Lemon Dump Cake: A Simple and Zesty Delight

Lemon Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for those who crave a tangy, sweet treat that requires minimal effort in the kitchen. This delightful cake features a luscious layer of lemon curd topped with a creamy mixture that harmonizes beautifully with a buttery cake layer. The aroma of lemon fills your home as it bakes, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. With its refreshing flavor and comforting texture, this dump cake brings sunshine to any occasion. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Get ready to create a dessert that is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat!

Ingredients

2 (12-ounce) jars lemon curd: This adds bright, tangy flavor to the cake, making it refreshingly delicious.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese adds richness and a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the lemon.
1 large egg, room temperature: The egg helps bind the ingredients together for a smooth consistency.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture just enough to complement the lemon curd.
1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla, lemon, yellow, or white cake mix: This provides the cake layer that forms on top, adding sweetness and structure.
1/2 cup salted butter, cold: Cold butter enhances the cake’s texture and flavor when distributed over the cake mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
Evenly spread the lemon curd across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, room temperature egg, and granulated sugar until smooth and fully combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon curd, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible.
Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage across the top.
Slice the cold butter into very thin pats and place them on top of the dry cake mix, covering as much area as possible for a nice buttery flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the lemon curd filling is bubbling around the edges.
Allow the dump cake to rest for 15 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 330 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the sugar in the cream cheese mixture by a tablespoon or two.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

FAQ

1. Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade lemon curd works wonderfully in this recipe.

2. What can I serve with lemon dump cake?
It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

3. Can I substitute cream cheese?
For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The topping should be lightly browned, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.

5. Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Its bright flavor and beautiful presentation make it a great choice for celebrations.

6. Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and refrigerate. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Dump Cake is a delightful treat that is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy lemon curd and rich cream cheese creates a truly irresistible dessert. Whether you are serving it at a special occasion or enjoying a quiet night at home, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face. So gather your ingredients, give this simple recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family for them to enjoy too!

Lemon Dump Cake

Print Recipe

A simple and zesty lemon dump cake with a luscious layer of lemon curd topped with a creamy mixture and a buttery cake layer.

Author: amanda-lewis
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 (12-ounce) jars lemon curd
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla, lemon, yellow, or white cake mix
1/2 cup salted butter, cold

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Evenly spread the lemon curd across the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, and sugar until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon curd.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Slice the cold butter into thin pats and distribute them on top of the cake mix.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and bubbling around the edges.
Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.