You know, folks say dump cakes need canned pie filling, but let me tell you – fresh lemons and cream cheese make this old favorite sing. Been baking this one for years, and it's as simple as can be. Just layer everything right (cream cheese needs to go in just so, or it'll sink like a stone), and the fresh lemon cuts through the sweetness something wonderful. Takes no more than 10 minutes to throw together – that's why they call it a dump cake!
Nothing fancy here, but goodness, does it work. Got this down to a science after plenty of trial and error in my kitchen, so you won't have to worry about lumpy cream cheese or odd textures. Works every single time, just like the recipes my mother used to make. Perfect when you want something a bit special but don't feel like fussing in the kitchen all afternoon.
Recipe
Lemon dump cake with cream cheese is a delightfully simple dessert that combines the bright, citrusy flavors of lemon with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. This no-fuss recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum taste, making it perfect for both casual family gatherings and special occasions. The traditional practice of creating easy desserts has roots in various cultures, much like the historical significance of gingerbread cookies, which have been a festive favorite for centuries.
The beauty of this dump cake lies in its straightforward preparation method – literally dumping the ingredients into a baking dish and letting the oven do the work. The result is a moist, tender cake with swirls of cream cheese and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that will satisfy any dessert craving.
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the prepared baking dish, then drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the layers, then drizzle with melted butter. Avoid stirring the layers together. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For best results, make certain that the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it's best served slightly warm or at room temperature. If the top starts browning too quickly during baking, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Adding fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture will enhance the citrus flavor, and a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant finishing touch.
A dump cake gets its name from the simple method of dumping ingredients into a pan with minimal mixing – a technique that emerged in the mid-20th century when convenience baking became popular.
This lemon dump cake takes the classic concept and elevates it with a rich cream cheese layer, creating a dessert that's both effortless and sophisticated.
The combination of tangy citrus and smooth cream cheese produces a invigorating twist on traditional dump cake recipes, while maintaining the ease of preparation that makes these desserts so appealing.
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion when time is limited but a homemade dessert is desired.
Conclusion
Simple dump cakes are a real blessing when you need something tasty without all the fuss. This lemon and cream cheese version is just right when company shows up at your door – and believe me, they always do when you least expect it.
Take your regular box of yellow cake mix, add in some proper cream cheese (not that low-fat business), and a good dollop of lemon curd. Mix it all together and dump it in the pan – that's why we call it a dump cake, plain and simple. Been making these for years, and they never let me down.
The trick is not to fuss with it too much. Just like my mother always said, sometimes the simplest things are the best things. And while some folks might get fancy with their baking, this recipe proves you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to get something that'll make everyone ask for seconds.
The cream cheese gives it that nice, rich texture, while the lemon adds just enough tang to keep it interesting. Perfect with a cup of coffee, or if you're feeling extra hungry, a scoop of vanilla ice cream won't hurt either. Store it covered on the counter, though it rarely lasts more than a day or two in my house.