Growing up, I watched my grandmother effortlessly whip up desserts that made the kitchen smell like sunshine, and Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake quickly became my favorite. This quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert captures that same warmth, balancing tangy lemon curd with creamy cheesecake layers. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this customizable, old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake is a comfort-filled treat your whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both effortless and indulgent, Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your answer. This old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake combines tangy lemon curd with rich cream cheese and a golden, buttery cake layer, creating a flavor-packed experience that’s hard to resist. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions. You can customize it with berries, whipped cream, or extra lemon zest to suit your taste.
Its one-pan convenience makes cleanup a breeze, while the balanced flavors of sweet, tangy, and creamy delight every bite. Ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers, this lemon cream cheese dump cake delivers comfort food vibes with a modern twist. The recipe is family-friendly, customizable, and versatile enough to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this easy lemon cream cheese dump cake, it will become a go-to dessert that you’ll return to time and time again.
Focus Keywords: lemon cream cheese dump cake, old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake, easy lemon cream cheese dump cake, family-friendly dessert, quick dessert, lemon curd cake
Ingredients for This Recipe
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple dessert that relies on a few high-quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. The yellow or white cake mix provides a light, fluffy base that perfectly complements the tangy richness of cream cheese. Lemon curd adds bright, zesty flavor, giving the cake its signature citrus punch. Melted butter helps create a golden, moist topping, while optional additions like powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh lemon zest enhance presentation and taste. Using just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake is easy to make yet impressively delicious.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch pan)
For the Cake:
1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Whipped cream
Fresh lemon zest or slices
How to Make This Recipe
Making Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is incredibly simple, yet it delivers the bright, creamy flavors everyone loves in a classic dessert. The combination of lemon curd, cream cheese, and cake mix creates layers of moist, tangy, and sweet perfection. Melted butter on top helps form a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy interior. This old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights or family-friendly gatherings, giving you a quick dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. With a few easy steps, you can create a show-stopping lemon cream cheese dump cake that will impress everyone at the table.
🛒 Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Spread softened cream cheese evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spoon lemon curd over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently.
Evenly sprinkle dry yellow or white cake mix over the lemon curd.
Drizzle melted butter over the top of the cake mix, covering most areas.
Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Cool slightly before serving, then dust with powdered sugar, add whipped cream, or garnish with lemon zest.

Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is all about understanding how each ingredient works together. The cream cheese provides creamy richness, while the lemon curd adds zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the cake mix. Melted butter helps form a golden, slightly crisp topping that enhances the texture. Using high-quality ingredients and layering them correctly ensures a flavorful, moist dessert every time. These expert tips will help you make an old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake that’s family-friendly, customizable, and always impressive.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use softened cream cheese for smooth, even layering in your lemon cream cheese dump cake.
Choose high-quality lemon curd or make your own for the brightest flavor.
Evenly drizzle melted butter over the cake mix to ensure a golden, crispy top.
For quick cleanup, grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper.
Add optional toppings like powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh lemon zest for extra flavor.
Try adding fresh berries for a fruity variation without losing the classic lemon cream cheese dump cake taste.

FAQs
What is lemon cream cheese dump cake?
Lemon cream cheese dump cake is an easy, old-fashioned dessert made by layering cream cheese, lemon curd, cake mix, and butter in one pan. It delivers a tangy, creamy flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for family-friendly meals or quick desserts.
Can I make this lemon cream cheese dump cake with fewer ingredients?
Yes. The simplest version uses just four ingredients: cream cheese, lemon curd, cake mix, and melted butter. Optional toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream can be added for extra flavor.
How do I make lemon cream cheese dump cake Weight Watchers-friendly?
Use light cream cheese, sugar-free lemon curd, and a low-calorie cake mix. This allows you to enjoy the old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake taste with fewer calories.
Can I add fruit or other flavors to lemon cream cheese dump cake?
Absolutely. Blueberries, raspberries, or a touch of vanilla extract enhance the cake without changing its classic lemon cream cheese dump cake texture and flavor.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert that combines tangy lemon curd with creamy, rich cream cheese and a golden cake topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or casual gatherings, this old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake is versatile, customizable, and always impressive. Whether you keep it simple or add fresh berries, whipped cream, or lemon zest, this easy lemon cream cheese dump cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tangy and creamy lemon dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients, this dump cake layers sweet lemon curd, rich cream cheese, and moist cake mix for a bright, old-fashioned treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch pan):
For the Cake:
1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Whipped cream
Fresh lemon zest or slices
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
Spread softened cream cheese evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spoon lemon curd over the cream cheese layer.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix & Butter
Evenly sprinkle dry cake mix over the lemon curd.
Drizzle melted butter over the top, making sure most of the mix is lightly coated.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, add whipped cream, or garnish with lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Can be baked a day in advance; store covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Lemon Curd: Homemade lemon curd adds freshness, but store-bought works perfectly for convenience.
- Variations: Add blueberries or raspberries between layers for a fruity twist.
- Diet Tip: Use sugar-free cake mix and light cream cheese for a lower-calorie option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cake
- Method: Baked / Layered
- Cuisine: American
