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4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: The Ultimate Easy Dessert
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with flavor but requires almost no effort, this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake will quickly become your new favorite. Forget about complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen. This cake brings together the sweet tang of lemon, the richness of cream cheese, and the convenience of a boxed cake mix—all in one dish and with less than 10 minutes of prep time. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, family gathering, or just because you want something bright and comforting, this dump cake is here to make life a little sweeter.
What is a Dump Cake?
Dump cakes are a unique American dessert tradition, bridging the gap between a cobbler and a cake. Instead of fussing over mixing bowls and electric beaters, you literally “dump” your ingredients into a baking dish, bake, and end up with a gooey, satisfying treat. The magic of a dump cake is in its simplicity: a pie filling forms the fruity base, cubes of cream cheese create pockets of creamy richness, a boxed cake mix delivers a sweet, tender crumb, and melted butter brings everything together for a golden, slightly crisp topping.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This recipe checks all the boxes for a great dessert. With only four ingredients, you don’t have to worry about tracking down specialty items. The prep is so minimal that anyone—regardless of baking experience—can pull off a successful, crowd-pleasing cake. Each bite offers the brightness of lemon, the creamy tang of cream cheese, and a buttery cake layer on top. The result is a warm, spoonable dessert that’s both homey and indulgent.
- Super quick: Just layer, drizzle, and bake.
- Bold lemon flavor: Perfectly sweet-tart and refreshing.
- No fancy equipment: No stand mixer or special tools required.
- Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, or extra zest to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 cans lemon pie filling (21 oz each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: Grated lemon zest, a handful of fresh berries, powdered sugar for dusting, or a dollop of whipped cream for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Lemon Filling
Spread both cans of lemon pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out to the edges.
3. Dot with Cream Cheese
Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes, about 1 inch each. Scatter the cubes evenly over the lemon filling. Don’t worry if it looks uneven—these cubes will melt into creamy, tangy pockets as the cake bakes.
4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Pour the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the lemon filling and cream cheese layer. Gently shake the pan or use your hand to level the surface, but do not mix or stir.
5. Drizzle with Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter across the surface, aiming to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible. Some dry spots are okay; these will bake up into a lightly crunchy topping.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the center of your oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should turn golden and the edges will bubble. The middle may look a little gooey—this is exactly how you want it for that classic dump cake texture.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This helps it set, making it easier to scoop or slice. Serve warm with a spoon for a cozy dessert, or let it cool to room temperature for neater slices.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon cream cheese dump cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with a few simple touches:
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a classic bakery look.
- For a fresh twist, drizzle with a quick lemon glaze (just mix powdered sugar and lemon juice).
Creative Variations
While the classic four-ingredient version is a winner, don’t be afraid to make it your own:
- Try with blueberry or cherry pie filling for a fruity variation.
- Swap lemon cake mix for white or yellow cake mix for a lighter flavor.
- Add sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top before baking for a nutty crunch.
- Mix a teaspoon of lemon extract into the filling for extra lemon punch.
- Use a gluten-free cake mix if you need a gluten-free dessert option.
Tips for Success
- Do not stir the layers—the magic happens as it bakes.
- If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it melts evenly.
- Let the cake rest after baking for a set, scoopable texture.
Storage & Leftovers
- Room temperature: Cover and store for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave if you like it warm.
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Troubleshooting
- Dry spots of cake mix: A few are normal, but if you prefer, spritz lightly with cooking spray halfway through baking.
- Runny center: Let the cake cool longer to set, or bake an extra 5–10 minutes if needed.
- Uneven baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. This lemon cream cheese dump cake is a testament to the magic of simple baking: four ingredients, a single dish, and almost no cleanup. The result is a dessert that’s bright, creamy, and comforting, sure to win over friends, family, or anyone lucky enough to get a taste.
Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick weeknight treat, or want to impress without the stress, keep this dump cake in your back pocket. You’ll be amazed at how often you return to it—especially when you want something sweet, easy, and full of sunny lemon flavor.
Final Thoughts
Not every dessert needs to be complicated to be memorable. With this 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake, you get all the comfort of a homemade treat with none of the hassle. It’s the perfect balance of tangy lemon, luscious cream cheese, and buttery cake—just right for any season and any crowd. Give it a try, and watch it disappear!