Here’s a complete recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with all the details you asked for:
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction: Lemon desserts are a beloved treat, but often they can be tricky to make. Whether it’s the balancing of tartness with sweetness, or getting the texture just right, it can be frustrating when things don’t turn out like you imagined. That’s exactly why this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a game changer. A neighbor of mine shared it years ago, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. The best part? It’s practically foolproof and only requires four simple ingredients!
This cake is tangy, sweet, and oh-so-creamy. The addition of cream cheese makes it feel decadent, while the lemon adds a refreshing burst of citrus. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Plus, it’s super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
Ingredients:
- 1 box of lemon cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
- 1 can (21 oz) of lemon pie filling
- 8 oz of cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup of butter (melted)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. You can use an electric mixer for a quicker, smoother result.
- Layer the pie filling: Spread the can of lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the base layer of the cake.
- Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling. No need to mix or stir, just let the dry cake mix cover the filling.
- Cream cheese topping: Drop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese on top of the cake mix layer. You can gently swirl it into the cake mix, but don’t worry about perfect coverage.
- Melt the butter: Pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mixture. It may seem like a lot of butter, but this is what helps create the golden, crispy top.
- Bake it: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake has set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s great on its own, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence.
Method & Tips:
- Texture: The texture of the cake is a little like a cobbler, with a crispy top and a creamy filling underneath. This is totally normal, and it’s what makes this dessert so delicious!
- Lemon Pie Filling: Some people might prefer to make their own lemon filling, but the canned version is quick, easy, and consistent. If you do make your own, just make sure it’s a thick lemon curd or filling to match the texture of canned pie filling.
- Cake Mix Substitution: You can use a yellow or white cake mix instead of lemon for a milder flavor, though lemon really brings the zing in this recipe!
- Adding Extras: For a little more texture, you can sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top before baking. Some love a little extra zest, so feel free to add some lemon zest to the cream cheese or pie filling for an extra citrus punch.
History of the Dump Cake:
The dump cake is a classic American dessert that became popular in the 1980s, largely due to its simplicity. The concept is straightforward: “dump” a few ingredients (usually a box of cake mix, fruit filling, and butter) into a pan, bake, and you’ve got a delicious dessert with minimal effort. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its versatility. You can swap out different fruit fillings, cake mixes, or even add extra flavorings to create your own custom dessert.
This particular Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake variant adds a rich and creamy twist to the classic dump cake formula with the addition of tangy cream cheese and a burst of citrus. It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor!
Formation:
This dessert has its origins in the “dump cake” tradition, where layered ingredients are assembled and then baked together. By adding cream cheese and lemon filling, this version elevates the original into something far more decadent, bringing together the best of comfort food and a little bit of luxury. The result is a buttery, gooey, slightly tangy cake that hits all the right notes of sweetness and citrus flavor.
Conclusion:
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a breeze to make, and the flavor is out of this world! Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this dessert will always get rave reviews. The best part? It’s nearly impossible to mess up, so even beginner bakers can feel confident about making it. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
For Lovers of Lemon Desserts:
If you’re someone who can never get enough of lemon desserts, this cake will quickly become one of your favorites. Whether you’re a fan of lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, or simply enjoy the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, this dump cake is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. It’s easy to prepare, makes a generous amount to share, and always impresses guests with its bakery-quality look and taste.
Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share with your neighbors and loved ones. If you have any variations or tips of your own, feel free to experiment and make it even more uniquely yours!
Let me know how it turns out if you decide to make it! 🙂