Introduction
If you’re searching for an easy dessert that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your answer. This dessert is not only incredibly simple to make, but it’s also irresistibly delicious. The combination of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors, and with only a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the results. Perfect for last-minute guests, family gatherings, or just treating yourself, this dump cake will become your go-to dessert.
The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity — you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan and bake. No need for fancy techniques or multiple steps. This version uses lemon to give a bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the cheesecake-like middle layer. Plus, it’s made using boxed cake mix, which means less fuss and more enjoyment!
Ingredients
- 1 box of lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 can (21 oz) of lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the Lemon Filling
Open the can of lemon pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the tangy base of your cake.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You can also use a hand mixer to make it easier. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling. Try to spread it evenly across the top to ensure every bite has a bit of creaminess.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, open the box of lemon cake mix and sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the entire pan. Make sure the cake mix completely covers the layers of lemon pie filling and cream cheese.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. The butter helps to create a golden, crumbly topping as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. The butter and cake mix will form a buttery, crumbly crust while the cream cheese and lemon create a creamy layer underneath.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on your preference.
Cooking Note
This cake is incredibly versatile. If you’re a fan of extra tartness, feel free to add some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture or the pie filling. For added flavor and texture, you could also mix in some fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries before baking.
The top of the cake may look uneven or slightly bumpy after baking — don’t worry! That’s completely normal and adds to the rustic charm of this dessert.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
If serving warm, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tangy, sweet flavors. This cake is also fantastic served chilled, allowing the flavors to fully set and blend together.
Tips
- Substitute fruit fillings: While lemon pie filling brings a delightful tang, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or strawberry for different flavors.
- Use a different cake mix: If lemon isn’t your favorite, try using yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix instead. Each one adds its own unique flavor to the dessert.
- Cream cheese alternatives: For a slightly lighter option, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese without losing too much of the creamy texture.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 40-45 minutes
Total Time:
- 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Conclusion
The 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and sweet flavors, with minimal effort involved. Whether you need a quick dessert for a family gathering or want to treat yourself to a simple yet decadent dish, this cake has you covered. The ingredients are likely already in your pantry, and the steps are foolproof, making this an excellent recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy the compliments that come with serving this delicious treat — your guests don’t need to know how easy it was to make!
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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box of lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 can (21 oz) of lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the Lemon Filling
Open the can of lemon pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the tangy base of your cake.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You can also use a hand mixer to make it easier. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling. Try to spread it evenly across the top to ensure every bite has a bit of creaminess.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, open the box of lemon cake mix and sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the entire pan. Make sure the cake mix completely covers the layers of lemon pie filling and cream cheese.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. The butter helps to create a golden, crumbly topping as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. The butter and cake mix will form a buttery, crumbly crust while the cream cheese and lemon create a creamy layer underneath.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Protein: 4g