Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Layer the Cake:
Pour the lemon cake mix into the baking dish and spread it out evenly—no mixing required!
3️⃣ Add the Liquid:
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the water and vanilla extract, then pour it evenly over the cake mix.
4️⃣ Dot with Cream Cheese:
Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese all over the surface of the cake mixture.
5️⃣ Drizzle the Butter:
Pour the melted butter evenly over everything.
6️⃣ Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
7️⃣ Dust with Sugar & Serve:
Once cooled slightly, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra-sweet finish. Serve warm or chilled!
Tips for a Perfect Dump Cake:
- Don’t stir the layers! Dump cakes work best when ingredients are layered—not mixed.
- Room temp cream cheese spreads more easily. If needed, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften.
- Top it off: Add lemon zest or fresh berries before serving for a bright finish.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Super Easy: Literally just “dump and bake.”
- Creamy & Zesty: The sweet cream cheese balances the tart lemon perfectly.
- No Mixer Needed: Just layer and go!
Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 2g
FAQ – Lemon Dump Cake Edition:
Can I use lemon pie filling instead of water?
Absolutely! It’ll be thicker and even more lemony. You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if using sweetened filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great served cold or at room temp. Just cover and refrigerate once it cools.
Can I use boxed cheesecake mix instead of cream cheese?
You can, but the texture will be different. For creamier results, stick with real cream cheese.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Dry spots in cake?
Make sure the water or liquid is spread evenly over the dry cake mix.
Cream cheese clumping or burning?
Soften it fully and drop smaller spoonfuls to help it melt evenly into the cake.
Top not browning?
Let it bake an extra 5 minutes or broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden finish.
Fun Variations to Try:
- Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake: Sprinkle in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries before baking.
- Strawberry Lemonade Version: Add a layer of sliced strawberries under the cake mix.
- Lemon Coconut Dream: Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut on top before baking for tropical flair.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s a sunny brunch, a last-minute potluck, or just a sweet treat after dinner—this lemon dump cake fits the vibe every time:
- Easter & spring gatherings
- Baby or bridal showers
- Weeknight desserts with zero fuss
- Anytime you’re craving something bright and sweet
Success with Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
Zesty, creamy, and perfectly sweet—this cake tastes like lemon bars met cheesecake and decided to party. One pan, no stress, total crowd-pleaser!
Baked it?
We’d love to see your version! Tag your pics or share with someone who needs a little sunshine in their dessert life.
