4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a bright slice of sunshine and comes together with almost no fuss, then the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your new best friend. This tangy, creamy, and effortlessly sweet cake layers luscious lemon pie filling and smooth cream cheese under a golden crust made from lemon cake mix and butter. It’s a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a texture that is both moist and cake-like, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want something quick and spectacular, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake lies in its handful of pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the table. With just four essentials, you’re crafting a dessert with vibrant flavor, creamy richness, and that perfect melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

• Lemon cake mix: Provides a light, citrusy base that bakes up into a beautifully golden crust with a tender crumb.
• Lemon pie filling: Adds that juicy, zesty lemon punch and a wonderfully gooey layer of sweetness that keeps the cake moist.
• Cream cheese (softened): Brings a dreamy, silky creaminess that balances the tart lemon with a slight tang and richness.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Ensures the topping crisps up perfectly and adds a lovely richness without overpowering the flavors.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish – this step is key to ensuring nothing sticks and your cake can be served up in perfect slices.

Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling

Spread the entire can of lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This juicy base layer is what gives the cake its signature tart flavor and luscious texture that will shine through once baked.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Dollops

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and spreadable. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese over the pie filling in a scattering pattern. Don’t worry about covering every inch; these pockets of creaminess will create delightful surprise bites throughout the cake.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Lemon Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the cream cheese layer, being careful not to mix it in. This layer acts as the crumbly, cakey topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling beneath.

Step 5: Pour Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This crucial step ensures that the cake topping bakes to a golden, buttery crisp with just the right amount of richness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and you see bubbling around the edges—a sign that it’s juicy and cooked through.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing, so the layers settle nicely. This cake tastes wonderful warm but is also delicious at room temperature. For an extra touch, feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

This cake is already bursting with flavor, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a cloud of freshly whipped cream can add a lovely delicate finish. For a fresh, vibrant touch, scatter some thin lemon zest curls or a few edible flowers on top—instant charm that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

The bright flavor of this lemon cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries. You could also serve it alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee to balance the sweetness with a warm, comforting note.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning warm slices into small dessert bowls, topped with a drizzle of honey or a sprig of mint for an elegant look. If you want to impress guests, serve the cake layered with whipped cream and fresh lemon segments in glass parfait cups. It’s a delightful way to showcase the layers and elevate this easy dessert to a fancy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, let the cake cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or special gatherings.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this cake by wrapping slices individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen, it keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through. This will bring back the cake’s soft, gooey texture and melt that cream cheese to creamy perfection again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Absolutely! While lemon cake mix enhances the citrus profile of this dump cake, using a yellow or vanilla cake mix can create a milder, but still delicious variation. Just know that the lemon pie filling will remain the star flavor.

Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?

Yes, softening the cream cheese helps it spread evenly and blend smoothly with the other ingredients. Room temperature cream cheese also prevents clumps, ensuring every bite is creamy and luscious.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

You sure can! This cake actually benefits from a little time to allow the flavors to meld. Just prepare it, bake, let it cool, and then refrigerate. Serve chilled or warmed slightly when ready.

What is the texture of this dump cake?

This dessert is a delightful combination of creamy, gooey lemon pie filling and smooth cream cheese beneath a tender, slightly crisp cake topping. It’s moist but with a satisfying crumb, offering an irresistible contrast in every bite.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control the exact salt level in your dessert, salted butter can also work in a pinch. Just remember to reduce any additional salt if your recipe called for it elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about how just four simple ingredients come together to make the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake so irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of dessert that feels personal and comforting, yet impressive enough to serve guests without any stress. So, don’t wait—grab those ingredients and give this sunny, creamy cake a whirl! I promise it’ll brighten your day and become a recipe you turn to time and again.

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