If sunshine were a dessert, it would taste like this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. It’s everything we love in a dessert—tangy, creamy, buttery, and simple enough to whip up in minutes. Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, a baby shower, or just want to end a weeknight meal on a bright note, this cheerful yellow beauty delivers flavor with almost zero fuss.

Made with just five pantry and fridge staples, this dump cake has the perfect contrast of textures: zesty lemon filling, pockets of tangy cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping that’s golden and crisp around the edges. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it’s begging to be served with a spoonful of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Let’s dive into how to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate.

🍰 What Is a Dump Cake?

Dump cakes are one of the easiest desserts you can make—and they’ve been beloved by home bakers for generations. The idea is exactly as it sounds: you dump the ingredients into the pan, layer-style, bake it, and out comes a warm, bubbly, cakey treat with minimal effort.

No bowls, mixers, or complicated steps. In this case, lemon pie filling and cream cheese take things up a notch, giving this dump cake a luscious, cheesecake-like twist beneath a golden lemon cake crust.

🛒 Ingredients – Just 5 Essentials

You don’t need to break the bank or take a trip to a specialty store for this delicious treat. Here’s everything you need:

Ingredients:

1 box lemon cake mix
1 can (20 oz) lemon pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

That’s it. These ingredients work together to create layers of creamy, citrusy, golden goodness that taste far more impressive than the effort suggests.

💡 Pro Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor, and make sure it’s softened to avoid clumping.

👩‍🍳 Directions – Foolproof and Fabulous

Here’s how to bring your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to life:

Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Dump the Cake Mix:

Open your box of lemon cake mix and pour it directly into the pan. Spread it out evenly with your hands or a spoon—no need to mix.

Add Lemon Pie Filling:

Spoon the lemon pie filling over the dry cake mix. Spread it out to cover the surface. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just aim for general evenness.

Cream Cheese Layer:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese across the lemon layer. You want creamy pockets throughout the cake when it bakes.

Melted Butter Finish:

Drizzle the melted butter over the entire pan. Try to coat as much of the surface as possible—it will help create a golden crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick should come out clean from the cakey parts.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the cake cool slightly before cutting.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

🕒 Quick Recipe Recap

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

🍋 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dump Cake

✅ Ultra Easy – Just 5 ingredients and no mixer required
✅ Bright & Tangy – Lemon adds a refreshing zing that keeps each bite exciting
✅ Creamy Surprise – Cream cheese creates gooey, cheesecake-like ribbons
✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Great for potlucks, holidays, showers, or casual entertaining
✅ Customizable – You can easily swap pie fillings or add berries for variety

🌟 Variations & Add-Ins

Make this dump cake your own with these easy twists:

Blueberry-Lemon Combo: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries on top of the pie filling before baking.
Coconut Crunch: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the butter layer for a tropical twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Instead of spooning the cream cheese, mix it with a bit of powdered sugar and swirl it into the pie filling before baking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is delicious all by itself, but you can take it to the next level with these toppings:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream (the warm-cold combo is perfection)
A swirl of whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
A dusting of powdered sugar for a classy finish
Fresh berries or a mint sprig for visual appeal

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep them delicious:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.
Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and serve at room temperature or rewarm gently before serving.

📌 Final Thoughts – A Lemon Lover’s Dream

Whether you’re a lemon dessert fanatic or just love easy bakes that taste like something from a bakery, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect recipe to try next. With its golden cake crust, creamy bursts of cream cheese, and vibrant lemon filling, every bite is a mix of tart, sweet, soft, and buttery.

It’s a cake that’s both comforting and refreshing, easy to prep and guaranteed to impress. Keep it in your back pocket for family dinners, last-minute guests, or when you’re simply craving something sweet and zesty.

📍 Save it. Bake it. Share it. This lemon delight is here to stay.

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