Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumble Dump Cake (Rich, Buttery & Perfectly Spiced)

If you are looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a cross between cinnamon coffee cake and cheesecake bars, this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumble Dump Cake is exactly what you need. It’s soft, creamy, buttery, and layered with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite.

This recipe is perfect for holidays, weekend baking, potlucks, brunch tables, or anytime you want a homemade dessert without complicated steps. The best part? It uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly, yet tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

The combination of a buttery crumble base, sweet cinnamon cream cheese filling, golden crumb topping, and a delicate sugar glaze creates a dessert that is comforting, rich, and completely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Extremely easy to prepare
No mixer required (though helpful)
Soft and creamy cheesecake-style center
Buttery cinnamon crumble topping
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Simple pantry ingredients
Family-friendly and crowd-approved

This dessert is called a “dump cake” because it requires minimal preparation and simple layering. However, the flavor and texture feel anything but basic.

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 tablespoons water or milk (for glaze)

Kitchen Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Medium mixing bowls
Hand mixer or whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. For easier removal and cleanup, you may line the pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crumble Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted butter.

Stir using a fork or spatula until the mixture becomes crumbly. It should look like coarse crumbs and clump slightly when pressed between your fingers.

This mixture will serve as both the base and the topping.

Take half of the crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates the foundation of your cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, add:

Softened cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon

Beat the mixture until completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. Using room-temperature cream cheese is very important for achieving a silky texture.

The cinnamon gives the filling a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet buttery base.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the pressed cake mix layer. Use a spatula to smooth it evenly across the surface.

Next, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Do not press it down. Keeping it loose helps create that classic crumb topping texture.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.

The top should turn lightly golden brown, and the edges may appear slightly bubbly. The center should be set but still soft.

Avoid overbaking, as this may dry out the cake and make the cream cheese layer less creamy.

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15–20 minutes before adding the glaze.

Preparing the Sweet Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of water or milk.

Stir until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops of liquid at a time. If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm cake in thin lines or a zigzag pattern.

The glaze adds a beautiful finish and an extra layer of sweetness.

Texture and Flavor Profile

This cake has multiple delicious layers:

A buttery, slightly crisp base
A soft and creamy cinnamon cheesecake center
A golden crumble topping
A sweet, smooth glaze finish

It is rich but not overwhelming, sweet but balanced, and full of warm cinnamon flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake can be served:

Warm for a gooey texture
At room temperature for clean slices
With vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
With whipped cream
Alongside coffee or tea

It makes a wonderful brunch addition or after-dinner dessert.

Helpful Baking Tips

Always soften cream cheese before mixing
Do not press the top crumble layer
Let the cake rest before slicing
Add extra cinnamon if you love a stronger spice flavor
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch

Optional Variations

You can easily customize this recipe:

Add apple pie filling for an apple cinnamon version
Swirl caramel sauce into the cream cheese layer
Use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix
Add nutmeg for deeper warm spice notes
Mix brown sugar into the crumble for a richer flavor

Storage Instructions

Because of the cream cheese layer, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds.

You can also freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans.

Does it have to be refrigerated?
Yes, because it contains cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumble Dump Cake is one of those effortless desserts that looks impressive and tastes even better. The buttery crumble, creamy cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze create a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

It’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.