This Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is bursting with bright lemon flavor! It’s easy to make, using creamy cheese and a buttery crust that everyone will love.
You just mix, pour, and bake—no fuss here! Perfect for sunny days or whenever you want a sweet treat that makes you smile! 😄
I enjoy serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It’s a delightful combo that makes my taste buds dance! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of our cake. You can substitute it with a gluten-free cake mix if needed. I’ve found that vanilla or lemon-flavored mixes work well too, giving a slight twist to the flavor.
Cream Cheese: Use regular cream cheese for the best creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar taste.
Lemon Curd: Store-bought lemon curd is convenient, but homemade adds a personal touch! If you prefer a different citrus flavor, orange or lime curd can work too.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the total salt in the dish. You could also use coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar: Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar if you want a less sweet dessert. Coconut sugar or honey are natural alternatives, but they might slightly alter the taste.
How Do I Get a Golden Brown Crust?
The key step for a nice golden crust is to drizzle melted butter over the dry cake mix before baking. This helps the top layer to bake evenly and gives a delectable crunch. Here’s how:
- Ensure your butter is melted before drizzling it over the cake mix.
- Use a spoon to evenly distribute the butter; it doesn’t have to cover every spot, as the heat will work its magic.
- Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking. If it’s browning too fast, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Let it cool slightly after baking. This will help firm up the crust a bit more before serving!
How to Make Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake With A Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (18.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to get this delicious dessert ready. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a sweet treat just for yourself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This will help your cake come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Base:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and add the granulated sugar. Beat them together using a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is nice and smooth. This is the creamy base that will make your cake irresistible!
3. Combine the Remaining Ingredients:
Now, to the cream cheese mix, add the lemon curd, melted butter, water, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks creamy. This lemony goodness will be the heart of our dump cake!
4. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Next, take the dry cake mix and sprinkle it directly over the top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t stir it in—just spread it out evenly. This will form a lovely crust!
5. Add the Butter Drizzle:
If you have any melted butter left, drizzle it over the cake mix. This little step helps create that delicious buttery crust we all love when baking. Yum!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the top to be beautifully golden brown and set. The aroma in your kitchen will be amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled—both ways are delightful! If you’d like, add some whipped cream or fresh berries on top for an extra special touch.
Enjoy your Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake! It’s sure to be a hit.
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with any flavor you like, such as lemon, vanilla, or even a white cake mix. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor profile of the cake.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy it again, just serve it chilled or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix as a substitute for regular cake mix. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the lemon curd, are also gluten-free for a completely gluten-free dessert!
What Can I Use Instead of Lemon Curd?
If you don’t have lemon curd on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing lemon juice with sugar and a bit of cornstarch for thickness. Alternatively, try using a store-bought lemon pie filling for a similar taste and consistency!
