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.