Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with a Buttery Crust : A Southern-Style Comfort Dessert

If you love desserts that strike the perfect balance between tangy, creamy, and sweet, this Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with a Buttery Crust will become your new favorite indulgence. With layers of velvety lemon filling, rich cream cheese, and a golden buttery topping, this dessert captures everything you love about Southern comfort food — simple, decadent, and irresistibly good.

This is one of those quick and easy Southern desserts that proves you don’t need fancy techniques or expensive ingredients to make something amazing. All it takes is a few pantry staples, one baking dish, and about five minutes of prep. The result? A warm, gooey, golden-topped delight that feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

If you love old-fashioned bakes with a modern twist, try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or the soft and comforting Strawberry Cloud Cake for more cozy dessert inspiration.

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Why This Cream Cheese Cake Lemon Dessert Is a Southern Classic

There’s a reason dump cakes are a staple in Delish Grandma’s recipes — they’re simple, fast, and deliver incredible flavor without complicated steps. This particular recipe combines two classic dessert favorites: lemon cake and cheesecake.

The cream cheese melts into the lemon filling as it bakes, creating pockets of creamy tanginess throughout the buttery crust. The texture is tender and moist, making it perfect for anyone who loves soft food desserts that are light yet luscious.

This cake embodies everything we adore about Southern baking — flavor, texture, and a generous touch of nostalgia.

If you enjoy comforting bakes, you’ll also love our Pumpkin Twists and Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl — both easy and packed with warm flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this easy dessert with yellow cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling (or homemade lemon curd)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream or whipped topping
• Fresh berries or lemon slices
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Pro tip: For a lighter variation, you can substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste and a hint of extra protein.

Looking for another quick dessert? Try our Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips for a fruity, no-fuss treat.

How to Choose the Best Cake Mix for Easy Desserts with Yellow Cake

When making easy desserts with yellow cake, the choice of cake mix can make a big difference. Look for a high-quality mix with a rich butter flavor — it complements the tang of the lemon and the creaminess of the cheese.

You can also experiment with white cake mix for a lighter color or lemon cake mix for extra zesty flavor. The buttery flavor in yellow cake mix, however, creates the best contrast with the citrus and cream cheese layers.

If you prefer baking from scratch, try our from-scratch versions like Pumpkin Zucchini Bread or Cheesy Zucchini Bread, both soft and deliciously homemade.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Spread the lemon pie filling: Pour the lemon pie filling evenly into the bottom of the dish. This forms the tangy base layer.
3. Add the cream cheese: Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes and scatter evenly over the lemon filling.
4. Sprinkle with sugar: Evenly distribute granulated sugar over the cream cheese to help caramelize during baking.
5. Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly across the top — do not stir! The magic of a dump cake lies in the layers.
6. Pour melted butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the entire surface. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible for an even, golden crust.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This recipe is the ultimate in tasty homemade recipes — minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a texture that’s creamy in the center with a crisp, buttery top.

For more easy comfort desserts, check out Pumpkin Dump Cake, another “dump and bake” favorite perfect for cozy gatherings.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for This Recipe

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer (optional for cream cheese blending)
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Simple, everyday tools make this light and easy dessert a breeze to prepare — another reason it’s a household favorite.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cake and Cheesecake Together

Creating the ideal texture when combining cake and cheesecake together requires just a few small tricks:

• Soften the cream cheese completely — cold cream cheese won’t melt properly into the filling.
• Don’t overmix the layers — part of the charm is the separation between tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and crumbly topping.
• Distribute butter evenly to avoid dry patches on top.
• Bake until golden — the top should be crisp, while the center stays soft and gooey.
• Let it rest before slicing so the layers can settle and set beautifully.

For a similar creamy-meets-cakey combo, try our Fillo Crinkle Cake, which pairs crisp phyllo layers with custard-like richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Lemon Dump Cake

1. Using cold butter: It won’t distribute evenly and may leave dry cake mix spots.
2. Overbaking: The center should be soft and moist, not dry.
3. Stirring the layers: Keep the layers separate for that signature “dump” effect.
4. Skipping cooling time: Cooling allows the texture to firm up just right.
5. Not greasing the dish: It prevents sticking and helps with even browning.

If you love Southern-style baking, don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles — a bite-sized dessert that’s just as simple yet elegant.

Variations and Flavor Ideas for Yummy Easy Cakes

This dump cake is endlessly adaptable. Try these creative spins:

• Berry Lemon Cake: Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries to the lemon layer.
• Coconut Lemon Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for extra texture.
• Strawberry Lemon Cream Cake: Replace half of the lemon filling with strawberry pie filling.
• Pineapple Lemon Cake: Add crushed pineapple to the base for a tropical twist.

If you love creative flavor pairings, explore Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls — another yummy easy cake with a creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions for Light and Easy Desserts

Serve your Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake warm or chilled — both ways are divine. A dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of lemon glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt pairs perfectly with the bright citrus notes.

For a more decadent finish, try topping it with a spoonful of silken tofu frosting from our Tofu Pumpkin Pie for a creamy, dairy-free option.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.

If you love make-ahead treats, check out Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies and Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl. Both store beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Best Pairings for This Tasty Homemade Dessert

This tangy lemon cake pairs wonderfully with:

• Hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat
• Lavender Lemonade for a refreshing citrus match
• Fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches

If you love lemon-flavored bakes, you’ll also adore our Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites — a quick, healthy snack between sweet indulgences.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Soft Food Desserts and Dump Cakes

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day once the flavors meld together.

Can I use other pie fillings?
Absolutely — cherry, blueberry, or peach fillings work perfectly with cream cheese.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer. Keep it chilled when not serving.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though it may slightly alter the richness. The texture will still be deliciously creamy.

Conclusion + Call to Action: Try This Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Cake Today!

This Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with a Buttery Crust is everything you want in a dessert — quick, comforting, and packed with bright, zesty flavor. The combination of cake and cheesecake together makes it an instant crowd-pleaser, while its simplicity keeps it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

If you love easy, delicious recipes like this one, share it with your friends and check out more of our tasty homemade recipes, including Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, Fillo Crinkle Cake, and Pumpkin Dump Cake.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for weekly updates full of light and easy desserts and comforting homemade ideas inspired by family favorites.

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