Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: lemon dump cake with cream cheese! This cake is like a burst of sunshine on your taste buds. It’s so easy to whip up, and the delicious combination of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese is just heavenly. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that I turn to when I need something sweet without spending all day in the kitchen.
The first time I made this cake was for a family gathering, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than I could say “lemon!” Everyone was raving about it, and I just had to smile because it felt like a little secret I was sharing with them. The best part? You don’t have to be a baking pro to pull this off. Just toss everything together, and let the oven do the magic. Trust me, your friends and family will think you’re a culinary genius!
So, if you’re ready to impress and indulge, let’s dive into the simplicity and deliciousness of this lemon dump cake with cream cheese. I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Lemon Dump Cake with Cream Cheese
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful lemon dump cake with cream cheese. I promise, you won’t need anything fancy!
- 1 box lemon cake mix – This is the star of the show! It gives that lovely lemon flavor and fluffy texture.
- 1 can lemon pie filling – This adds the perfect tartness and sweetness. Make sure to get the good stuff!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This is what makes the cake creamy and dreamy. Let it sit out for a bit to soften; it mixes better that way!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – This adds richness and helps to create that golden crust on top.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – This sweetens up the cream cheese mixture for that delightful contrast.
- 1 cup water – Believe it or not, this is key to making everything come together beautifully.
How to Prepare Lemon Dump Cake with Cream Cheese
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this lemon dump cake with cream cheese! It’s super straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring this delightful dessert to life. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to lemony bliss!
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Base
Next, grab your baking dish and spread that luscious lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom. Make sure to get it into all the corners. This layer is the heart of the cake, so take a moment to make it nice and even. It’ll give your cake that fantastic tartness!
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, blend them together until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This mixture is what adds that dreamy creaminess to the cake, so mix it well!
Assemble the Cake
Time to get a little artistic! Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just let those dollops land wherever they may. Once that’s done, sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the top. This will create a beautiful layer that will turn into a golden crust as it bakes!
Add Butter and Water
Now, here comes the magic! Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, and then gently pour the water over the entire dish. This step helps to meld all the flavors together. It might look a little chaotic, but I promise, it all comes together in the oven!
Baking Time
Pop your masterpiece into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of lemon will fill your kitchen, and oh boy, it’s going to be hard to wait for it to cool before diving in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful lemon dump cake with cream cheese. Remember, these values can vary slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
So, there you have it! This cake is a sweet treat worth indulging in, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Just remember to enjoy in moderation, because it’s hard to resist a second slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This lemon dump cake comes together in just a few minutes. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the deliciousness!
- Minimal Effort: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning dessert that looks like you spent hours preparing it. No fancy techniques required here!
- Delightful Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon and creamy cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s refreshing and satisfying. It’s like a little slice of sunshine!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake fits every occasion perfectly.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden crust and creamy layers make this cake not only tasty but also beautiful. Your friends and family will be wowed!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist! Top it with fresh berries, a drizzle of glaze, or even a sprinkle of coconut for a fun variation.
Tips for Success
Alright, friends! Let’s make sure your lemon dump cake with cream cheese turns out absolutely perfect. Here are some of my best tips to ensure you nail this recipe every single time!
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is really softened before mixing. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps, and nobody wants that! Just leave it out for about 30 minutes before you start.
- Even Layering: When spreading the lemon pie filling, take your time to make it even. This will help every bite have that delicious tartness. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out nicely.
- Water Trick: Don’t skip the water! It might seem odd to pour it over the top, but it’s crucial for creating that moist, cake-like texture. Just make sure to drizzle it all over and not just in one spot!
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. If it’s browning too quickly, you can gently cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
- Cooling Time: Be patient and let the cake cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set up nicely and makes it easier to slice. Plus, it’ll help keep those layers intact!
- Toppings Galore: Experiment with toppings! A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, or even some berries can elevate the flavor and presentation. Get creative!
- Storage Secrets: If you have leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it tastes best the day it’s made!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a lemon dump cake that’s not just delicious but also a total showstopper. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful lemon dump cake with cream cheese, let’s talk about how to take it to the next level! There are so many delicious ways to serve it that will make everyone’s taste buds sing.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a lovely lightness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the tart lemon flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love whipped cream?
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries make a beautiful and tasty addition. The burst of sweetness from the berries complements the lemon beautifully, adding a pop of color too!
- Lemon Zest: For an extra zing, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest on top right before serving. It enhances the lemony flavor and gives it a lovely aromatic touch!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: If you really want to indulge, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice. The creamy ice cream balances out the tanginess of the cake and makes for a delightful contrast.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top. It adds a nice crunch and a hint of sweetness that’s just divine with lemon.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top can add a rich, buttery note that complements the cake’s flavors. Just go easy on it; you want to enhance, not overwhelm!
- Nut Garnish: Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can add a wonderful crunch and a bit of savory flavor that contrasts nicely with the cake’s sweetness.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas for your own personal touch! Each of these suggestions not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious lemon dump cake with cream cheese fresh and tasty! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big if in my house!), it’s super easy to store and reheat.
First off, let the cake cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent any condensation from forming in your container, which can make the cake soggy. Once it’s cool, grab an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but honestly, it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made. You’ll want to savor those bright lemon flavors at their peak!
If you find yourself with a lot of cake and want to save it for later, you can also freeze it! Just cut it into slices, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you need a little lemony pick-me-up! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat, but if you like it warm, you can pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might get a bit too gooey!
So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can keep enjoying your lemon dump cake with cream cheese for days to come. Happy baking, and even happier eating!
Print
Lemon Dump Cake with Cream Cheese: 7 Easy Secrets to Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious lemon dump cake with cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread lemon pie filling in the bottom of a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix.
- Pour water over the entire dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be topped with fresh lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon dump cake, cream cheese, dessert
