Name: 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can lemon pie filling (approximately 21 ounces); 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces); 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s incredibly simple, yet bursting with bright, tangy flavor and irresistibly creamy texture, the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your new best friend. This dessert is a showstopper with minimal effort by using pantry staples that come together in a snap, delivering a luscious lemony punch paired perfectly with smooth cream cheese and a golden, buttery cake topping. Perfect for busy days or unexpected guests, this dump cake proves that sometimes less really is more when it comes to homemade treats!

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are four straightforward ingredients that do the heavy lifting in flavor and texture, making this dessert a breeze to prepare. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tang of the lemon to the richness of the cream cheese, and the cake mix’s sweet, tender crumb that bakes to golden perfection.

Cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that balances the lemon’s tartness beautifully.
Lemon pie filling: Supplies that bright, zesty citrus flavor and a smooth, jam-like texture.
Yellow cake mix: Adds a sweet, soft crumb topping that crisps up delightfully in the oven.
Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures that the cake mix bakes into a golden, buttery crust and keeps everything moist.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat your Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for ensuring the dump cake cooks evenly, creating that perfect balance between a soft center and a crispy top.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and free of lumps. This smoothness will help the cream cheese layer spread evenly and meld with the lemon filling underneath, adding a rich, velvety texture to every bite.

Step 3: Spread the Lemon Pie Filling

Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom. This layer forms the zesty foundation of the cake and ensures every slice will have bursts of that signature lemon flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Layer

Spoon dollops of the beaten cream cheese over the lemon filling and gently spread to cover as much of the lemon as possible. Don’t worry about being perfect here; some lemon peeking through only adds character and extra tang!

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly distribute the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Try to cover the entire surface to create a consistent crust that will bake to golden perfection on top.

Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter

Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This step might feel like the secret to magic because that butter is what turns the dry cake mix into a beautifully crisp, buttery topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown, bubbly top—the sign of all your layers melding perfectly into a deliciously moist and flavorful cake.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This resting time helps the layers set so it’s easier to cut and enhances the flavors.

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

To take your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake from simple to stunning, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. The whipped cream adds an airy lightness, while the zest amps up the citrus brightness for an eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

This dump cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries. The creamy ice cream contrasts the tangy lemon while the berries add a fresh, fruity note that enhances the overall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by serving this cake in individual glasses or mason jars for a rustic yet charming presentation. Layer small pieces with a bit of whipped cream between for a trifle-inspired dessert that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover dump cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it even tastier if you can wait that long.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions of the cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. Frozen dump cake stays good for about 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm leftover 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds for individual servings or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Reheating revives the buttery crust and brings back that delightful fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors of pie filling?

Absolutely! While lemon is bright and refreshing, this dump cake is flexible—try cherry, blueberry, or even apple pie filling for a tasty twist on the classic.

Do I have to use yellow cake mix?

Nope! You can experiment with vanilla or even white cake mix depending on your preference, but yellow cake mix adds the perfect balance of sweetness and color for this recipe.

What if my cream cheese isn’t softened?

Softened cream cheese is key for easy mixing and smooth texture. If it’s not softened, place it in the microwave in short bursts (10 seconds at a time) until pliable but not melted.

Is this dessert suitable for kids?

Definitely! It’s a kid-friendly dessert because it’s sweet, creamy, and fun to eat, plus it doesn’t have any complicated or intimidating ingredients.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish if needed. Keep the same baking temperature but check doneness a bit earlier or later, as ovens vary.

Final Thoughts

The 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want a dessert that feels special but requires almost no effort. It’s a delightful combination of tart, creamy, and buttery goodness that can brighten any day. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll be as hooked as I am—so go ahead and give it a whirl. Your taste buds will thank you!

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightful combination of tangy lemon pie filling, smooth cream cheese, buttery yellow cake mix, and melted butter. Perfect for a quick dessert, it bakes up with a golden, bubbly top and a creamy, luscious center. Serve it warm or chilled for a refreshing treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

1 can lemon pie filling (approximately 21 ounces)
1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)

Cake

1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cake evenly.
Prepare Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, making it easy to spread.
Layer Lemon Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating the first layer of the dessert.
Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the lemon filling in dollops, then gently spread it to cover the lemon layer evenly but without mixing them together.
Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer, ensuring the entire surface is covered for consistent baking.
Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, which helps create a golden, crisp crust as it bakes.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is cooked through.
Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve: Enjoy the cake warm or chilled. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream or fresh lemon zest for extra flavor and presentation.
Store Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

For best results, use softened cream cheese for smooth layering.
You can substitute lemon pie filling with homemade lemon curd for a fresher taste.
The cake can be served warm or chilled, and it tastes delicious both ways.
Adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top enhances the lemon flavor.
Store leftovers properly covered in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American