Tangy 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Baking a delectable lemon cream cheese dump cake with just four simple ingredients feels like pure magic.

This effortless dessert blends tangy cream cheese with bright lemon flavors in a way that delights every palate.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this straightforward recipe.

The simplicity of combining these ingredients creates a dessert that looks and tastes far more complicated than its preparation suggests.

Each bite promises a creamy, zesty experience that melts in your mouth.

Few desserts can match the ease and satisfaction of this incredible treat.

What Makes This Lemon Dump Cake So Tempting

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combine the tangy zest of lemon with creamy richness, creating a mouthwatering dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Occasion Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats, this dump cake brings comfort and excitement to any table without complicated techniques.
• No-Fuss Baking: Forget complicated mixing methods – simply layer ingredients and let the oven do the work, making it a stress-free option for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Yellow Cake Mix: A sweet and fluffy base for the delightful dessert.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds rich flavor and moisture.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy dairy product that creates a luscious filling.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Bright and zesty citrus mixture that adds a refreshing taste.

• Cooking Spray, Butter, or Oil: Helps prevent the cake from sticking to the baking dish.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Optional sweet and delicate topping for extra elegance.
• Whipped Cream: Optional light and airy garnish for added indulgence.

Quick Steps for a Zesty Lemon Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or a light brush of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create the Crumb Base

• Yellow cake mix
• Melted butter

Stir these ingredients until they transform into a delightful, crumbly texture that looks like sandy beach sand.

Step 4: Spread the First Layer

Scatter half of the crumb mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Gently press down to create a solid foundation for your cake.

Step 5: Whip Up the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Lemon pie filling

Whisk these ingredients until they become smooth and creamy, with no lumps in sight.

Step 6: Layer the Filling

Carefully spread the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crumb base, making sure it covers every inch evenly.

Step 7: Add the Final Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, creating a beautiful, rustic-looking top layer.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a center that’s set just right.

A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for a few minutes to set.

Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a burst of lemony goodness.

Step 10: Optional Finishing Touch

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with confectioners’ sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Tips for Perfect Texture in Lemon Dump Cake

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling.
• Press the first crumb layer gently but firmly to create a stable base that absorbs less moisture from the lemon filling.
• Enhance lemon taste by adding fresh lemon zest or replacing half the lemon pie filling with fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Enjoy this dump cake warm or at room temperature for the best texture and most delicious taste experience. Chilling can make the cake denser and less appealing.
• Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Warm slightly before serving to restore its soft, tender texture.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh powdered sugar after reheating for extra sweetness.
• Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its creamy texture.

Great Pairings for Lemon Dump Cake

• Pair Zesty Citrus Beverage
• Complement the cake's tangy lemon flavor with a refreshing homemade lemonade or sparkling lemon spritzer. The bright, citrusy notes will enhance the dessert's lemony profile and provide a crisp, cooling contrast.
• Suggest Creamy Coffee Companion
• Match the rich cream cheese base with a smooth cappuccino or café latte. The coffee's warm, velvety texture and slight bitterness will beautifully balance the cake's sweet and tart characteristics, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Create Elegant Wine Pairing
• Select a chilled Moscato d'Asti or a light Riesling to accompany the dessert. These sweet, slightly effervescent white wines will harmonize with the cake's lemony sweetness and provide a sophisticated touch to your dessert course.
• Recommend Herbal Tea Option
• Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea to serve alongside the cake. The subtle floral notes will softly complement the lemon's brightness and the cream cheese's richness, offering a soothing and elegant pairing.

Delicious Takes on This 4-Ingredient Lemon Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based butter substitute.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of cake mix, replace sugar with erythritol, and add low-carb lemon extract.
• Vegan Option: Utilize vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and egg-free cake mix with coconut whipped cream as a topping.

FAQs

• What makes this dump cake different from traditional cakes?

This dump cake is incredibly simple to make, requiring only 4 ingredients and minimal preparation. You don’t need mixing skills or fancy techniques – just layer the ingredients and bake.

• Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Yes, you can experiment with other pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or apple. The lemon is delicious, but other flavors will work perfectly with the cream cheese and cake mix base.

• Do I need any special baking equipment for this recipe?

No special equipment is needed. You’ll only require a 9×13-inch baking dish, a mixing bowl, and basic measuring tools. Even beginner bakers can easily make this dessert.

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

Look for a golden brown top and a set center. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The total baking time is around 40-45 minutes at 350°F.

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lemon cream cheese dump cake brings zesty sunshine to dessert tables with minimal effort. Creamy, tangy layers meld perfectly, creating a simple yet irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can 21 ounces (595 grams) lemon pie filling
• 1 package 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Butter Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) 113 grams unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking lubricant.
2. Create a textural base by combining yellow cake mix with melted butter in a spacious mixing vessel, working the ingredients until they form loose, gravelly clusters.
3. Distribute half of the crumbly mixture across the baking dish’s bottom, gently compressing to establish a sturdy foundation.
4. Craft the zesty filling by whisking softened cream cheese and lemon pie filling until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
5. Delicately spread the lemon cream cheese mixture over the initial crumb layer, ensuring uniform coverage across the surface.
6. Scatter the remaining crumb mixture atop the lemon filling, creating an even, rustic topping.
7. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 40-45 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden hue and the interior sets completely.
8. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with minimal moist remnants or appear clean.
9. Rest the baked creation briefly, then slice into individual servings.
10. Enhance the presentation by dusting with powdered sugar or accompanying with a cloud of whipped cream if desired.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Reduce butter quantity by half for a lighter version without compromising texture.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest directly into the cream cheese mixture for extra citrusy brightness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg