There's something special about a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This dessert is as easy as it is irresistible, featuring layers of bright lemon flavor and a creamy, rich texture that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Imagine a cake that requires little effort but delivers big rewards—a perfect choice for when you want to impress without the fuss. Just dump, bake, and enjoy!

I first came across this recipe when I was short on time but needed a dessert that would impress guests. With just a handful of ingredients and no mixing bowls, it was love at first bake. Let's dive into what makes this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake so special.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Get ready to fall head over heels for this simple yet decadent dessert. Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an absolute lifesaver for busy bakers who crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is foolproof. No mixing, no creaming—just layering ingredients right in the baking dish. It’s truly the ultimate dump-and-go dessert, perfect for both beginner bakers and pros looking for something quick and easy.

If you’re a lemon lover, this cake delivers! The tartness of the lemon filling complements the creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.

Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples, this cake is also a wallet-friendly treat that won’t break the bank. With just a few affordable ingredients, you can serve up something that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special family treat, or dust it with powdered sugar and a few lemon slices for an elegant presentation at gatherings.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is in its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients, each one plays a unique role in bringing this dessert to life.

Lemon Pie Filling: This is the star ingredient that adds all the lemony brightness. The ready-made pie filling gives you all the flavor of homemade lemon curd without the work. You’ll find it in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds richness and a luscious texture to the cake. Softening it beforehand makes it easier to dollop and spread over the lemon filling, ensuring every bite has a hint of creamy goodness.
Yellow Cake Mix: The cake mix serves as a shortcut base for this dessert. Its sweet, vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon and cream cheese. Just sprinkle it right over the cream cheese; no mixing is required!
Butter: Sliced and layered over the cake mix, the butter melts during baking, creating a golden, slightly crispy topping. Make sure to use real butter for the best flavor.
Powdered Sugar (optional): For a pretty finish, dusting the baked cake with powdered sugar gives it an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.

Special Equipment Needed

You’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe. No other special equipment is required—just layer everything right in the dish, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic!

How To Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Creating this delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease your 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake comes out easily once baked.

Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish. This vibrant, tart layer forms the base of the cake and will give each bite that deliciously refreshing lemon flavor.

Next, dollop the cream cheese across the lemon pie filling. To make it easier, you can soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Spread it gently, but don’t worry about making it perfect—it will melt and spread as it bakes.

Sprinkle the entire yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. No need to mix or stir; just make sure it’s distributed evenly so that each slice has the right balance of cake and filling.

Layer the butter slices over the cake mix, ensuring they’re spread evenly across the top. The butter will melt down into the cake mix, creating a rich, golden crust as it bakes.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are slightly crispy and the filling is bubbling around the sides. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This cake is delicious served warm, but it’s also great at room temperature. For an added touch, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon zest or lemon slices.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare with this cake!), here’s how to store them for later.

For short-term storage, cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 day, but if you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate it.

In the refrigerator, this cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.

To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will bring back the creamy, melty texture and enhance the flavors, making it taste freshly baked.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is how adaptable it is! Here are some ways to make it your own:

Different Pie Fillings: Swap out the lemon pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or strawberry for a completely new flavor. The basic steps remain the same, so feel free to experiment.
Lemon Cake Mix: If you want an even stronger lemon flavor, use a lemon-flavored cake mix instead of yellow. It will intensify the lemony brightness in every bite.
Extra Toppings: Add some texture by sprinkling shredded coconut or slivered almonds over the butter before baking. They’ll toast up beautifully, adding a bit of crunch to the soft layers.
Lightened Version: For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and opt for half the butter. The result will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the lemon pie filling before layering it in the dish.

With this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you get a wonderfully simple dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to make. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!