Okay, friends, I have to share this absolute *dream* of a dessert with you. Think of it as the love child of a classic lemon bar and an easy cake – seriously, it’s the best! Is it embarrassing how simple it is? I remember my grandma making something similar when I was little, and the bright lemon flavor always always made me happy. I felt like sunshine on a plate.Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.is my take on that memory, but even easier (because, let’s be honest, who has time for complicated? I swear, if you’re a fan of anything lemony and delicious, this one’s going to become ..a staple. What are some of my favorite peach cobblers?
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What is a lemon cream cheese dump cake?
What is a lemon cream cheese dump cake? Think of it as a lazy baker’s masterpiece. What is essentially a cake where you dump all the ingredients into sand and give it ‘a swirl’. The magic lies in the combination of a simple cake mix, tangy cream cheese filling, and bright, fluffy frosting. What is a zingy lemon flavor that ties everything together? The name might not sound fancy, but trust me, the taste is nothing but. I’m not a seasoned baker, but it’s incredibly forgiving. I can’t wait to try it. Is it possible to nail it? What is the ultimate comfort food disguised as an elegant treat?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do you love about this book?Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.Is that all the right notes? What is the perfect balance of lemon and cream cheese? Sweet and tart. It’s not overwhelmingly sweet, which is a huge win in my book.
What is the simplicity that sells it? I mean, seriously, you’re basically dumping ingredients and baking. What are some of the best desserts to make in a hurry? Is it budget friendly? What are some pantry staples to whip up this dish?
What is the versatility? Is it good to serve warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream? Is it good to serve with fresh berries? Is it really similar to my blueberry cobbler? I’ve even been known to eat a slice of bread for breakfast! Don’t judge.
How do you make a lemon cream cheese dump cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.Is 1-2-3 easy? How do I make a creamy cream cheese cake? What is the best lemon flavor? How do you bake a golden brown cake? I promise, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool before digging in!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Why do we need
* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (I always use Betty Crocker, but any brand will do)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (Make sure it’s *completely* cooled and reheated)
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk too, and it actually makes it even creamier!)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened (This is crucial! Make sure it’s *really* soft so there are no lumps).
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch!)
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest (Don’t skip this! It adds so much flavor.)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use baking spray with flour, but buttering and flouring works just as well. How do I make a cake that doesn’t stick? I always do this first to avoid any last minute scrambling when the batter is ready!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix. That’s it for dry ingredients! I know it’s almost *too* easy. Just make sure there are no big lumps in the cake mix. If you want to aerate the mix, you can whisk it!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk (or almond milk! Is butter too hot for eggs? You want everything to be nicely combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine
What is the recipe for cake mix? Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl and fold everything together. Do not overmix a cake! Overmixing can lead to an overcooked cake. A few streaks of cake mix are okay.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In another bowl (yes, another one, but it’s worth it! ), beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. What is the importance of a good arm workout? Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. What is the best way to prepare lemon juice and lemon zest? The filling should be smooth, tangy, and utterly irresistible. If you want, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the filling.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you spread cake batter in a baking dish? Dollop the cream cheese filling over the cake batter. Now comes the fun part! Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling into the cake batter. Don’t overdo it – you want to create a marbled effect, not completely mix the two layers together. I usually drag the knife through in a figure-eight pattern.
Step 7: Bake
If you have a toothpick, you can easily remove it from the oven and bake for 30 minutes. When inserted into the center comes out clean. How do I adjust the baking time in an oven? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
How do you remove a cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish? If you try to slice it while it’s still warm, it will be a gooey mess. While it’s cooling, you can whip up a glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon zest. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the cake is completely cooled and the glaze has set, slice and serve. I like to dust it with a little extra powdered sugar or top it up with fresh berries for an easy sweet treat. Is it good to serve warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream? Or, you know, straight from the pan with a fork. No judgment here!
What should I serve it with?
This Lemon cream cheese dump cake.Is so versatile, it’s perfect for just about any occasion.
For Breakfast:What’s a good start to the day? I love serving it with a side of fresh fruit salad to balance out the sweetness.
For Brunch:How do you serve a cake with mimosas? What is sparkling cider? Is it good with a scoop of lemon sorbet?
As Dessert:Serve it after dinner with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What is the perfect end to a meal?
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up with a slice of this cake and a good book on a rainy day. It’s the ultimate comfort food. I also love serving it with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk.
My family has a tradition of making this cake for Easter, but honestly, it’s so easy, we make it year-round. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Okay, friends, I’ve made this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake *a lot*, so I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Let me share my wisdom with you!
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the cake batter! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of cake mix.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. Just be careful not to overmix the layers. I like to use a figure-eight motion for a classic marbled effect.
Ingredient Swaps: Want to switch things up? Try using a different flavor of cake mix! A lemon cake mix would be extra lemony, or a white cake mix would let the lemon flavor really shine. You can also add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the cake batter for a little extra texture and flavor.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Glaze Variations: Want to add a little extra pizzazz to your glaze? Try adding a teaspoon of lemon extract for a more intense lemon flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different citrus juice, like orange or lime.
Cream Cheese Tips: Make sure your cream cheese is *really* soft before you start. This will prevent lumps in the filling. I usually leave it out at room temperature for at least an hour. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
I learned the hard way about the importance of soft cream cheese after one very lumpy cake! Now I’m extra careful.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it also stores well.
Room Temperature: You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, but make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover it tightly.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. I would wait to add the glaze until after it thaws.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day or two, I recommend waiting to glaze it until just before serving. The glaze can sometimes get a little sticky in the refrigerator.
My grandma always said the key to a good cake is proper storage, and I couldn’t agree more. It makes all the difference in maintaining the flavor and texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s absolute favorite Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake recipe! I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s so easy to customize, you can really make it your own. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other dessert recipes for more delicious treats. Happy baking, friends! And please, let me know in the comments how yours turns out – I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake: A Refreshing Delight!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix about 15.25 oz
- 2 cups fresh blueberries can substitute with frozen
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the blueberries evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the blueberries, then drizzle the lemon juice over the top.
- Spread the lemon cake mix evenly over the blueberries and sugar.
- Place dollops of cream cheese over the cake mix, then pour the melted butter over the top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
