Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese: 10 Minute Dump Cake

Name: Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese: 10 Minute Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (15–16 oz) lemon pie filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 4 oz cream cheese, chilled and cut into cubes; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced thin; Optional garnishes: Powdered sugar, Fresh lemon zest, Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

by Fatima Garcia

•

30 de July de 2025

Jump to Recipe

Zesty lemon cream cheese dump cake has been my go-to for a quick, comforting dessert that always impresses. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sweet lemon and buttery cake filled my kitchen, making my mouth water. It’s so incredibly easy, making it perfect for those nights when you crave something sweet but don’t have much time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make zesty lemon cream cheese cake that’s both tangy and incredibly creamy, this is it! It’s a delightful change from typical lemon cream cheese frosting and offers a wonderful texture that’s hard to beat. Forget complicated baking; this simple dump cake is a game-changer, and I think you’ll agree it’s much more satisfying than just a plain lemon cream cheese spread. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This cake is an absolute winner for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen:

Unforgettable Flavor: It strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tart lemon and rich, creamy elements.
Super Speedy Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have this dessert ready for the oven in no time.
Budget-Friendly Bliss: Using common pantry staples makes this a wonderfully economical treat.
Family-Approved Taste: Even picky eaters adore the sweet, comforting flavors and gooey texture.
Versatile Appeal: It’s as delightful as a tangy lemon cream cheese dip served with fruit as it is a dessert.
Effortless Elegance: The layers create a beautiful presentation, making it feel more special than its simple preparation suggests.
Perfect Texture: It offers a satisfying contrast, much like a good creamy lemon cream cheese filling, with a tender cake and gooey lemon.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the easiest part of making this dump cake! It’s so simple, you’ll likely have most of these in your pantry already. Think of these as the core lemon cream cheese frosting ingredients, but transformed into a baked delight. You’ll need:

1 can (15–16 oz) lemon pie filling – this is the sweet and tangy base that makes it so bright.
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – the dry mix creates a tender, cakey topping.
4 oz cream cheese, chilled and cut into cubes – this adds that essential creamy, rich layer.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced thin – crucial for creating that perfectly crisp, golden crust over the cake mix.
Optional garnishes: Powdered sugar, Fresh lemon zest, Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

How to Make Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Get ready for the easiest dessert you’ll ever make! This dump cake comes together in minutes, and the results are absolutely divine. It’s a foolproof way to achieve that perfect balance, much like a great easy lemon cream cheese frosting.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. The anticipation of that warm, zesty aroma is almost as good as the cake itself!
Step 2: Open up that can of lemon pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. You want a nice, smooth layer of that bright, tangy goodness.
Step 3: Now, take your chilled cream cheese and cut it into small cubes. Distribute these creamy little pieces evenly over the lemon filling. Don’t worry if they don’t cover it completely; they’ll melt and spread as it bakes.
Step 4: Pour the dry yellow cake mix directly over the cream cheese layer. Resist the urge to stir! We want those distinct layers for the classic dump cake texture. Think of it as the base for a dreamy lemon cream cheese icing recipe.
Step 5: Thinly slice your butter and arrange the slices over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible; this creates that wonderfully crisp, golden topping we all love.
Step 6: Carefully place the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45–50 minutes. You’re looking for the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and the edges to be bubbling with deliciousness.
Step 7: Once it’s perfectly baked, carefully remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake baking process

Pro Tips for the Best Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

I’ve made this dump cake countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. They help ensure you get that perfect texture and flavor every single time.

For an extra burst of citrus, add a tablespoon of lemon zest directly into the dry cake mix. It really amplifies that bright flavor.
Don’t skip chilling the cream cheese. Cold cream cheese cubes help create distinct pockets of creaminess throughout the cake.
Ensure the butter slices are as thin as possible and cover the surface of the dry cake mix evenly. This is key for that golden, crispy topping.
If you want a richer, more decadent flavor, consider using a lemon cake mix instead of yellow. It intensifies the lemon profile beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

The real magic lies in not stirring the layers! Keeping the lemon pie filling, cream cheese, and dry cake mix separate allows them to bake into distinct, delicious textures. This is what makes it the best zesty lemon cream cheese dump cake.

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

You certainly can! You can assemble the layers in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

The most common pitfall is stirring the layers. Resist that urge! Also, ensure your butter is sliced very thinly and spread evenly; otherwise, you might get dry patches on top instead of a crisp crust.

Best Ways to Serve Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This delightful dump cake is wonderful served warm, straight from the oven. It’s fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with a dollop of cool whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm, gooey center. For an extra burst of flavor, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar makes it look as beautiful as it tastes. You can even use it as a simple yet elegant lemon cream cheese dessert topping for pound cake or angel food cake. It’s truly versatile!

Nutrition Facts for Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This delightful dessert offers a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
Fat: Approximately 15-20g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g
Protein: Approximately 3-5g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
Sodium: Approximately 200-300mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.

How to Store and Reheat Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

One of the best things about this dump cake, besides its incredible taste, is how well it stores. After it has cooled completely, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes, you can transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with an abundance of this deliciousness, you can also freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. While you can’t freeze the whole cake easily, individual portions work perfectly. Reheating is simple: pop a slice in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through, or place it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. It’s almost as good as fresh! While this recipe isn’t typically used for things like lemon cream cheese for bagels, its storage methods are just as reliable for keeping that creamy goodness intact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

What is Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

It’s a super simple, no-fuss dessert where you layer lemon pie filling, cream cheese, and dry cake mix in a baking dish, top with butter, and bake. The result is a warm, gooey, and slightly tangy cake that’s incredibly satisfying and requires minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy that bright lemon flavor without a lot of fuss, and it’s so easy to master.

Can I substitute the lemon pie filling?

While lemon pie filling is key for that distinct flavor, you could experiment with other fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry. However, for the signature taste, sticking to lemon is best. You can also add a bit of lemon zest to the dry cake mix if you want an even more intense lemon flavor.

What is whipped lemon cream cheese?

Whipped lemon cream cheese usually refers to cream cheese that has been beaten with a mixer until light and fluffy, often with added sugar, lemon juice, or zest. While this dump cake uses regular cream cheese cubes for a different texture, you could certainly make a whipped version to serve alongside it as a topping or dip!

How do I get a crispier topping?

To ensure a perfectly crisp topping, make sure your butter slices are very thin and cover the entire surface of the dry cake mix evenly. If you find your topping isn’t as crisp as you’d like, you can always pop the cake under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, watching it very closely to prevent burning.

Variations of Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake You Can Try

This dump cake is wonderfully adaptable, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started, offering exciting lemon cream cheese frosting variations without the fuss of actual frosting!

Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a vegan butter substitute. You can also find gluten-free yellow cake mixes to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Flavor Boost: Intensify the lemon flavor by adding a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest directly to the dry cake mix. You could also try using a lemon cake mix instead of yellow for an even brighter citrus punch.
Berry Delight: Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) on top of the lemon pie filling before adding the cream cheese. This adds a lovely tartness and a beautiful pop of color.
Individual Servings: Instead of a 9×13 dish, assemble the ingredients in greased muffin tins for individual dump cakes. Baking time will be shorter, around 25-30 minutes.