This Easy Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a breeze to make! It features a zesty lemon flavor and creamy cheese all tucked under a buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
Honestly, it’s so simple that even your kitchen-challenged friend can whip it up! I enjoy serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—perfect for a sunny day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake and brings ease to the recipe. If you prefer to make it from scratch, you can use a mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt instead. Gluten-free cake mixes are also available if needed!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor to the cake. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese that you enjoy.
Lemon Curd: This gives the cake its bright zing. If you’re short on time, store-bought lemon curd is a fantastic choice! Alternatively, you can make homemade lemon curd with fresh lemons, sugar, and eggs if you want a more personal touch.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the crust. If you’d prefer to use oil, like vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, you can substitute it, but it may result in a slightly different texture.
How Do You Achieve a Golden and Crisp Topping?
The key to a golden and crisp topping lies in how you layer it and the baking time. Here’s how to ensure that perfect crust:
- Spread half the dry cake mix evenly for a solid bottom layer.
- When drizzling the melted butter, make sure to cover the entire surface evenly. This helps to create that crispy texture.
- Keep an eye on the bake time! If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Let it cool completely after baking. This helps the top firm up a bit for easier slicing and better texture!
Easy Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake With Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz) lemon curd
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dump cake will take about 15 minutes to prep and will need about 45-50 minutes of baking time. Plus, allow some time for it to cool completely before serving. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will help the cake come out easily later!
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or a whisk. Mix until everything is combined and creamy. Set this mixture aside for now; it will be the delicious cream cheese layer!
3. Layer the Cake Mix:
Take half of the dry yellow cake mix and spread it evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will create a base for your dump cake.
4. Add the Cream Cheese Layer:
Now, pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Yummy!
5. Spoon on the Lemon Curd:
Next, carefully spoon the lemon curd over the cream cheese layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out gently, making sure it covers the cream cheese layer completely.
6. Finish with Cake Mix and Butter:
Sprinkle the remaining dry cake mix evenly over the lemon curd. Finally, take your melted butter and drizzle it over the top of the cake mix layer. This will help the top get that lovely, buttery crust as it bakes!
7. Bake:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the center to be set. The aroma in your kitchen will be amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely. This will help it firm up, making it easier to cut into squares. When you’re ready to serve, consider topping each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence. Enjoy your sweet creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese can be used in this recipe, and it will still provide a creamy texture and delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that the final dessert may be slightly less rich than using full-fat cream cheese.
Can I Substitute the Lemon Curd?
Yes! If you don’t have lemon curd on hand, you can use homemade lemon curd or a lemon pie filling instead. Alternatively, you can make a quick lemon sauce by mixing lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch and cooking it until thickened.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy warm, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Dump Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the dump cake! Be sure to let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
