Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the lemon pie filling. Don’t worry if it doesn’t spread evenly—part of the charm of dump cake is the surprise swirls and pockets of flavor that bake together.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the entire dish. Resist the urge to stir—the magic happens as the cake bakes, creating a golden crust on top while soaking up the creamy lemon layers beneath.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Slice the cold butter into thin pats and place them evenly across the top of the cake mix. This will melt in the oven, moistening the cake mix and forming that deliciously crispy topping.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The cream cheese will create creamy ribbons throughout the cake while the cake mix crisps beautifully on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
🌟 Tips to Make It Extra Special
- Add zest: Stir a little fresh lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture for a stronger citrus punch.
- Berry twist: Add a layer of blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries on top of the pie filling before the cake mix for a fruity surprise.
- Creamy boost: Swirl in a few dollops of sweetened condensed milk for extra richness.
- Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and less sugar for a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
🍋 Why This Cake is a Potluck Star
The beauty of the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake lies in its simplicity—you don’t need to be a baking expert to make it, yet it delivers bakery-level flavor. The tangy lemon contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream cheese, while the buttery cake topping ties everything together. It’s zesty, creamy, and decadent, making it the ultimate dessert to wow guests at potlucks, family dinners, or summer gatherings.
Would you like me to also write a chocolate or cherry version of this dump cake for variety, so you have multiple flavors to choose from?
