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This lemon dump cake is everything you want in an easy dessert — bright, citrusy, and incredibly simple to make. ✨ This version also includes a creamy lemon cheesecake-style layer, making it a lemon cream cheese dump cake that’s extra rich and irresistible.
A classic dump cake is as easy as it gets for a homemade dessert, and this lemon version is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with fresh, tangy citrus flavor and finished with a buttery cake topping that bakes up golden and delicious.
I love the ease of a dump cake — especially on those days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This is one of those recipes you can throw together quickly and actually be excited to eat when it comes out of the oven.
If you love good dump cakes, I hope you’ll try my Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, Pumpkin Dump Cake, and Peach Dump Cake — they’re all easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing. And if you’re in the mood to keep browsing, my full Cake Recipes collection is packed with even more family-favorite cakes for every occasion.
So for the lemon lovers in your life… let’s bake this. 🍋
What Is A Dump Cake (and Why This One Has Cream Cheese)
A dump cake is just what the name implies — you prepare a baking dish, then simply “dump” the ingredients in layers. There’s virtually no prep beyond slicing the butter, which makes it one of the easiest desserts you can make.
This version takes things one step further by adding cream cheese. As it bakes, the cream cheese softens into the layers and creates a rich, slightly tangy, cheesecake-like texture that pairs perfectly with the bright lemon filling.
It’s still just as simple as a classic dump cake, but with an extra creamy twist. If you’ve been looking for a lemon cream cheese dump cake, this is exactly that — easy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
It’s the perfect last-minute dessert for everything from a midweek family dinner to a church dinner or neighborhood potluck — and it’s always a guaranteed hit.
🍋 Lemon Dump Cake with Cream Cheese
This isn’t just a classic lemon dump cake — it’s a richer, more decadent version made with cream cheese.
As it bakes, the cream cheese softens into the layers and creates a smooth, slightly tangy, cheesecake-like texture that perfectly balances the sweet lemon filling.
If you’ve been searching for lemon cream cheese dump cake, this is exactly that style — simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and just a little more indulgent than the classic version.
Lemon Dump Cake Ingredients ~ Just 4!
Lemon Pie Filling: This stuff is amazing and so convenient — it gives you that bright, tangy lemon flavor with zero extra work. You’ll love the results!
Cream Cheese: Cut into small cubes so you get that wonderfully creamy, tangy bite throughout. This is what gives this version its rich, almost cheesecake-like texture.
Yellow Cake Mix: You can use yellow, white, or even lemon cake mix for an extra citrusy punch.
Butter: I use unsalted butter to control the salt level and let the lemon flavor shine.
Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead
Storing
You’ll want to cover it loosely with cling wrap or foil to protect its integrity. This cake can last up to a week in the fridge.
Reheating
You can enjoy this cake cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed. For individual servings, microwave for a few seconds just until the filling is slightly warm. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. If the cake has been stored in a glass or ceramic baking dish, let it come closer to room temperature before placing it in a preheated oven to prevent shattering.
Freezing
You can freeze lemon dump cake, but the texture of the cream cheese layer may soften a bit after thawing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.
Make-Ahead
This is a great make-ahead dessert because it holds well in the refrigerator. You can bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, then cover and chill until you’re ready to serve. It’s delicious cold, at room temperature, or lightly warmed.
Serving Recommendations
This is absolutely delicious served warm straight from the oven, but if you want to gild the lily — and I almost always do — top it with a dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream, Cool Whip, or a scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream.
If you’d like, garnish with a little fresh mint for a pretty finishing touch. I have mint growing in my garden, so it’s almost always fresh and ready to use!
How to Make Lemon Dump Cake
- Spread the lemon pie filling.
- Add cream cheese cubes on top.
- Spread yellow cake mix evenly.
- Add sliced butter on top
- Bake.
See full instructions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
◆ Does lemon dump cake have cream cheese?
Not always. Classic lemon dump cake is usually made without it, but this version includes cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
◆ Can I make lemon dump cake without cream cheese?
Yes. You can leave it out for a more traditional lemon dump cake, but you’ll lose that soft, cheesecake-like layer that makes this version extra special.
◆ Do I have to refrigerate lemon dump cake?
Since this version includes cream cheese, it’s best stored covered in the refrigerator once it has cooled.
◆ Can lemon dump cake be made ahead?
Yes. You can make it a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. It’s delicious cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed.
More Dump Cake Deliciousness
If you love how easy this is, you’ll find even more ideas in my Dump Cake Recipes collection.
- Apple Dump Cake
- Strawberry Dump Cake
- Pineapple Dump Cake
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
- Blueberry Dump Cake
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lemon Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans lemon pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 Sticks) butter, cut into 24 slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- Pour 2 cans of lemon pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Place the cream cheese cubes (8 ounces) in a single layer over the lemon pie filling.
- Evenly spread cake mix (1 box) over the top of the filling and press down firmly. Arrange butter slices (24 slices) evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake in preheated oven, 50-60 minutes, or until top indeep golden brown and bubbly. Let set a few minutes and serve.
Fans Also Made:
Nutrition
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It is sooo hard to believe people have never seen lemon pie filling in stores! It silicates on the aisle with bake goods. It will be with apple, peach, berry pie filling cans…Usually on the aisle with cake mixes.
So easy soooo good.
Thanks, Betty! 🙂
Easy and looks yummy
Yaay! Thanks, Betty 🙂
After soreading the lemon filling i sprinled a half pint of sweet blueberries. Then the fream cheese and cake mix and flour. Yhe fresh blueberries cuts some of the richmes of the lemon filling without blending like the blueberry filling does.
Awesome, thank you for sharing your version, Dave! 🙂
HI. So. I am having big party in 2 weeks, wanting to make this recipe, going to try and make 3…. trying to mix it up…do u think adding blueberries would taste good in this cake? If so…where would u add them? So excited about this. Please let me know. Thanks
Hi, Michelle. Instead of 2 cans of lemon pie filling, make it 1 can blueberry pie filling and 1 can of lemon pie filling. Then proceed with the instructions. <3
I don’t have two cans of lemon pie filling can I use one can of blueberry pie filling and one can of lemon I don’t know which one I should put on the bottom.
Hi, Charlotte. Yes, that’ll work!
May I assemble the recipe but not bake and refrigerate overnight for baking the next day?
Hi, Helen. This only takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. It’s best to prep and bake the same day 🙂
Can I use King Arthur Gluten Free cake mix
Hi, Bobbie! Yes, that’ll work. Enjoy baking and let us know how it turns out 🙂
It was good, goes together like any other dump cake. I didn’t like the fact that the cream cheese didn’t melt, just stayed in small clumps.
I tried it with whipped cream cheese, piped over the lemon filling and it turned out great.
LOVE lemon desserts so much! This is great!
I do have a question for you. Do you have a homemade yellow cake mix that I could use instead of a boxed cake mix? I’m trying to avoid all the extra unhealthy additives in prepackaged items, like cake mixes, etc. but I love how quick dump cakes are to put together. Any suggestions for a DIY yellow cake mix?
Thanjks,
Rebecca
Hi, Rebecca! Lemon desserts are sooo good, right? No, I don’t have a recipe for it.
Awesome! Thanks so much! I can’t wait to try this with the lemon dump cake. I plan to use lemon curd instead of pie filling, since it doesn’t seem to be available near me. We have lots of Mennonite stores near us and they sell lemon curd, so I will try that out. Thanks again for your help, and for sharing the lemon dump cake recipe!! 🙂
I haven’t made this cake, but u could try an organic yellow cake mix, like ANNIE’S.
Hi Deb. I have to tell you I haven’t tried it with an organic cake mix, but I can’t imagine it being a problem.
Love the dump cakes. Have a pair of lactose intolerant people here, Can this be made without the cream cheese? Just the pie filling, cake mix and butter (or margarine for us)? Thanks
Hi! I haven’t tried that but I think this will work without cream cheese. Let us know how it turns out 🙂
Can’t wait to make this!
Enjoy, Glenda!
I am 100% going to make this today! Since this has cream cheese in it, does it need to be stored in the fridge?
I would refrigerate it. Here’s an article on whether things baked with cream cheese need to be refrigerated.
Just got all the ingredients for the lemon dump cake
Can’t wait to try it. Seems so simple also. I like that. I’ll let you know what I think. Thanks for the recipe.
Enjoy, Monica!
I have NEVER ever seen Lemon Pie filling in all my life. What’s the manufacturer name? I love all things lemon so I’d like to make it.
Thanks,
Janice
I buy Duncan Hines Comstock Comstock Original Lemon Creme Pie Filling And Topping!
What about using Jello Instant Lemon Pudding and Pie mix
Hi Kathy. I haven’t tried it that way but I’d love to hear how it comes out if you try it 🙂
Can you have it and put it in a 8×8 pan? Just curious as there are only 2 in our family and well…curious?
Yes you can , of course. It might be a little difficult halving the cake mix and pie filling. It’s doable though!
Would chopped pecans be okay to add?
Hi, Mary. I haven’t tried adding pecans.
This looks SOOOOO good. I can’t wait to try it.
Hi, just a question: do you think that I could substitute lemon curd for the pie filling?
Jennifer, I don’t see why not!
Happy to hear that, as I’ve never seen canned lemon pie filling – though one of the local bulk stores sometimes has it. Going to look for it when I go to buy spices, etc, so I too can bake this cake. IF the filling makes it home. A VERY big if 🤗. I have a spoon in the console of my truck. You know. Just in case 🤣
Blessings from a -26°F, Alberta, Canada 🍁 🇨🇦 afternoon!
Hello Kathleen,
Just looking for a bit of clarity regarding the lemon dump cake recipe. For the pudding and cake mixes, is it dry ingredients going in or do we actually mix these according to the directions on the boxes? If you would please clarify that for me (as sometimes I’m a wee bit slow/dense), I would appreciate it!!
Thank you 😊
Hi Rachel, in this recipe there is no pudding mix. As for the cake mix, it is used as an ingredient, yes, a dry ingredient and you do not mix according to package instructions!! This is a super easy recipe! You’re no slow!!! People ask me this exact question all the time!!! <3
Thank you Kathleen, I appreciate it!! Haha…. it’s cans if pie filling!! 🤦 Thank you for pointing that out as well. 🤓
If you can’t find the lemon pudding in the can, you could make 2 boxes Iof instant pudding, or the cooked pudding.
Have made all your recipes Cowboy stew was my husband favorite. Loved the dump cakes best so easy 😋 thank you Linda
Oh my Gosh, Linda you’ve made my day!!! So happy you’re cooking along with me. I’m planning more stew and dump cakes. Thanks so much for commenting!!! <3 <3