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Lemon Dump Cake

This lemon dump cake with cream cheese is the perfect balance of tart, creamy, and sweet. The texture is soft with just the right amount of crisp topping.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course lunch/dinner, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 5210.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish Essential for baking the dump cake.
  • 1 Spatula For evenly spreading the lemon pie filling.
  • 1 Oven For baking the cake to perfection.
  • 1 Paring Knife For dicing the cream cheese and butter into small, even pieces.
  • 1 Serving Spoon or Spatula For serving the warm cake.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 22 ounce can lemon pie filling
  • 1 15.25 ounce package lemon cake mix
  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, diced into small pieces
  • ½ cup salted butter diced into small pieces
  • 1 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Spread the lemon pie filling onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish in an even layer with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle half of the cake mix in an even layer over the lemon pie filling. Add small pieces of the cream cheese evenly over the cake mix, then top with the remaining cake mix in an even layer. Add the butter pieces, spaced out evenly over the top of final cake mix layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is browned and the cake mix powder has all absorbed and baked, 35 to 45 minutes.
  • Serve dump cake warm with whipped topping.

Notes

Achieving an even layer for all components is paramount for a uniform bake and consistent texture. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are diced into small, equal pieces and distributed widely; this promotes even melting and infuses flavor throughout the cake. For an elevated experience, consider adding a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the cake mix layer for a brighter citrus note. While the recipe calls for frozen whipped topping, a dollop of freshly whipped cream with a touch of vanilla or lemon extract can provide a superior finish. Do not stir or mix the layers once assembled; the 'dump' method relies on distinct layers for its unique texture.