Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

### **How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the cake comes out easily.
3. Spread the lemon pie filling (or lemon curd) evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. The tangy lemon base will provide the foundation of your cake’s refreshing flavor.

#### **Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer**
1. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth and creamy. If you want an extra burst of lemon flavor, add the lemon zest into the mixture.
2. Once your cream cheese mixture is smooth, spoon dollops of it evenly over the lemon filling in the baking dish.

#### **Step 3: Add the Cake Mix**
1. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. You don’t need to stir the cake mix into the filling; just spread it as evenly as possible over the top.
2. This dry cake mix will absorb some of the moisture from the lemon filling and cream cheese mixture as it bakes, creating a beautiful, golden topping.

#### **Step 4: Bake the Cake**
1. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt into the dry cake mix, helping to create a rich, golden, and slightly crispy top.
2. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
3. You’ll know it’s done when the top is firm, and the edges have begun to crisp up, creating a lovely, crunchy texture.

#### **Step 5: Cool and Serve**
1. Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Serve warm, or refrigerate it for a few hours before serving if you prefer it chilled. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake**

1. **Enhance the Lemon Flavor**: For a stronger lemon flavor, you can use lemon zest in the cream cheese layer and even add a little extra lemon juice to the filling or cream cheese mixture.
2. **Add Fruit**: If you want to elevate the dessert further, try adding a cup of fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) over the lemon filling before adding the cream cheese layer. This will add a burst of color and flavor.
3. **Switch Up the Cake Mix**: While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other cake mixes, such as lemon or white cake mix, for a different flavor profile. Each variation brings something new to the dessert.
4. **Make it Gluten-Free**: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version. There are many great gluten-free cake mixes available that will work perfectly in this recipe.

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### **Why Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a Winner**

This dessert combines simplicity with indulgence, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s the kind of dessert that people ask for seconds of, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll be adding it to your list of go-to recipes. The creamy, tangy lemon filling paired with the soft, buttery cake and the rich cream cheese layer is a combination that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or just looking for a comforting treat to enjoy with family, **Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake** is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and experience how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a delightful dessert that everyone will love!