Introduction
If youβre looking for a dessert thatβs both effortless and delicious, look no further than Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake! This delightful cake combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all baked together in a simple, fuss-free manner. With its luscious texture and refreshing flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasionβfrom family gatherings to potlucks or just a sweet treat at home. The best part? It requires minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy bakers. Letβs dive into this easy and scrumptious dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just dump the ingredients into a panβno mixing required!
- Refreshing Flavor: The bright lemon flavor is perfect for spring and summer.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety cake.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great on its own or served with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A delightful dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients List
- βοΈ πΉ 1 (15.25-ounce) box lemon cake mix
- βοΈ πΉ 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- βοΈ πΉ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- βοΈ πΉ 1 cup powdered sugar
- βοΈ πΉ 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- βοΈ πΉ 3 large eggs
- βοΈ πΉ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- βοΈ πΉ Optional: Fresh lemon zest for garnish
Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Layer the Ingredients
- Dump the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer. Donβt worry about spreading it out; it will spread as it bakes.
- Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix and cream cheese layers.
- Add Lemon Curd: Spoon dollops of lemon curd over the top, spreading it slightly with a spatula for even distribution.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Combine Eggs and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over the entire cake.
5. Bake
- Bake in the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let Cool: Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with fresh lemon zest for added flavor and presentation. Serve warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Pro Tip: For an extra zing, add a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture before layering!
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Flavors: Substitute lemon curd with other fruit curds like raspberry, lime, or passion fruit for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dump cake gluten-free.
- Add Fruit: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a berry-lemon twist.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade lemon curd?
Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavor even more.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds a delicious creaminess, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the texture will differ slightly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until youβre ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to your table. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, itβs sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe today, and donβt forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your baking adventure! ππ°β¨
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful, easy dessert that combines tangy lemon with creamy goodness β perfect for any occasion! ππ°β¨
Ingredients
- 1 package (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling, followed by dollops of the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake! π½οΈβ€οΈ