Description

This 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a delightfully simple and quick dessert, perfect for lemon lovers. With just four ingredients—lemon cake mix, lemon pie filling, cream cheese, and butter—you can create a dessert that combines the tanginess of lemon with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. The result is a golden, slightly crisp top with a luscious, gooey lemon center that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or just short on time, this dump cake is an easy go-to recipe for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can 21 oz lemon pie filling
1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, butter, or oil.
Make the Crumb Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Layer the Crumb Mixture:
Take half of the crumb mixture and evenly distribute it over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lightly press it down to form a solid base.
Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and lemon pie filling until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Cake:
Gently spread the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crumb base in the baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares for serving.
Optional: Dust with confectioners’ sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Customizing Flavor:
For an extra tangy flavor, add some fresh lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the lemon pie filling. If you prefer a sweeter cake, drizzle some sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix before adding the butter.
Cream Cheese:
Be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature before using it. Cold cream cheese can be difficult to spread and may create uneven layers in the cake.
Butter Distribution:
For best results, evenly distribute the butter over the cake mix. Uneven butter distribution can lead to dry spots in the cake, so take care when slicing or pouring the melted butter.
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Serving Suggestions:
This dump cake is delicious on its own, but you can add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation and taste. It’s also perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a quick weeknight dessert.