Are you craving a decadent dessert but short on time and baking skills? Look no further! This cream cheese dump cake recipe is the ultimate answer for those busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients, yet delivers a surprisingly rich and satisfying treat that will impress everyone. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet delicious recipe, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 ounce) can pie filling (your favorite flavor – cherry, apple, peach all work great!)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple prep step ensures your cake releases easily once it's baked.
Making the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, softened cream cheese, and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth. This is where the magic starts! The cream cheese adds incredible moisture and richness.
Adding Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the batter is smooth. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay.
Assembling the Dump Cake:
Pour the entire can of pie filling evenly into the prepared baking pan. This forms the base of your delicious dump cake. Next, pour the cream cheese batter over the top of the pie filling. You don't need to spread it; just let it sit!
Baking the Cake:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly set. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cooling and Serving:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. This allows the cake to set properly and makes it easier to cut. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance, if desired.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
- Soften your cream cheese thoroughly: This is crucial for smooth batter. Leave it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
- Experiment with different pie fillings: Get creative! Blueberry, strawberry, or even chocolate pie filling would make delicious variations.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: Use lemon pie filling and add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This easy cream cheese dump cake is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, although it's definitely a treat! Enjoy this simple yet delicious dessert recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. It's the perfect example of homemade cooking done right, delivering amazing results with minimal effort.