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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with Homemade Cake Mix

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If you’re a lemon lover with a sweet tooth and a soft spot for creamy flavors, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with Homemade Cake Mix is calling your name.

With its rich cream cheese layer, zesty lemon flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this easy lemon cream cheese dump cake with homemade cake mix is a must-have in your collection of easy dessert recipes. It’s ideal for family gatherings, last-minute celebrations, or anytime you need a quick dessert with minimal prep time.

Whether you’re whipping this up for yourself or sharing it with guests, this easy dump cake recipe will surely become your go-to for all things citrusy and sweet.

Looking for easy side dishes? Try my recipe for Easy Mac & Cheese or this recipe for Roasted Root Vegetable Medley in a Skillet.

Baked lemon dump cake dessert in a glass dish with sliced lemons, topped with powdered sugar and lemon slices, surrounded by whole lemons and a spoon.
Table Of Contents
  1. What you'll love about this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe:
  2. Recipe Ingredients
  3. Ingredient Notes
  4. Equipment Needed
  5. How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Step-by-Step
  6. Ingredients for the recipe for lemon cream cheese dump cake with cake mix
  7. Instructions
  8. Recipe Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Dump Cake
  9. Make-Ahead Tip
  10. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to store leftovers in the fridge. It tastes just as great the next day, especially cold!
  11. Storage & Reheating
  12. Additions & Substitutions
  13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  14. More Recipes You'll Love
  15. Looking for Delicious breakfast recipes?

What you’ll love about this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe:

  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This simple recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your pantry or can grab at the grocery store. It’s a good dump cake that doesn’t require fancy techniques or equipment—just mixing bowls, a cake pan, and your favorite box of cake mix.
  • Creamy Meets Zesty: The combination of tangy lemon pie filling, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a fluffy lemon cake mix topping creates a dessert that dances on your taste buds. The cream cheese filling adds a richness that balances the bright citrus notes.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy evening treat, a family gathering, or a go-to recipe for last-minute gatherings, this delicious dessert always delivers. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Cool Whip for that final indulgent touch.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with Homemade Cake Mix:

Ingredients on a wooden table include a mason jar of homemade cake mix, a plate with unsalted butter and cream cheese, and a bowl of lemon pie filling.

Ingredient Notes

For best results, do not stir ingredients together before baking.

Equipment Needed

  • 9X9 Baking Dish
  • Stand Mixer
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife
  • Mixing Bowl

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Step-by-Step

Here are quick visual instructions for making Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with Homemade Cake Mix step-by-step. Remember, the full instructions will be in the printable recipe card below.

Step 1: Take a square baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks. Set aside.

Step 2: Add the fruit filling to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

A glass dish with bright yellow lemon pie filling and a spatula is in the foreground. In the background, a plate holds a stick of butter and cream cheese on a wooden table.
A glass dish on a wooden surface holds cake mix and cream cheese chunks, with a metal spoon scooping flour. A butter stick rests on a plate nearby. Cozy, rustic kitchen feel.

Step 3: Then dollop the cream cheese layer over it, followed by the cake mix in an even layer, and finish with melted butter drizzled on top.

A glass baking dish on a wooden surface contains cake mix topped with evenly spaced butter slices. Nearby, a plate holds a butter stick and knife. Cozy baking scene.
A golden-brown baked dessert in a glass dish is dusted with powdered sugar from a metal sieve, creating a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere.

Ingredients for the recipe for lemon cream cheese dump cake with cake mix

  • All-purpose flour or cake flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Vegetable shortening
  • Vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Combine dry ingredients

Step 2: Add vegetable shortening and vegetable shortening

A glass measuring bowl filled with homemade yellow cake mix from scratch sits on a wooden surface. A white cloth and wooden rolling pin lie beside it, evoking a baking atmosphere.

Note: This cake mix will replace a 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix if you prefer not to use homemade yellow cake mix. A 15.25-oz box = about 3½ cups of dry cake mix

Recipe Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Dump Cake

Tip 1: Start with Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and melted butter are key to creating that dreamy, smooth cream cheese layer and evenly baked topping.

Tip 2: Layer Wisely: Add the fruit filling (like lemon or another flavor) to the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then dollop the cream cheese layer over it, followed by the cake mix in an even layer, and finish with melted butter drizzled on top.

Tip 3: Add a Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or lemon zest before serving to enhance that tangy lemon flavor and add a pop of color.

Make-Ahead Tip

Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to store leftovers in the fridge. It tastes just as great the next day, especially cold!

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store your lemon cream cheese dump cake in an airtight container ([link]) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Reheating: Place a slice in the microwave for 15–30 seconds until just warmed through. You can also reheat it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispier texture on top.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze lemon cream cheese dump cake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using one of the methods above.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions

Fresh berries – Add a handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries on top of the lemon filling before baking for a fruity twist.
Toasted coconut flakes – Add a tropical flair by sprinkling ¼ cup on top before baking.

Substitutions

Cake Mix – If you don’t have lemon cake mix, a white or vanilla cake mix will still pair beautifully with the cream cheese and lemon flavors.
Cream Cheese – For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat (Neufchâtel) cream cheese, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely! Vanilla cake mix, white cake mix, or even spice cake mix can work, depending on the flavor profile you’re going for.

Is this a good recipe for beginner bakers?

It’s a simple recipe with minimal effort, perfect for anyone who wants a quick dessert without all the fuss of traditional cakes.

Do I have to use a block of cream cheese?

Yes, a block of cream cheese (not the spreadable kind) gives the rich cream cheese texture this cake is known for.

Looking for Delicious breakfast recipes?

Grab your 5 breakfast recipes now!

Cover of a breakfast recipe booklet with syrup-drenched pancakes and the text "5 of the Best Breakfast Recipes." Warm, inviting tone.
A fork holds a bite of lemon cream cheese dump cake over a white plate; a glass baking dish with more cobbler is in the background, next to a fresh lemon.

More Recipes You’ll Love

I hope you love the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with Homemade Cake Mix. If you make it, please be sure to leave a comment and a rating, so I know how you like it. Enjoy, Xo

Baked lemon dump cake dessert in a glass dish with sliced lemons, topped with powdered sugar and lemon slices, surrounded by whole lemons and a spoon.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with Homemade Cake Mix

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

With its rich cream cheese layer, zesty lemon flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this easy lemon cream cheese dump cake with homemade cake mix is a must-have in your collection of easy dessert recipes. It's ideal for family gatherings, last-minute celebrations, or anytime you need a quick dessert with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

  • Homemade Cake Mix
  • 1 16-ounce can of lemon pie filling
  • 4 ounces of cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup of one stick of unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  2. Sprinkle half of the cake mix over the lemon filling.
  3. Slice the cream cheese into cubes and spread evenly, then add the rest of the remaining cake mix. This ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
  4. Place the butter slices over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the top as possible. This will help the top golden brown beautifully and keep the interior moist.
  5. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Use a toothpick and insert it in the center; if it comes out clean, it's done.
  6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the dish for 15-20 minutes before serving. Allowing the resting period helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice.

Notes

Homemade Cake Mix Directions

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour or cake flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions for the Dry Cake Mix

  1. Combine the dry ingredients, the flour, sugar, and salt,
    and baking powder in a large mixing bowl and mix until well blended.
  2. Add the vegetable shortening and vanilla extract to
    The flour mixture.

Note: This cake mix will replace a 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix if you prefer not to use homemade yellow cake mix. A 15.25-oz box = about 3½ cups of dry cake mix

Equipment Needed

  • 9X9 Square Baking Dish
  • Stand Mixer
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Nutrition Information
Yield 12 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 365Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 47mgSodium 414mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 1gSugar 28gProtein 3g

Calculated Nutrition is an estimate.

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© Dusty @ Linen and Wildflowers
Cuisine: Dessert / Category: Desserts

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