This Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a breeze to make! With a creamy lemon filling and a buttery crust, it’s both sweet and refreshing, perfect for any dessert craving.
I love how you just mix everything and pour it in—no fuss! It’s like a little sunshine in every bite. Seriously, who doesn’t want easy and delicious in one dish? 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the cake its rich and creamy texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and a smooth texture in the cream cheese mix. If you want a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar or agave syrup, but note the texture may change.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for that bright flavor. If lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work, though fresh lemons provide the best taste. You can also use lime as a fun twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just be sure it’s melted before mixing.
How Do I Properly Combine the Cream Cheese and Sugars?
Getting a smooth cream cheese mixture is crucial for this cake. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will clump up!
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it’s soft and fluffy.
- Slowly add in the powdered sugar so it blends smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Finally, mix in the vanilla, lemon zest, and juice for a well-combined batter.
Taking your time with this step makes a big difference in texture and taste!
How to Make Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with a Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box lemon cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups water
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool for around 30 minutes before serving, bringing your total to about 1 hour and 20 minutes for the entire process. Perfect for a delicious dessert with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your cake won’t stick later on.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. To add the tangy flavor, stir in the lemon zest and juice. Spread this creamy mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Cake Layer:
In a separate bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and melted butter. Mix this together until the mixture looks crumbly. Then, slowly add the water while gently stirring until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!
4. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the cake mixture over the cream cheese layer in your baking dish, spreading it out evenly so each slice has a bit of both layers.
5. Bake the Cake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes. If you’d like, dust the top with powdered sugar for an added sweet touch before serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert that brings together the creaminess of cream cheese and the fresh zest of lemon!
Can I Use Another Type of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While lemon cake mix works best for the tangy flavor, you can swap it for a yellow or vanilla cake mix for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the lemony flavor will be less pronounced, so you might consider adding extra lemon zest or juice to the cream cheese mixture for more brightness!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply serve it chilled or allow it to come to room temperature. If you prefer it warm, you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to heat it up slightly.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this cake gluten-free, just use a gluten-free lemon cake mix. The rest of the recipe remains the same. Make sure to check that your powdered sugar is also gluten-free, if you’re sensitive to gluten.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just ensure they are at room temperature for easy mixing and maintain a similar consistency to cream cheese to achieve that creamy base!
