Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Update : February 20, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a bright and easy dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the refreshing zest of lemon. It’s perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just a sweet treat at home. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a delightful dessert that anyone can make, even if they’re new to baking.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Ingredients:

16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the baking dish
1 (13.25 to 15.25-ounce) box yellow, butter, or lemon cake mix
1 (21-ounce) can lemon pie filling, divided
1 large egg
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling. Do not stir — this will form a crumbly topping as it bakes.
Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the cake mix.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is best served warm. You can enjoy it plain, or top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra sweetness and creaminess. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

How to Store Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. You can also place slices in the oven at a low temperature to warm them up without making them soggy.

Tips to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
Do not skip the step of not stirring the cake mix. This allows it to create a nice crumbly topping as it bakes.
You can adjust the amount of lemon pie filling based on your preference for tartness.

Variation

Try adding fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for an extra citrus punch. You can also mix in some blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pie filling?
Yes, you can swap out the lemon pie filling for other flavors like cherry, blueberry, or peach.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving.

3. What if I don’t have cake mix?
You can make your own cake batter using basic ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk, but using a box mix is the easiest option for a quick dump cake!