There’s something so irresistible about the combination of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness, and this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate example. Imagine a soft, gooey lemon cake with pockets of rich cream cheese in every bite. This dessert is a one-pan wonder, made with minimal effort and just a few ingredients you may already have in your pantry.

I discovered this recipe one summer when I was craving a bright, citrusy dessert but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Since then, it's become a go-to for any gathering or last-minute dessert emergency. Let’s dive in and see why this dessert is worth a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is sure to win you over with its simplicity and flavor.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. No need for complicated steps or special techniques. As the name suggests, you simply "dump" everything into the baking pan, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.

The flavors are a delightful mix of tangy and sweet, with lemon adding a refreshing brightness that’s balanced by the creaminess of the cream cheese. Each bite feels rich yet light, making it great for warm weather.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s totally customizable. You can swap ingredients based on what you have, making it a versatile dessert that never gets boring. And since it’s made with a boxed cake mix, it’s both affordable and accessible.

Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you're hosting a party or treating your family, this cake is bound to disappear quickly, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients Notes

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is made with simple, flavorful ingredients that come together in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lemon Cake Mix: This is the base of our cake. A boxed lemon cake mix works beautifully and brings a consistent lemon flavor without any fuss. If you prefer, you can use a white or yellow cake mix with a bit of added lemon zest.
Lemon Pie Filling: This is where the juicy, fruity element comes in. The pie filling gives the cake that burst of lemon flavor, adding moisture and sweetness. You can find canned lemon pie filling at most grocery stores.
Cream Cheese: This is the key to the rich, creamy pockets throughout the cake. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Cube it into small pieces and scatter it around for that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Butter: Melted butter helps everything come together and adds that buttery richness. Pour it evenly over the cake mix to get a golden, slightly crispy top layer.
Optional: Powdered Sugar and Fresh Lemon Zest: These are great for topping! A light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest add a lovely finishing touch.

Equipment Needed

All you need is a 9x13-inch baking pan and an oven to make this dessert happen. No mixers or additional tools are required, making cleanup a breeze!

How to Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to put it all together in just a few easy steps:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer the Lemon Pie Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will form the juicy, fruity layer that gives the cake its signature lemony flavor.
Add the Cake Mix: Next, sprinkle the lemon cake mix evenly over the pie filling layer. Make sure to distribute it as evenly as possible so every bite gets a perfect balance of cake and filling.
Place the Cream Cheese Cubes: Scatter cubes of cream cheese over the top of the cake mix. This creates creamy pockets throughout the cake. Try to distribute the cubes fairly evenly across the surface.
Pour the Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface. The butter will help the cake mix turn golden brown and create a slight crisp on top.
Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving so it can set a bit.

This cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature, and it takes less than an hour from start to finish.

Storage Options

Storing this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is easy, making it great for leftovers – if you have any!

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a day, you can cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and leave it on the counter for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cream cheese adds a lovely richness, so refrigeration keeps it fresh.
Freezer: You can freeze individual portions of the cake for up to 1 month. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: This cake is wonderful when slightly warmed. Heat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warm.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is how easily you can customize it. Here are some ideas to try:

Fruit Variations: Swap the lemon pie filling for other fruit fillings, like cherry, blueberry, or raspberry, for a different flavor twist. You can even mix lemon with another fruit for a unique combination.
Add Zest: For an extra pop of citrus flavor, add some fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese or sprinkle it over the top after baking.
Cream Cheese Mixture: If you want an even creamier cake, blend the cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and a bit of vanilla extract before adding it to the cake.
Cake Mix Options: Feel free to use a white or yellow cake mix in place of lemon. This works especially well if you can’t find lemon cake mix or want a milder lemon flavor.
Crunchy Topping: For some added texture, sprinkle a handful of crushed graham crackers or sliced almonds over the top before baking.

This cake is a fantastic base for experimenting, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Enjoy this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake as a go-to dessert for any occasion. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress everyone at the table.