Delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple and delicious treat that brings together bright, zesty lemon flavor and rich, creamy cheese in a way that feels both indulgent and light. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for those moments when you want a special dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The luscious cream cheese layer melds beautifully with the sweet and slightly tangy lemon curd and is topped with a golden buttery cake crust that has just the right amount of crispness. This cake has won me over with its sunny flavor and the fact that it comes together with a few pantry staples, making it a go-to recipe year-round.

I found myself making this cake during a busy week and loved how it felt both luxurious and effortless. It quickly became a favorite for family desserts and an easy way to impress guests without stress.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: provides the sweet, tender base that becomes golden and moist as it bakes choose a good quality brand for better texture
• Cream cheese: adds the creamy, tangy richness that makes this cake decadent select full-fat and softened cream cheese for smooth mixing
• Lemon curd: brings intense lemony brightness and moistness to the filling homemade or store-bought both work well, just pick a well-rated brand for fresh flavor
• Unsalted butter: melted for drizzling on top which creates a crisp, buttery crust use fresh butter for the best aroma and taste
• Powdered sugar: sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture, balancing the tartness of lemon choose finely sifted powdered sugar to avoid lumps
• Water: moistens the cake mix just enough for a tender crumb without sogginess
• Lemon zest: adds an extra punch of fresh citrus aroma and flavor zest from unwaxed lemons is ideal for purity and safety
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor, enhancing the sweetness and depth use pure vanilla extract if possible for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish well with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, use a whisk or hand mixer to blend the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all of the sugar evenly, leaving no lumps behind.

Add Lemon Curd and Zest:

Add the lemon curd, fresh lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix gently until everything is combined into a bright yellow, luscious filling that smells wonderfully fresh and sweet.

Prepare the Cake Base:

In a separate bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix and water just until combined. It is okay if there are a few lumps; avoid overmixing as this can result in a tougher texture.

Layer the Ingredients:

Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a pretty marbled effect without fully mixing them together.

Pour the Melted Butter:

Drizzle the melted butter carefully over the entire surface. This step is key as it forms the deliciously crisp and golden top crust when the cake bakes.

Bake the Cake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes for cleaner slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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I love the fresh lemon zest most of all. It elevates the entire dessert with its bright, aromatic presence. One of my favorite memories is making this cake with my kids who love helping me swirl the cream cheese gently into the batter before baking. The anticipation and the joyful sunshine flavor always makes it special.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep the cake moist and fresh. Refrigerate for up to four days. When ready to eat, warm individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that soft texture or heat the whole dish in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This cake also freezes well wrap tightly in plastic and foil and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap regular cream cheese for a dairy-free or plant-based alternative to make this suitable for lactose intolerance or vegan diets. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix if you need to avoid gluten, making sure to follow the mix’s package instructions when adding water. Fresh raspberries or blueberries can be added to the cream cheese layer for a fruity twist or folded gently into the batter for extra bursts of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of honey over the top can enhance sweetness naturally. For drinks, iced tea or sparkling lemonade complement the citrus zing perfectly and make for a refreshing dessert experience at any time of year.

Pro Tips

• Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and make blending easier
• Do not overmix the cake batter stopping as soon as ingredients come together ensures a lighter cake texture
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to achieve neat pieces and let the flavors settle

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How can I achieve the marbled effect in the cake?

After pouring the cake batter into your dish, spoon the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl it with a spatula for a beautiful marbled look.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep it fresh and moist.

→ Can I use alternatives for cream cheese?

Yes, plant-based cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free version and will maintain the creamy texture.

→ How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the baking dish well with butter or cooking spray before layering the ingredients to ensure easy removal after baking.

→ What enhances the lemon flavor in this cake?

Fresh lemon zest and lemon curd both add bright, aromatic notes that elevate the citrus flavor in the cake.

→ Can I add fresh fruit to this cake?

Adding berries like blueberries or raspberries can add color and a subtle fruity burst complementing the lemon and cream cheese layers.