Oh, friends — I’m so excited you’re here because this recipe is sunshine in dessert form! 🍋✨ This 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is everything we love about easy baking — creamy, sweet, tangy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. It’s rich yet refreshing, simple yet totally irresistible.
If you’ve been craving a no-fuss dessert that looks (and tastes) like something from a bakery, you’re going to adore this one. And if you love easy dump cakes and shortcut sweets, make sure to subscribe below — I’d love to send you more quick, crowd-pleasing desserts like this right to your inbox!
Overview of the Recipe
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is one of those magical recipes where you just layer everything, bake, and watch it transform into a luscious, golden dessert with ribbons of creamy cheesecake filling and zesty lemon. It’s bright, buttery, and beautifully balanced — the perfect mix of tangy and sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 4 ingredients! Simple, pantry-friendly, and budget-friendly.
- No mixing required: Literally just layer and bake.
- Perfect for any occasion: Easy enough for weeknights, elegant enough for guests.
- Sweet, tangy, creamy: Every bite is sunshine and comfort rolled into one.
What It Tastes Like
Soft and gooey with bursts of lemon pie filling and pockets of velvety cream cheese under a buttery, golden cake topping. It’s like a cross between a lemon cheesecake and a cobbler — pure dessert bliss!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Fast prep — ready for the oven in 10 minutes.
- Great for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
- Serves a crowd (and everyone asks for seconds).
- Delicious warm or chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or spoon
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Oven mitts (it gets bubbly and golden!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Cream Cheese
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the dish. It doesn’t need to be perfect — it will melt into creamy goodness as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. No stirring!
Step 4: Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible — this helps everything bake evenly and golden.
Step 5: Top with Lemon Pie Filling
Spoon the lemon pie filling evenly over the top. It will bubble and caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly while keeping that luscious, gooey texture we all love.
What to Serve With Lemon Dump Cake
This bright, creamy dessert is heavenly on its own, but it’s even better with:
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream 🍦
- Fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness
- A drizzle of white chocolate sauce or lemon glaze for extra flair
Tips for Success
- Use softened cream cheese: It spreads more easily and melts evenly.
- Don’t overbake: You want the edges golden and the center slightly gooey.
- Try different cake mixes: Vanilla or white cake mix also works beautifully.
- Want extra tang? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pie filling before layering.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or oven for a just-baked texture.
General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix the ingredients instead of layering?
A: You can, but the beauty of a dump cake is the distinct layers — the cream cheese melts and the cake mix forms a crumbly, buttery top when left as is.
Q: Can I use a different pie filling?
A: Absolutely! Try blueberry, cherry, or strawberry for a fun twist.
Q: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, though it will be slightly less rich — still delicious!
Conclusion
This 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible. Creamy, tangy, buttery, and bursting with sunshine-bright flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any time of year.
If you loved this one, try my No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie or Pineapple Cream Cheese Dump Cake next — both are just as easy and utterly irresistible! 🍋💛
Interactive Element
Made this recipe? I’d love to see your creation!
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⭐ Don’t forget to leave a review below — your feedback helps others find this sweet and simple gem.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 29g
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