4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s bright, creamy, and so easy you could practically make it with your eyes closed, the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a luscious blend of tangy lemon, velvety cream cheese, and buttery cake, all with barely any prep required! This crowd-pleaser delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any weeknight when a sweet, sunny finish is in order.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients, you get layers of bold lemon flavor and comforting creaminess. Each component plays a starring role—don’t be tempted to skip or swap, you’ll taste the magic in every bite!

• Lemon Cake Mix: Infuses irresistible citrus flavor and creates that classic cake crumb with no measuring or mixing fuss.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Provides a sweet-tart, jammy base that guarantees a punch of real lemon in every spoonful.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Adds a decadent, cheesecake-like tang and creamy pockets woven right into the cake.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Soaks into the cake mix as it bakes, ensuring a golden, tender, buttery finish on top.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—just the right temp for golden, bubbly results. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well, so every slice comes out perfectly and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Spread the Lemon Pie Filling

Dump the entire can of lemon pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. This sets the stage for every creamy, tart bite that follows.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Dollops

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and easy to handle. Drop generous spoonfuls evenly across the lemon pie filling. These creamy clouds create irresistible cheesecake pockets in your dump cake!

Step 4: Sprinkle the Lemon Cake Mix

Next, grab the dry lemon cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the entire dish, covering up the cream cheese dollops and lemon filling. It might look strange not to mix it in, but trust the process—dump cakes are all about that magic layering.

Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, making sure to moisten as much surface area as possible. This is your ticket to the signature golden, crispy top everyone loves in a 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when it’s bubbly around the edges and the top has taken on a gorgeous golden hue. Let it cool slightly so it slices up neatly, or dive in warm for a gooey treat!

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

A finishing touch goes a long way! Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look, add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence, or scatter fresh berries on top to enhance the tart-sweet balance. These simple add-ons take your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake from homey to stunning with almost no effort.

Side Dishes

The creamy, citrusy richness pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for peak comfort food vibes. For a brunchy twist, a bowl of mixed fruit or a side of lemony yogurt is just the thing.

Creative Ways to Present

You’re not limited to casual scoops! Try baking your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or cut into bars for sunny picnic treats. Layer leftovers into a parfait with whipped cream and extra berries for an impromptu trifle that’s as easy as it is impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight.

Freezing

Want to stash some sunshine for later? Let your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Give leftovers new life by warming individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or reheat larger pieces in a 325°F oven until just heated through. This revives the buttery topping and brings the creamy layers back to their best.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While lemon cake mix really highlights the bright flavor in a 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you can experiment with vanilla or even strawberry mix for a fun variation, though the result will be less tart.

Do I have to beat the cream cheese before adding?

Yes, beating the cream cheese first helps create smooth, creamy dollops that melt nicely into the bake. If you skip this step, you might end up with lumps that don’t melt as evenly.

Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?

Certainly! If you have homemade lemon curd, you can use it in place of lemon pie filling for an even bolder citrus punch. Just be sure to use at least 21 ounces to cover your baking dish.

What’s the best way to serve this cake: hot or cold?

This dessert is delicious either way. Warm is gooey and comforting, while chilled gives the cake a firmer texture and a bit more tang. Try both and see which you love most!

Can I make this gluten-free?

You sure can, if you find a good gluten-free lemon cake mix. The 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake recipe is otherwise naturally gluten-free, as the other ingredients generally don’t include wheat.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake lies in its utter simplicity and the sunshine it brings with every bite—no baking skills required, just a big spoon and a love for lemony treats. I hope you’ll give this easy gem a try and share a slice of happiness with your favorite people!

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