Lemon Dump Cake

Indulging in a slice of Lemon Dump Cake is like taking a mini-vacation for your taste buds. This delightful dessert marries tangy lemon curd with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, all topped with a buttery cake mix crust that bakes to a golden perfection. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this cake bakes is a hint of summer sunshine, promising a sweet and zesty treat. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night at home, this dessert is both quick and incredibly satisfying. With each forkful, you will enjoy the harmonious blend of textures—creamy, crumbly, and moist—that makes this dessert a standout. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this sensational Lemon Dump Cake!

Ingredients

• 2 (12-ounce) jars lemon curd: This sweet and tangy base adds a bright flavor profile to the cake.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich, creamy texture to balance the tartness of the lemon.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Acts as a binding agent, helping the cream cheese layer set perfectly.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the cream cheese mixture.
• 1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla, lemon, yellow or white cake mix: Creates the crumbly topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• 1/2 cup salted butter, cold: Adds richness and moisture to the cake topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Evenly spread the lemon curd across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. 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.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon curd, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible.
5. Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage across the top.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Allow the dump cake to rest for 15 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Calories: Approximately 290 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth mixture. If using frozen cake mix, ensure it is fully thawed before using.
• Storage: Store leftover Lemon Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly to freeze for up to 2 months.
• Variations: For a different flavor profile, you can mix in fresh blueberries or raspberries with the lemon curd. You can also experiment by using flavored cream cheese, such as vanilla or strawberry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade lemon curd?
   Yes, homemade lemon curd works beautifully in this recipe and adds a personal touch.

2. Is it necessary to let the cake rest before serving?
   Yes, allowing the cake to rest for 15 minutes helps the flavors set and improves the texture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

4. What can I serve with Lemon Dump Cake?
   It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

5. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes, you can substitute the cake mix with chocolate or a fruit-flavored mix for a unique twist.

6. How should I store leftovers?
   Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

People Also Ask

1. What is a dump cake?
   A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are "dumped" into a baking dish without extensive mixing.

2. How do I know when the dump cake is done?
   Look for a lightly browned topping and bubbling around the edges to indicate that it is fully cooked.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute with low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may differ slightly.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix.

5. How can I enhance the lemon flavor?
   Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick of lemon flavor.

6. Why is my cake mix not spreading evenly?
   Be sure to drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the lemon curd for better coverage.

Conclusion

Lemon Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With its easy preparation and incredible flavors, this cake is sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Give this recipe a try and share your delightful experience with others. Enjoy every slice and let the bright, zesty flavors brighten your day!

Lemon Dump Cake

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A delightful dessert that marries tangy lemon curd with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, topped with a buttery cake mix crust.

• Author: daniel-kim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Evenly spread the lemon curd across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. 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.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon curd, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible.
5. Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage across the top.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Allow the dump cake to rest for 15 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together.

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Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth mixture. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg