This Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a sunny delight! It features a zesty lemon flavor paired with smooth cream cheese, all resting on a buttery crust. Simple and scrumptious!
Honestly, who can resist that creamy lemon goodness? I love how easy it is to make—just dump and bake! Perfect for warming up any day, especially when you want something sweet and tangy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemon Cake Mix: This is the base for your dump cake. While a lemon cake mix gives the best flavor, you can substitute with a yellow cake mix if needed. Just be aware that it will be less tangy!
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened before mixing. If you want a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead. It has a lower fat content but similar taste.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a healthier option. It has a similar texture and taste.
Lemon Curd: You can make it from scratch or buy it ready-made. If you prefer less sweetness, you can mix in some fresh lemon juice with a bit of sugar as a substitute, but it won’t be as smooth.
Butter: For a slightly different flavor, consider using a vegan butter or coconut oil. Both can work well, just make sure to melt them before mixing.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Bakes Evenly?
Getting your dump cake to bake just right can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure even baking:
- Preheat your oven properly. Baking at the right temperature sets the foundation.
- Don’t skip greasing the baking dish! It helps in easy removal and prevents sticking.
- After pouring the cake mix over the lemon curd, gently spread it. This helps it distribute and bake more evenly.
- Check the cake about 5 minutes before the minimum time. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want it overbaked!
Allow the cake to cool before cutting. This helps it set and makes serving a lot easier. Enjoy your delightful cake!
Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake With A Buttery Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Cake Layer:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh lemon zest
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dessert will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 35-40 minutes to bake, followed by a cool time of 30 minutes. So, you’re looking at about an hour and 20 minutes total before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly so the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Now, take the creamy mixture and spread it evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Make sure you cover the entire base for a lovely first layer!
4. Add the Lemon Curd:
Next, pour the lemon curd over the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, so every bite will have that delicious lemon flavor.
5. Prepare the Cake Layer:
In a different bowl, mix the lemon cake mix with the melted butter until it becomes crumbly. It’s okay if it’s a little uneven; that’s what makes it special!
6. Sprinkle the Cake Mix on Top:
Take your crumbly cake mix and sprinkle it over the lemon curd layer. Try to cover it evenly to ensure a nice, even bake.
7. Bind It Together:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together. Pour the whisked eggs gently over the top of the cake mix layer. This will help everything come together beautifully as it bakes!
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when the top is golden brown and the center feels set, it’s ready to come out!
9. Cool and Dust:
Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, dust the top with a little extra powdered sugar for a sweet touch. If you have fresh lemon zest, sprinkle some on as a nice garnish. Now, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious tangy lemon cream cheese dump cake!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Absolutely! You can substitute the lemon cake mix with any other flavor, such as vanilla, yellow, or even funfetti, to create a unique twist. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the overall flavor profile of the cake.
How Can I Make This Cake Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, consider reducing the amount of powdered sugar used in the cream cheese layer or omitting it entirely. Additionally, you can opt for a less sweet lemon curd or make your own with less sugar.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a day in advance! Just bake it, let it cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar and garnish as desired.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best taste and texture, serve chilled or let them come to room temperature before enjoying!