Description
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert combining tangy lemon pie filling with creamy sweetened cream cheese, topped with a buttery yellow cake mix and crunchy nuts. Baked until golden and set, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and a moist, tender texture perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Layer lemon pie filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Add cream cheese dollops: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the lemon pie filling layer, distributing it across the surface.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese dollops, covering the entire top.
- Drizzle butter and nuts: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cake is set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let it set further. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.
Notes
- This cake tastes best slightly warm but can also be served at room temperature.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans or omit nuts altogether if preferred.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to ensure smooth mixing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Dusting with powdered sugar is optional but adds a nice touch of sweetness and presentation.
