Baking can often seem daunting, especially when faced with intricate recipes and a long list of ingredients. However, sometimes the simplest recipes can yield the most delicious results. Enter the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake—a dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of lemon pie filling with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all nestled under a buttery, golden cake layer. This cake is not only incredibly tasty but also remarkably easy to make, making it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs looking for a quick treat. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dessert and explore how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you will need:
- 1 (16 oz.) can lemon pie filling
- 1 (15 oz.) package yellow cake mix
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). Ensuring that your oven is properly preheated is crucial for even baking.
2. Preparing the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step helps prevent the cake from sticking to the dish, making it easier to serve.
3. Layering the Lemon Pie Filling
Pour the lemon pie filling into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure to reach the corners. This layer forms the flavorful base of your cake, offering a burst of lemony goodness in every bite.
4. Adding the Cake Mix and Cream Cheese
Top the lemon pie filling with half of the yellow cake mix, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Next, place the cubed cream cheese evenly over the cake mix. This step ensures that every slice of cake has pockets of creamy, tangy cream cheese.
5. Sprinkling the Remaining Cake Mix
Sprinkle the remaining cake mix over the cream cheese. This forms the top layer of the cake, which will become golden and slightly crunchy as it bakes.
6. Adding the Butter
Take the thinly sliced butter pats and place them in a single layer on top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible with the butter. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, creating a rich and moist topping.
7. Baking the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as it nears the end of the baking period.
8. Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the cake to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Dump Cake
- Choosing the Right Pan: Using a square baking dish helps ensure even baking and allows for easy slicing.
- Butter Distribution: Make sure to slice the butter as thinly as possible and distribute it evenly over the cake mix to achieve a uniform, golden crust.
- Cream Cheese Placement: Evenly distributing the cubed cream cheese ensures that every bite has a creamy, tangy surprise.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors. For example, you could use cherry pie filling instead of lemon for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more delightful:
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense and moist cake.
- Ice Cream: Serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The cold ice cream complements the warm cake perfectly.
- Fruit Garnish: Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, make a colorful and tasty garnish.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm.
Conclusion
The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a testament to the idea that great desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and buttery cake is irresistible, making this cake a go-to recipe for any occasion. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a quick and delicious treat, remember this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy the delightful flavors of this homemade masterpiece.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: A Delightfully Easy Dessert
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple and delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This cake is incredibly easy to make as it involves “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish and then baking to perfection. It’s perfect for those who want a quick and delicious treat without much fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg