Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Introduction
Welcome to the delicious world of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake! This easy-to-make dessert is a perfect combination of tangy lemon flavor, creamy cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delectable dessert from scratch. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake!
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
– 1 box of yellow cake mix
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (21 ounces) of lemon pie filling
– 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup of powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
Steps
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s follow these simple steps to create our Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the cake base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Layer the cream cheese and lemon filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake base in the prepared baking dish.
Next, spoon the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Gently spread it out to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Add the cake topping
Sprinkle the remaining cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake the cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, and if desired, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations
While the classic Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is already incredibly delicious, you can also add your own twist to this dessert. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Swap the lemon pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a burst of fruity flavor. The combination of tangy blueberries and creamy cream cheese is simply heavenly!
2. Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
If you’re a fan of strawberries, this variation is for you. Replace the lemon pie filling with strawberry pie filling to create a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
3. Nutty Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Add some crunch to your dump cake by sprinkling chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the cake topping before baking. The nutty texture complements the creamy and zesty elements of the dessert.
Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time:
– For an extra citrusy kick, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
– If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can dust the finished cake with powdered sugar before serving.
– Serve the dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or enjoy chilled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a heavenly dessert that combines the refreshing taste of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and yields a crowd-pleasing treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced dessert enthusiast, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in the irresistible flavors of Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors, such as white or lemon cake mix, to enhance the lemony goodness.
Q: Can I use homemade lemon pie filling?
A: Yes, homemade lemon pie filling can be used instead of the canned version. Just make sure it’s thick enough to create distinct layers in the dump cake.
Q: Can I freeze the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dump cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to embark on your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake journey. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful dessert and savor every bite of its luscious flavors!
