Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486815H26M20S
Total time: PT-486815H26M20S
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 1 box lemon cake mix• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened• 1 cup sour cream• 1/2 cup sugar• 2 eggs• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Who doesn’t love a good dump cake? These effortless desserts have become a staple in households across the country, and for good reason. The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful twist on the classic, featuring a creamy lemon filling and a buttery, crumbly topping that’s sure to have your taste buds dancing with joy.

What makes this recipe so special? For starters, the combination of tart lemon and rich cream cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, the simplicity of the preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for everything from casual gatherings to special occasions.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

When it comes to the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, the list of reasons to love it just goes on and on. The velvety smooth filling, with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy, is a true delight to the senses. The contrast of the creamy interior and the crumbly, buttery topping creates a texture explosion in every bite. And the best part? This recipe is incredibly accessible, with most of the ingredients being pantry or freezer staples.

But the benefits of this dump cake don’t stop there. It’s also an incredibly versatile dessert, making it a breeze to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a quick and easy dessert for a potluck, the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is sure to be a hit. And with its make-ahead capabilities, you can enjoy the convenience of having a delicious dessert ready to go whenever the craving strikes.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake ❓

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

The beauty of this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of the lemon cake mix, cream cheese, and sour cream creates the rich, creamy, and tangy flavor profile that has made dump cake recipes perennially popular.

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

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
• Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover the entire surface.
• Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
• Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
• Step 7: Allow the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
• Total time: 55-60 minutes

Compared to traditional lemon bars or lemon cheesecake, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake saves you 30-45 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 370mg

These Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cakes provide approximately 10% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use reduced-fat or low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to lower the overall fat content.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the lemon cake mix with a low-carb yellow cake mix or almond flour-based mix.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and non-dairy sour cream or yogurt.
• Added protein: Fold in 1/2 cup of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Grate and add 1 cup of zucchini or carrots to the cream cheese mixture for extra nutrients.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Pair with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a bright and refreshing contrast.
• Complement the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with a light, citrus-based salad for a complete dessert course.
• For a brunch or tea party, serve the dump cake alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
• Create a beautiful dessert platter by cutting the cake into squares and arranging them with fresh flowers or lemon slices.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the cream cheese mixture: Be careful not to overmix the cream cheese, as this can cause the texture to become grainy or tough.
• Underbaking the cake: If the center of the dump cake is still jiggly or wet after the recommended baking time, continue baking until the center is set.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Not greasing the baking dish: Failing to grease the dish can cause the cake to stick, making it difficult to serve and potentially affecting the texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and the textures to meld together.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cakes retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the cream cheese mixture and the dry cake mix components separately. Assemble the dump cake in the baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked dump cake to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes to restore the crisp topping.
• Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also prepare the cream cheese mixture and cake mix components separately, then assemble and bake the day you plan to serve it.

Can I substitute the lemon cake mix with a different flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors to create unique variations of the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Yellow cake mix, white cake mix, or even a vanilla cake mix would all work well with the creamy cream cheese filling.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make a dairy-free Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and non-dairy sour cream or yogurt. Look for brands like Kite Hill, Treeline, or Miyoko’s that offer high-quality dairy-free options.

Why is my Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake dry or crumbly?

If your dump cake turns out dry or crumbly, it’s likely due to overmixing the cream cheese mixture or baking the cake for too long. Be sure to mix the cream cheese mixture just until it’s smooth and creamy, and start checking the cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

Can I add any extra ingredients to the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

Absolutely! You can get creative with mix-ins like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a swirl of lemon curd. You can also top the baked cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cakes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a decadent dessert at a dinner party or a comforting treat for a family gathering, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, tangy, and crumbly goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cakes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not give this delightful recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of citrusy, creamy bliss?