Luscious 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Sweet magic happens when simple lemon cream cheese dump cake ingredients collide in one effortless dessert.

Mixing becomes a breeze with just four components waiting to create something spectacular.

Bakers who love minimal effort and maximum flavor will adore this recipe’s simplicity.

Creamy, tangy notes dance alongside buttery cake textures that melt beautifully in your mouth.

Kitchen novices and experienced dessert makers can nail this treat without stress.

Minimal prep means you can whip up a delightful dessert faster than brewing coffee.

Let’s turn these straightforward ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Dump Cake Steps for Lemon Cream Cheese Goodness

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Arena

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Base Layer

  • Lemon pie filling

Grab that can of tangy lemon pie filling and spread it out evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.

Make sure it covers every inch with its sunny goodness.

Step 3: Dot with Creamy Clouds

  • Cream cheese

Take your softened cream cheese and drop delightful spoonfuls all over the lemon filling.

Gently spread these creamy clouds around, but don’t mix them in completely.

Step 4: Shower with Cake Magic

  • Lemon cake mix

Sprinkle the entire bag of lemon cake mix over the cream cheese and filling.

Let it fall like a delicate snow of lemony deliciousness.

Remember – no stirring!

This is the secret to that perfect dump cake texture.

Step 5: Butter the Crown

  • Melted butter

Drizzle the melted butter all over the top of the cake mix.

Use a spoon to press down any dry patches, ensuring every bit gets some buttery love.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top that’s bubbling with excitement.

The kitchen will smell like a lemony paradise!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven.

Scoop it into bowls or onto plates, and get ready for a zesty, creamy dessert that’ll make taste buds dance!

Quick Dump Cake Tips for Lemon Creamy Layers

  • Swap lemon pie filling with another fruit flavor like blueberry or cherry for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
  • Ensure even butter distribution by slowly drizzling it across the cake mix, covering every inch for a moist, delectable dessert.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before preparing to achieve smooth, easy-to-spread consistency.
  • Test cake's readiness by looking for golden-brown edges and bubbling around the sides, which indicate a perfectly baked dump cake.
  • Cool cake for 15 minutes before serving, allowing layers to set and making it easier to scoop out beautiful, creamy portions.

Store Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Store leftover lemon cream cheese dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Transfer frozen cake from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in the oven to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.

Sweet Companions for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Pair with Bright Citrus Cocktail: Mix limoncello, vodka, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water for a zesty drink that echoes the cake's tangy lemon profile and cleanses the palate.
  • Complement with Lavender Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a touch of lavender extract and powdered sugar to create a delicate, floral topping that balances the cake's rich texture.
  • Serve alongside Lemon Sorbet: Scoop cold, refreshing lemon sorbet next to a warm slice, providing a temperature and flavor contrast that enhances the dessert's citrusy notes.
  • Match with Candied Lemon Peel Garnish: Craft thin, sugared lemon peels to sprinkle on top, adding a sophisticated, slightly bitter crunch that elevates the cake's sweetness.

Lemon Dump Cake Shortcut Upgrades

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular lemon cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Swap lemon pie filling with a sugar-free alternative and use a sugar-free cake mix to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diet.
  • Citrus Lover's Remix: Add fresh lemon zest on top before baking and sprinkle with sliced almonds for extra texture and enhanced citrus flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients needed for this lemon cream cheese dump cake?

The key ingredients are lemon pie filling, cream cheese, lemon cake mix, and butter. These 4 simple ingredients create a delicious and easy dessert.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This dump cake is incredibly easy to make. You simply layer ingredients in a pan without mixing, making it perfect for novice bakers who want a foolproof dessert.

  • Can I use different types of pie filling or cake mix?

While the recipe is specifically designed for lemon flavors, you could experiment with other complementary flavors like yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix with different fruit pie fillings. Just maintain the same layering technique.

  • How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top that appears bubbly and set. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the cake mix should be fully absorbed and cooked through, which typically takes 35-40 minutes at 350°F.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with Just Four Ingredients

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delightful dessert in minutes with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious treat without complicated steps.
  • Minimal Ingredients Needed: Simplify your baking with just four ingredients, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Enjoy the tangy brightness of lemon paired with creamy cream cheese, creating a dessert that satisfies sweet tooths and offers a refreshing twist on traditional dump cakes.
  • No-Fuss Baking Technique: Experience the magic of dump cake method – no mixing required! Simply layer ingredients and let the oven transform them into a delectable dessert with minimal hands-on time.

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – Ingredient List

Main Base Ingredients:
  • Lemon Pie Filling: Provides a tangy, sweet foundation for the cake with bright citrus flavor. Canned versions work best for consistent texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor. Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly.
  • Lemon Cake Mix: Creates the cake's structure and enhances the lemon profile. Boxed mix ensures consistent results.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Helps create a crispy, golden top and adds richness. Unsalted butter allows better flavor control.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Optional for easy cake removal and clean-up. Helps prevent sticking and makes serving simpler.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy lemon cream cheese dump cake delivers a zesty, effortless dessert that combines tangy citrus with rich, velvety cheese. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) lemon pie filling
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking vessel by warming the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Distribute the entire lemon pie filling across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even foundational layer.
  3. Gently spread softened cream cheese over the pie filling, using spoonfuls to ensure a consistent coverage that will blend with the underlying citrus base.
  4. Uniformly scatter the lemon cake mix atop the cream cheese layer, maintaining a dry and untouched surface to preserve the traditional dump cake texture.
  5. Carefully drizzle melted butter across the entire cake mix surface, aiming for comprehensive distribution and pressing down any visibly dry cake mix sections to guarantee complete moisture absorption.
  6. Transfer the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a golden, effervescent crust that signals perfect doneness.

Notes

  • Choose room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading and smoother texture across the lemon pie filling.
  • Consider using a light butter alternative or reducing butter quantity for a healthier version without compromising taste.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra elegance and visual appeal after baking.
  • Customize the dessert by experimenting with different pie filling flavors like blueberry or raspberry for variety.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 340 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star