Introduction
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the epitome of comfort desserts, offering a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy richness. This easy-to-make dish requires minimal effort, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging at home. With its lovely golden top and luscious filling, it’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 can (540g) lemon pie filling
225g cream cheese, softened
50g granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
115g unsalted butter, melted
50ml milk
50g chopped walnuts (optional)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake not only tantalizes your taste buds but also requires little in the way of prep work. Bake it to golden perfection and enjoy a slice (or two) warm or at room temperature!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese to Lemon Layer
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling. Use a spatula to spread it slightly, but do not fully mix it.
Step 5: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
Step 6: Drizzle with Butter and Milk
Drizzle the melted butter and milk evenly over the cake mix. This will help to moisten the cake mix as much as possible.
Step 7: Add Optional Toppings
If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings or toppings to customize your dump cake to your liking!
Allergies
Be cautious if serving to individuals with allergies; substitute ingredients as necessary.
Cook techniques
Layering
When making a dump cake, it’s essential to layer the ingredients properly. Start with the pie filling, then add the cream cheese mixture, followed by the dry cake mix. This creates a distinct flavor profile in each bite.
Mixing
For the cream cheese mixture, ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This allows for smoother integration with the sugar and vanilla, preventing lumps in the final cake.
Baking
Bake the dump cake until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
Cooling
After baking, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This settling time helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Serving
Serve the dump cake warm or at room temperature. It can be coupled with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
FAQ
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
Yes, you can experiment with different fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry to create a unique twist on the recipe.
How do I store leftover dump cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave if desired.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free cake mix to make it dairy-free.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
If you don’t have walnuts, feel free to leave them out or substitute them with another nut or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
Can I freeze this dump cake?
Yes, you can freeze the lemon cream cheese dump cake. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months.
Conclusion
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemons with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Its simplicity and quick preparation make it an excellent choice for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home. The golden-brown top and luscious filling are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Replace the lemon pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a deliciously fruity alternative that pairs wonderfully with cream cheese.
Pineapple Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Substitute the lemon pie filling with crushed pineapple for a tropical twist that offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Use a chocolate cake mix and add a layer of chocolate pudding for a rich and decadent dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Cherry Almond Dump Cake
Swap the lemon filling for cherry pie filling and add a hint of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a deliciously sweet and nutty flavor.
Peach Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Use peach pie filling instead of lemon for a warm and comforting dessert that highlights the sweet flavors of summer.
Carrot Cake Dump Cake
Incorporate grated carrots and spices into your cream cheese layer while using carrot cake mix for a unique twist on traditional carrot cake.