4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert! With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can create a bright, tangy, and creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of zesty lemon, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping makes every bite irresistible. Ideal for busy days, potlucks, or last-minute gatherings, this dessert is as effortless as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lemon pie filling
• Cream cheese, softened
• Yellow cake mix
• Unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling, spacing them evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and lemon filling layers.
5. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, ensuring as much coverage as possible.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
7. Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Berry Twist: Add a layer of fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the lemon pie filling.
• Coconut Delight: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking for extra texture and tropical flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for a gluten-free dessert.
• Zesty Boost: Add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. You can also enjoy this dump cake cold, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?

Yes, homemade lemon curd works well, but the texture may be slightly different.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese?

Yes, softened cream cheese is easier to dollop and will melt more evenly during baking.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! White or lemon cake mix are great alternatives for a different flavor twist.

What if I don’t have melted butter?

You can use sliced cold butter placed evenly over the cake mix, but melted butter ensures better coverage.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving if desired.

Is this dessert best served warm or cold?

It tastes great both ways! Warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite.

Can I add nuts for crunch?

Yes, chopped pecans or almonds sprinkled on top before baking add a nice crunch.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I freeze dump cake?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Do I need to mix the ingredients together?

No mixing required! Just layer the ingredients as instructed, and the magic happens in the oven.

Conclusion

This 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake is a quick, simple, and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s bursting with tangy citrus flavor and creamy richness. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Enjoy the ease of making it and the delicious results every time!

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