Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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Here’s a detailed recipe guide for the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, covering everything from origin to nutrition:

Title:

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Introduction:

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a refreshingly tangy, creamy, and ultra-easy dessert that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. With only a few ingredients and no mixing bowls required, this cake gets its name from the method: just “dump” everything into a baking dish and bake! The combination of sweet-tart lemon filling, rich cream cheese, and buttery cake makes this an irresistible treat.

Origin:

Dump cakes originated in mid-20th-century America as a convenient, no-fuss dessert perfect for home cooks. They became popular for their simplicity, often using pantry staples like canned fruit and boxed cake mix. The lemon cream cheese version is a modern variation, adding tangy lemon flavor and creamy depth with a cheesecake-like texture twist.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 box yellow or white cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (to mix with cream cheese)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for extra sweetness in cream cheese)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (for added citrus flavor)
  • ¼ cup milk (to help soften cream cheese if needed)
  • Fresh berries or whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Layer the Filling:
    • Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Add Cream Cheese:
    • Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling. Optionally mix cream cheese with vanilla and powdered sugar before dropping.
  7. Add Cake Mix:
    • Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
  9. Add Butter:
    • Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to moisten as much of the surface as possible.
  11. Bake:
    • Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
  13. Cool & Serve:
    • Let cool slightly before serving. Great warm or chilled.

Tips for Success:

  • Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easy spreading.
  • Don’t stir once layered—this helps the cake form its signature layered texture.
  • Use a spoon to distribute melted butter evenly, or slice cold butter and place across the top for even coverage.
  • For added crispness, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely).

Recommendations:

  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Add fresh berries or lemon zest on top for presentation and flavor.
  • Try variations with blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a twist.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 1 of 12 slices):

  • Calories: 320–370
  • Fat: 18–22g
  • Carbohydrates: 38–44g
  • Sugar: 22–28g
  • Protein: 3–5g
  • Fiber: <1g

Note: Nutrition values vary by specific brands and optional ingredients.

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