There's nothing like the fresh, tangy sweetness of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to brighten up your day. Imagine layers of soft, gooey cream cheese nestled between bursts of lemony flavor, all topped with a buttery, golden crust – this dessert is a treat you won’t want to miss!

I stumbled upon this recipe when looking for something quick yet decadent to serve at a last-minute family gathering. Since then, it's become my go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing desserts that taste like they took hours to make. Plus, the simplicity of the "dump cake" method means minimal prep and cleanup, which is always a win in my book.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake has everything you could want in a dessert – easy to make, deliciously creamy, and bursting with refreshing lemon flavor.

First, this recipe couldn’t be simpler. Dump cakes are all about layering and baking, so there’s no mixing required. Just add each layer, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen.

You’ll also love the balance of flavors in this dessert. The tartness from the lemon contrasts beautifully with the creamy, sweet layers of cream cheese, creating a flavor profile that's fresh, rich, and irresistible.

Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes impressive. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving it after dinner, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Finally, the ingredients are simple and affordable. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you’ll have a dessert that feels extra special without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is that it requires only a handful of ingredients, each playing a key role in the delicious final product.

Lemon Cake Mix: This forms the base of the cake, infusing every bite with a subtle lemon flavor that complements the creamy layers. You can use any brand of lemon cake mix for this recipe.
Cream Cheese: This is where the "cream" in the cake’s name comes in. The cream cheese melts and spreads throughout the layers, creating pockets of creamy richness. Make sure to soften it beforehand for easy layering.
Lemon Pie Filling: Using lemon pie filling keeps the cake extra moist and flavorful. If you don’t have pie filling on hand, you could substitute it with homemade lemon curd, but pie filling gives the perfect consistency.
Butter: Slices of butter are layered on top, melting into the cake mix to create that perfectly golden, crisp top layer. For best results, use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
Sugar (Optional): If you like a slightly sweeter cake, sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of sugar over the cream cheese layer. This adds a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe, which is ideal for getting even layers and that golden crust on top.

How To Make This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Creating this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps for a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer the Lemon Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer will bake into a tangy, moist base that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
Add Cream Cheese: Spoon dollops of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; as the cake bakes, the cream cheese will soften and mix with the filling, creating luscious pockets of creaminess.
Sprinkle Cake Mix: Next, sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and lemon filling layers. Be sure to cover the entire surface so that the cake layer bakes evenly.
Top with Butter: Slice the butter into thin pieces and place them across the surface of the cake mix. This will create that golden, buttery crust that makes dump cakes so irresistible.

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving to give the layers time to set.

Storage Options

One of the best parts about this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is that it stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it over several days (if it lasts that long!).

Room Temperature: You can leave this cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours if your kitchen is cool. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The cream cheese layer firms up a bit when chilled, which some people love for the texture contrast.
Freezing: This cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it slightly in the oven or microwave.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

Different Pie Fillings: Swap the lemon pie filling with blueberry, strawberry, or cherry pie filling for a fruity twist. Lemon and blueberry is an especially delicious combination that adds a new dimension to the flavors.
Add a Crunchy Topping: For a bit of texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes over the top before baking. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Use a Gluten-Free Cake Mix: If you’re gluten-sensitive, use a gluten-free lemon cake mix. It bakes up just as well and lets everyone enjoy this delicious treat.
Extra Lemon Zest: For an even brighter lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest over the cream cheese layer. It enhances the lemony notes and makes the cake feel extra refreshing.
Reduced Sugar Option: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use half the cake mix on top. It will give you a thinner layer that’s a bit lighter, allowing the tangy flavors to shine.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers the next day, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a deliciously easy treat that’s perfect for any lemon lover. So gather your ingredients and get ready to dive into this creamy, citrusy delight!