If you’re craving a bright, creamy, and effortless dessert, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is exactly what you need! This sweet and tangy treat combines layers of zesty lemon, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping—all “dumped” into a pan with minimal prep. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you need an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Easy – Just layer, bake, and enjoy.
Bright & Creamy – The perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese.
Minimal Ingredients – Only a handful of pantry staples needed.
Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
Versatile – Delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dump Cake:
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Optional for Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar dusting
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or spoon
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Use a spatula to smooth it out into a thin, even layer.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the lemon filling.
The cream cheese will melt into creamy pockets of deliciousness as it bakes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and lemon layers.
Do not stir—this is key for that classic dump cake texture.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible to get a buttery, golden crust.
Step 6: Add Extra Sweetness (Optional)
For a little extra sweetness and sparkle, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
The cake will be slightly gooey in the center—that’s part of the charm!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the dump cake cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a few fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Use Softened Cream Cheese – It melts more evenly and creates creamier pockets.
Don’t Stir the Layers – Let the magic happen naturally while baking.
Cover Evenly with Butter – This ensures no dry patches in the cake topping.
Serve Warm – It’s incredibly comforting when slightly warm.
Serving Suggestions
With Whipped Cream – Light and airy to balance the richness.
With Vanilla Ice Cream – Melts beautifully over the warm cake.
With Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add freshness.
For Brunch or Dessert – A versatile treat that fits any time of day!
How to Store & Reheat
Storing: Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Oven: Rewarm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings for about 20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a white cake mix instead?
Yes! White cake mix also works beautifully and gives a slightly lighter flavor. - Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! About 2 cups of homemade lemon curd will substitute perfectly. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day ahead and simply reheat slightly before serving if desired. - Can I freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
You can! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—bright, creamy, and bursting with sunny lemon flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a luscious treat that everyone will rave about.
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just because, this dessert is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Try it out and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your creations on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your beautiful and delicious results.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 340mg

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
If you’re craving a bright, creamy, and effortless dessert, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is exactly what you need! This sweet and tangy treat combines layers of zesty lemon, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping—all “dumped” into a pan with minimal prep. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you need an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest easy and irresistible desserts you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Dump Cake:
-
1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
-
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
-
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Optional for Serving:
-
Whipped cream
-
Fresh berries
-
Powdered sugar dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Use a spatula to smooth it out into a thin, even layer.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the lemon filling.
The cream cheese will melt into creamy pockets of deliciousness as it bakes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and lemon layers.
Do not stir—this is key for that classic dump cake texture.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible to get a buttery, golden crust.
Step 6: Add Extra Sweetness (Optional)
For a little extra sweetness and sparkle, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
The cake will be slightly gooey in the center—that’s part of the charm!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the dump cake cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a few fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Use Softened Cream Cheese – It melts more evenly and creates creamier pockets.
Don’t Stir the Layers – Let the magic happen naturally while baking.
Cover Evenly with Butter – This ensures no dry patches in the cake topping.
Serve Warm – It’s incredibly comforting when slightly warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American