Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something both easy and impressive. This cake combines the bright zing of lemon with the rich smoothness of cream cheese layered under a golden, buttery cake topping. It makes dessert feel special without a lot of fuss, so it quickly became a go-to for celebrations and casual family dinners alike.

I stumbled upon this recipe on a busy weeknight and now it’s a repeat at our table — everyone loves how the lemon lifts the richness of the cream cheese.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: One box, which gives the cake its light, sweet base
• Cream cheese: Eight ounces for that signature creamy texture and rich tang
• Lemon curd: One cup provides a concentrated blast of lemon flavor and smooth creaminess
• Unsalted butter: Half a cup, melted, to create a crispy golden top and add moist richness
• Powdered sugar: One cup balances the tartness and sweetens the cream cheese layer
• Water: One cup to moisten the cake mix and help the textures meld
• Fresh lemon zest: One tablespoon, which brightens every bite with fresh citrus oils
• Vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon for subtle warmth and depth

Look for fresh lemons to zest and a good quality cream cheese that is soft and easy to mix to make the process smoother.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a nine-by-thirteen-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray so your cake will release easily after baking.

Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until silky smooth. Scrape down the sides regularly to fully combine for an even creamy layer.

Add Lemon Curd and Zest:

Stir in the lemon curd, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until you see a bright, sunny yellow color throughout.

Prepare the Cake Base:

In another bowl, mix the yellow cake mix and water just until combined. It’s okay to leave a few lumps as overmixing can make the texture dense.

Layer the Ingredients:

Spread the cake batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in dollops, then use a spatula to swirl it gently into the batter creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Pour the Melted Butter:

Drizzle all the melted butter evenly over the top. This butter is key to forming a crisp, golden crust on your dump cake.

Bake the Cake:

Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve:

Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes. This resting time lets the layers set, making it easier to cut and serving that melts in your mouth texture.

Bookmark

One of my favorite moments was baking this with my kids on a rainy afternoon. The kitchen filled with lemony scent, and we couldn’t wait to dig in together.

Storage tips

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to four days. Covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap also works if you want to keep it in the same pan. To reheat individual servings, microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm the entire dish in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Ingredient substitutions

For a dairy-free option, swap regular cream cheese with plant-based cream cheese alternatives. Use gluten-free yellow cake mix if needed. Adding fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries can add lovely bursts of flavor and color. Boost the lemon zing by adding an extra tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in the cream cheese mixture.

Serving suggestions

Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake warm or at room temperature with classic vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. Pair it with iced tea or sparkling lemonade to highlight the fresh citrus flavors for a bright and refreshing dessert experience.

Pro Tips

• Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps and ease mixing
• Do not skip the lemon zest — it adds an essential fresh brightness that lifts the whole dish
• Swirling the cream cheese gently into the batter creates a beautiful marbled look and helps the flavors marry evenly

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can this cake be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assembling it a day prior and refrigerating helps the flavors develop, making it even more delicious.

→ What adds the lemon brightness in the cake?

Fresh lemon zest and lemon curd combine to provide a vibrant, tangy flavor throughout the layers.

→ How can I ensure a moist cake texture?

Be careful not to overmix the batter; the layers and melted butter also contribute to moistness and tenderness.

→ Are there any good substitutions for cream cheese?

For dietary preferences, plant-based cream cheese can be used without losing the creamy texture.

→ What are ideal serving suggestions?

Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy with iced tea or sparkling lemonade.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.