Are you in the mood for a delicious and easy - to - make dessert? Look no further than this lemon dump cake recipe. It combines the tangy flavor of lemons with the richness of cream cheese and the unique crunch of poppy seeds, offering a delightful twist on the classic quick bread.
To start with, let's gather the ingredients. You will need a box of lemon cake mix, which serves as the base of our dump cake. The convenience of a cake mix makes this recipe perfect for those busy days when you still want to indulge in a homemade treat. Along with the cake mix, you'll need a package of cream cheese. Cream cheese adds a creamy and luxurious texture to the cake, balancing out the tartness of the lemons.
Another key ingredient is poppy seeds. These tiny black seeds not only add a bit of crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements the lemon and cream cheese beautifully. You'll also need some eggs, vegetable oil, and water as specified on the cake mix box. Additionally, a bit of lemon zest and lemon juice will enhance the lemon flavor even more.
Now, let's move on to the preparation. Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the cake mix box, usually around 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 - inch baking pan. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it's smooth. You can use an electric mixer for this step to ensure a lump - free consistency. Once the cream cheese is smooth, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate the eggs evenly and create a rich, creamy filling.
Next, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. The zest contains the essential oils of the lemon, which are packed with flavor. The lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note. Stir in the poppy seeds. The poppy seeds will distribute throughout the filling, giving it a speckled appearance and a pleasant crunch.
Now, it's time to work with the cake mix. Follow the instructions on the box, adding the vegetable oil and water. Mix the cake batter until it's well - combined. Pour half of the cake batter into the greased baking pan. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the pan. Then, pour the cream cheese and poppy seed filling over the cake batter. Use a spatula to spread it gently, making sure it covers the cake batter as much as possible.
Finally, pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling. You can use a knife to swirl the two batters together slightly for a marbled effect, but be careful not to over - mix. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 - 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to cut. You can serve the lemon dump cake warm or at room temperature. It's delicious on its own, but you can also top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
This lemon dump cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a great option for sharing. It's perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple dessert after dinner. The combination of lemon, cream cheese, and poppy seeds creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe, give this lemon dump cake a try. You won't be disappointed!
