Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

### Instructions: How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

#### 1. **Preheat Your Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This gives your oven time to reach the ideal temperature while you prepare the ingredients.

#### 2. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture**
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (if using). Beat together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures that your cream cheese filling is light, smooth, and ready to add to your cake base.

#### 3. **Assemble the Ingredients in a Baking Dish**
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the lemon pie filling (or lemon curd) evenly across the bottom. This tangy, fruity layer serves as the foundation for your dump cake.

Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the lemon filling. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—just dollop it on top as evenly as you can. The cream cheese will melt and spread out during baking.

#### 4. **Add the Cake Mix**
Now, sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Don’t mix it in; just let the dry cake mix sit on top as the “crust” of the dump cake. It’s a simple, rustic way to create a buttery, golden topping.

#### 5. **Add Butter and Water**
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This will help it form a golden, slightly crispy crust. If the cake mix seems a little dry or clumpy, you can also drizzle some water over the top to help it spread out more evenly.

#### 6. **Bake the Dump Cake**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **40-45 minutes**. The cake is done when the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You may want to check it halfway through to ensure the cake mix is baking evenly, but resist the urge to stir!

#### 7. **Cool and Serve**
Once your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken slightly as it cools, and the cake will firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.

For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for a burst of citrusy fragrance. You can also add a few fresh lemon slices or a drizzle of lemon glaze if you’re looking to elevate it further.

### Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

1. **Easy to Make**: This recipe is foolproof and requires no mixing, whisking, or fancy equipment. Just layer the ingredients and bake—it’s that simple.

2. **Perfect Balance of Flavors**: The tangy lemon filling pairs wonderfully with the creamy richness of the cream cheese and the buttery cake topping. It’s sweet, tart, and absolutely delicious.

3. **Crowd-Pleasing**: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or potluck, this cake is sure to be a hit. It’s light enough to enjoy after a big meal but indulgent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.

4. **Versatile**: While this recipe features lemon, the beauty of dump cakes is how adaptable they are. You can easily swap out the lemon filling for other fruit pie fillings, like blueberry, cherry, or peach, for a different twist. Or, use a different flavor of cake mix—vanilla, yellow, or even strawberry—depending on your mood.

5. **Make-Ahead Option**: If you’re hosting a gathering, you can prepare this cake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

### Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

– **Use Quality Ingredients**: For the best flavor, use high-quality cream cheese and fresh cake mix. A good lemon pie filling or lemon curd will really elevate the dessert.
– **Customize the Toppings**: If you want to go all out, you can top the cake with lemon glaze or serve it with fresh berries to enhance the lemon flavor.
– **Storage**: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

### Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that’s both simple and spectacular. With its vibrant lemon flavor, creamy filling, and golden, buttery top, it’s a treat that’ll impress without requiring a lot of effort. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

Try this easy recipe, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy, and the dump cake method makes it as convenient as it is delicious. Enjoy!