and slightly tangy, perfect for fans of cheesecake-style desserts.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is easy to transport and perfect for potlucks, parties, and family dinners. Just slice and serve for an instant hit!
Once you make it, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Ingredients Notes

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake only requires a few key ingredients, but each one plays an important role in achieving the perfect taste and texture.
Lemon Cake Mix: Using a lemon-flavored cake mix gives this dessert its base layer and a wonderful lemony flavor. Any brand of lemon cake mix will work.
Lemon Pie Filling: This adds extra lemon flavor, moisture, and a bit of sweetness. If you can’t find lemon pie filling, you can substitute with a can of lemon curd.
Cream Cheese: Cut into small cubes, cream cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy element to the cake. Make sure it’s softened for easier spreading.
Butter: Melted butter helps bind everything together and adds richness. When poured over the top, it helps form a golden crust that’s deliciously buttery.
Optional Toppings: Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh lemon zest for a bit of extra flair. These toppings add brightness and enhance the lemon flavor.
With these few ingredients and a single baking dish, you’re ready to create a dessert that’s easy yet full of flavor!
How to Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to layer everything for a perfect, tangy dessert that everyone will love.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy serving.
Layer the Lemon Pie Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This forms the base and keeps the cake extra moist and flavorful.
Add the Cream Cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them evenly over the lemon filling. This creates pockets of creamy, tangy goodness throughout the cake.
Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Evenly pour the lemon cake mix directly from the package over the filling and cream cheese. Spread it out with a spoon or spatula if needed to cover the entire surface.
Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the dry mix as possible. The butter will seep down, helping to form a golden, slightly crisp topping.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly gooey.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm but also great chilled. Add a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries for garnish if you’d like!
Each scoop of this cake will reveal creamy layers, tangy lemon, and buttery crumbs that melt in your mouth.
Storage Options
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it over several days. Here’s how to keep it fresh.
Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a day, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover and refrigerate the cake for up to 4 days. The cream cheese filling keeps well in the fridge, and the cake stays moist.
Freezing: To freeze, slice the cake into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: For that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
This versatile Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
Make It Extra Fruity: Add a can of drained pineapple tidbits or a layer of fresh blueberries on top of the lemon pie filling for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Try a Different Cake Mix: Swap the lemon cake mix for white or yellow cake mix if you want a subtler lemon flavor with more emphasis on the cream cheese and buttery topping.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Use Lemon Curd Instead of Pie Filling: If you have lemon curd on hand, it works wonderfully in place of lemon pie filling. It’ll give the cake an even more intense lemon flavor.
Top with a Lemon Glaze: For extra sweetness and lemon flavor, drizzle a quick lemon glaze over the top. Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until it reaches a pourable consistency, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
No matter how you customize it, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around with its bright, fresh flavor!
Conclousion
With its soft, creamy texture and refreshing lemon flavor, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a quick, delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to impress with every bite. Grab a spoon, dig in, and enjoy the delightful layers of lemon and cream cheese!
PrintLemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a bright and refreshing dessert combining zesty lemon pie filling, creamy layers of cream cheese, and a buttery cake mix topping. With just a few ingredients and a “dump-and-bake” method, this easy recipe is perfect for spring gatherings, summer barbecues, or anytime you crave a light yet indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or lemon cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and milk until smooth. Spoon dollops over the lemon filling and gently spread.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
- Drizzle melted butter over the entire cake mix layer, making sure most of it is covered.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Best served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or lemon zest on top for extra flavor.
- For a lighter topping, use ¼ cup butter and ¼ cup milk instead of all butter.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
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