4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If there’s one sunny dessert guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face, it has to be the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This crowd-pleasing treat is like a little burst of lemony joy in every bite, balancing zingy lemon, rich cream cheese, and a buttery crumb with hardly any effort at all. Whether you’re crunched for time or need something unique for your next gathering, this whimsical cake delivers maximum flavor and swoon-worthy texture for minimal fuss. Grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to dessert happiness, sometimes less is more. The ingredients in 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake are humble but magical, each playing a key role in the cake’s irresistible layers of flavor and texture.

• Lemon Cake Mix: The secret shortcut for instant citrus cake flavor and a perfectly crumbly top.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Brings a bold, sunny lemon tang, juicy pockets, and gorgeous color to every slice.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Adds rich creaminess and a slight tang that beautifully tames the citrus.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Seeps down for buttery-moist crumbs and ensures everything bakes together luxuriously.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light mist of nonstick spray or a gentle rub with butter. This simple step keeps every square of that golden, lemony cake ready to slide right out without sticking.

Step 2: Spread the Lemon Pie Filling

Open up your can of lemon pie filling and spread it all over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Give it a little nudge right into the corners to ensure every bite is packed with bright, zesty flavor.

Step 3: Dollop on the Cream Cheese

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and luscious. Using a spoon, drop small dollops evenly over the lemon pie filling. No need to spread or swirl—it will melt into creamy pockets while baking.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Grab your boxed lemon cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling. Don’t stir; just scatter loosely for the magic “dump cake” effect—the dry mix creates a golden, lightly crisp topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Pour the Butter and Bake

Finish by pouring the melted butter evenly all over the cake mix surface, hitting as many dry spots as you can. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges bubble with tangy, buttery goodness.

Step 6: Let Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps those irresistibly gooey layers settle just enough to slice and serve—pure comfort in a baking dish!

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

Give your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake a little extra love with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or some thinly sliced lemons on top. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries also make a beautiful finishing touch that echoes the cake’s bright, tangy flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or tangy Greek yogurt for contrast. If you want to lean into the citrus theme, offer alongside a fruit salad featuring oranges and berries—the refreshing, tart notes balance the sweet richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

You can portion the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake into individual ramekins before baking for special occasions or dinner parties. Serve it in clear glass cups to show off the pretty layers, or top each piece with crushed shortbread cookies for extra decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a sweet solution for easy desserts all week.

Freezing

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or want to prep in advance), you can freeze this cake! Wrap individual servings snugly in plastic and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re craving a sunny treat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked texture, simply warm your slice of dump cake in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or pop it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. That buttery, lemony aroma will be just as enchanting the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While lemon cake mix gives the signature zing of a 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you can experiment with white or vanilla cake mix for a milder flavor, or even try strawberry for a fun twist.

What if I can’t find lemon pie filling?

If lemon pie filling is unavailable, try using a jar of lemon curd thinned out with a splash of water—or substitute with another fruit filling like blueberry or cherry for a different but still delicious result.

Does the cream cheese need to be softened?

Yes! Softened cream cheese is essential for easy dolloping and ensures it melts smoothly into delicious creamy pockets as the cake bakes. If you forget to soften it, microwave it in short bursts until just spreadable.

Can I make the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake gluten-free?

You can! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free lemon (or vanilla) cake mix. Double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free and you’re set to enjoy this treat without worry.

Is it necessary to mix the layers before baking?

Not at all—resist the urge to stir! The “dump” style layering is what creates the unique texture of 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, with gooey, creamy, and crumbly bites in every serving.

Final Thoughts

Brilliantly simple desserts like the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake are meant to be shared and savored with people you love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, give this cheerful, citrusy cake a try and watch it become a fast favorite at your table.

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