Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

### How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This will ensure that the cake is hot and ready in just under an hour.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup easier.

#### Step 3: Cream Cheese Layer
In a bowl, beat the softened **cream cheese** with **half of the sugar** (if using) until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or simply beat it by hand if you don’t mind a little extra effort. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

#### Step 4: Add the Lemon Pie Filling
Next, spread the **lemon pie filling** or lemon curd evenly over the cream cheese layer. The tangy lemon flavor will provide a delicious contrast to the creamy base and will infuse the entire cake with a refreshing citrus taste.

#### Step 5: Top with Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the **yellow cake mix** (or lemon cake mix) over the lemon filling layer. Don’t worry about mixing it in; just pour it on top in an even layer. The cake mix will create a beautiful crumbly topping as it bakes.

#### Step 6: Add Butter and Optional Extras
Drizzle the **melted butter** evenly over the cake mix. This will help create a golden, crisp topping as it bakes. If you like an extra lemony flavor, you can also sprinkle **lemon zest** over the cake mix at this stage.

#### Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for **45-50 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You’ll notice that the cream cheese and lemon layers blend together beautifully, creating a rich, gooey filling underneath the crisp cake topping.

#### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, topped with a dollop of **whipped cream** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** for the ultimate treat. The combination of warm cake, creamy filling, and tangy lemon is sure to be a hit!

### Tips and Variations

– **Lemon Cake Mix**: If you want to amp up the lemon flavor, swap the yellow cake mix for a **lemon cake mix**. This will give your dump cake an even more pronounced citrus flavor, perfect for lemon lovers.

– **Fresh Lemons**: If you have fresh lemons on hand, you can make your own **lemon curd** instead of using canned pie filling. Just make sure to balance the sweetness by adjusting the sugar to your taste.

– **Add Berries**: Fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries can make an excellent topping for the cake. You can also fold the berries into the lemon filling before adding the cake mix for a fruity twist.

– **Gluten-Free**: For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free cake mix. This will ensure everyone can enjoy this dessert, no matter their dietary restrictions.

– **Make It Ahead**: If you’re planning for a gathering or holiday, this dessert can be made ahead of time. Simply bake the cake and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently in the oven before serving.

### Final Thoughts

The **Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake** is an incredibly easy, yet absolutely delicious dessert that combines the tang of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight treat to a show-stopping dessert for a gathering. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need a simple but impressive dessert.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, citrusy goodness of this heavenly dump cake! Your family and friends will love every bite.