This zesty lemon cream cheese dump cake is a treat! With a buttery crust and creamy filling, it’s super simple to make—just dump, spread, and bake!
What I love about this dessert is its bright flavor! It’s perfect for sunny days or when you need a quick sweet fix that feels special. Grab a fork and enjoy! 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This box mix is super convenient and gives a lovely base. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use a gluten-free cake mix or even homemade cake batter if you have a favorite recipe!
Cream Cheese: I love using full-fat cream cheese for a rich texture. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives that can work well, usually found in health food stores.
Lemon Curd: Store-bought lemon curd works wonders for this recipe. However, if you have a homemade version or want to make it from scratch, go for it! It adds a fresher flavor if you have the time.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for sweetness and to create a smooth cream cheese layer. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use powdered erythritol to keep it sweet without the calories.
How Do I Make Sure My Cake Has the Perfect Crust?
The key to a great buttery crust is in how you sprinkle the melted butter over the cake mix. Here’s how to do it:
- After spreading your layers, make sure to sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly; you want full coverage to trap moisture.
- When you drizzle the melted butter, do it in a zigzag pattern across the surface—this helps ensure every bit of the cake mix gets some buttery goodness.
- Don’t skimp on the butter; using the right amount will lead to that nice golden, crumbly texture!
Let it bake until golden brown for the best results—check the edges for the bubble to ensure it’s tracking beautifully. Enjoy your baking!
Easy Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake With Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz) lemon curd
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon for extra tang and garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lemon cream cheese dump cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool completely, and for the best results, chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours, including prep and chill time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until it’s nice and smooth. You’ll want a creamy texture without any lumps. This layer will add a rich flavor to your cake!
3. Layer It Up:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, spoon the lemon curd over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover the surface completely.
4. Add the Cake Mix:
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the lemon curd. Try to cover every part without pressing it down. This will help create a light, crumbly topping when it bakes.
5. Drizzle with Butter:
Now it’s time to drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Do this evenly; it’ll assist in forming that lovely buttery crust we all enjoy!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the edges will bubble slightly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
7. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, let the cake cool completely at room temperature. For the best flavor and texture, pop it in the fridge for 1-2 hours to let it set. This step is key to enjoying those tangy lemon flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, when you’re ready to enjoy your cake, you can garnish it with lemon zest for that extra pop of citrus flavor! Slice and serve chilled, and watch everyone enjoy this delightful dessert.
Enjoy this easy-to-make lemon cream cheese dump cake with a lusciously tangy lemon curd layer and a buttery crumb topping! 🍋✨
FAQ About Easy Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with lemon, vanilla, or even white cake mixes for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste of your cake!
What if I Don’t Have Lemon Curd?
No worries! You can make a quick lemon filling by mixing together lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Alternatively, you could use store-bought lemon pie filling for a similar effect!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cake a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just remember to add the zest just before serving to keep it fresh!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it chilled or let it come to room temperature. If it lasts, this cake is a fantastic sweet treat later on!
