There's something irresistible about a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. The zesty lemon flavor, paired with a creamy, velvety filling and topped with a crumbly golden crust, makes it a treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This simple, no-fuss dessert is perfect for last-minute gatherings or satisfying a sudden sweet craving.

My love for this cake started when I needed a quick dessert for a family dinner and only had a few ingredients on hand. Now, it’s my go-to dessert whenever I need something simple but impressive. Let’s dive into what makes this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You'll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert. This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a total crowd-pleaser, with its refreshing citrus flavor, creamy texture, and buttery topping.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just like the name suggests, you "dump" most of the ingredients into your baking dish—no extensive mixing or multiple bowls needed. This simplicity is ideal for busy schedules or anyone who wants a great dessert without a lot of work.

The flavor is pure sunshine in a dish. The combination of tart lemon and rich cream cheese creates a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, while the buttery cake mix topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s like a lemon cheesecake crossed with a classic crumbly cake, which is as delightful to eat as it sounds.

Best of all, it’s versatile! You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence, or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing dessert. It’s a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or just because!

This cake also stores wonderfully, so you can make it ahead of time and savor leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients Notes

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is made with a handful of accessible ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Lemon Pie Filling – This is the main source of lemon flavor in the cake, adding that signature tangy sweetness. You can use homemade lemon curd if you prefer, but canned lemon pie filling keeps things extra simple.

Cream Cheese – The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer to the cake, making each bite smooth and luscious. For best results, soften your cream cheese before adding it to ensure it spreads evenly across the filling.

Yellow Cake Mix – The dry cake mix forms the crumbly topping. When baked, it becomes slightly golden and crisp, providing a nice texture contrast to the creamy filling underneath. You could also use a lemon-flavored cake mix if you want to double up on the lemony goodness.

Butter – Melted butter is poured over the top of the cake mix, creating that classic “dump cake” crust that’s rich and flavorful. Salted or unsalted butter both work here, but salted adds a bit of depth to the sweetness.

Optional: Lemon Zest – For an extra pop of citrus flavor, sprinkle a bit of fresh lemon zest over the top before baking. It adds brightness to the cake and enhances the lemon filling.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a 9x13-inch baking dish and a microwave-safe bowl for melting the butter. That’s it!

How To Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Creating this delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake couldn’t be easier! Here’s how to bring it all together, step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and the crust turns golden. Meanwhile, grab your baking dish and get ready to layer.

Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. This layer gives the cake its signature lemon flavor and acts as a foundation for the cream cheese.

Next, spoon dollops of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling. Gently spread it out with a spatula or spoon. It doesn’t have to be perfect—some gaps are fine and will blend during baking.

Now for the “dump” part! Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the entire dish. Aim for an even layer so that the cake bakes uniformly.

Finally, drizzle melted butter over the cake mix layer. Make sure to cover as much as possible, as the butter helps create a crisp, golden topping. If you’re using lemon zest, add a sprinkle now for extra flavor.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving for a warm, creamy dessert, or chill it for a more set, cheesecake-like texture.

Storage Options

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake stores exceptionally well, making it great for leftovers or prepping in advance.

For short-term storage, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, retaining both its flavor and texture.

If you’d like to freeze it, cut the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months, so you’ll always have a treat ready for any lemony craving!

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. For a larger portion, place the baking dish back in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dump cake recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

If you love extra lemon flavor, try using a lemon-flavored cake mix in place of yellow cake mix. This gives the dessert a stronger citrus taste that’s refreshing and bright.

For a berry twist, sprinkle fresh or frozen blueberries over the lemon filling before adding the cream cheese. The blueberries add a pop of color and a juicy burst that pairs wonderfully with lemon.

If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar-free cake mix and lemon filling. The results are still deliciously creamy, tangy, and satisfying but with fewer calories.

Need a gluten-free option? Substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this cake accessible to everyone without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Finally, for a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or slivered almonds over the top of the cake mix before baking. They add a delightful texture and complement the buttery topping beautifully.

With its ease and adaptability, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is bound to become a dessert staple in your home. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings, and watch it become a crowd favorite!