4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

The Easiest 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe Ever

Lemon cream cheese dump cake crafts baking complexity into pure culinary simplicity.

Minimal effort meets maximum satisfaction in this brilliantly crafted sweet sensation.

Effortless preparation guarantees a dessert that sparkles with bright citrus notes and rich, creamy undertones.

Soft, tender textures meld seamlessly with a golden, crumbly surface that promises delectable comfort.

Convenient ingredients combine to create a magical treat that feels both homemade and sophisticated.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate this humble dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Your next crowd-pleasing dessert awaits with irresistible potential.

Why 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Is the Ultimate Shortcut

Why 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Is the Ultimate Shortcut
  • Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This dump cake delivers gourmet-style dessert with minimal kitchen effort, requiring just four ingredients and simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master.
  • Burst of Bright Flavors: Zesty lemon and creamy cheese create a tantalizing flavor combination that dances between tangy and sweet, offering a refreshing twist on traditional desserts.
  • Texture Symphony: Expect a delightful contrast between the crispy, buttery crumb topping and the smooth, velvety lemon cream cheese filling that melts deliciously in your mouth.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous dessert cravings, this cake serves a crowd and comes together faster than traditional layered desserts, making it a stress-free entertaining solution.

Ingredients Behind This Bright and Creamy Lemon Dump Cake

Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the foundational texture and sweetness for the dump cake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cake mix into crumbly layers.
Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Brings creamy, tangy flavor and smooth consistency to the dessert.
  • Lemon Pie Filling: Delivers bright, citrusy taste and helps create a luscious, zesty layer.
Optional Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar: Offers a light, sweet finish and decorative touch to the dessert.
  • Whipped Cream: Provides a cool, creamy complement to the lemony cake.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with No Fuss

How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with No Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumb Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and well-blended.

Step 3: Form Initial Cake Layer

Spread and press half of the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation for the cake.

Step 4: Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Lemon pie filling

Mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully incorporated, with no lumps.

Step 5: Add Filling Layer

Carefully pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crumb base, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumbs

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, creating a delicious crumbly topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a set filling.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Tips for Getting That Perfect Tangy-Sweet Bite in Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Tips for Getting That Perfect Tangy-Sweet Bite in Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
  • Crumb Creation Secret: Ensure butter is fully melted and mix thoroughly with cake mix for perfectly textured, evenly distributed crumbs that provide a delightful base and topping.
  • Cream Cheese Smoothness: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to guarantee a lump-free, silky-smooth filling.
  • Lemon Zest Boost: For extra tangy flavor, consider adding fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture before spreading it over the base.
  • Golden Brown Perfection: Watch the cake closely during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and achieve a beautiful golden color.
  • Cooling Technique: Let the cake rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier, creating clean, picture-perfect servings.

How to Store and Reheat 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Without Drying

How to Store and Reheat 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Without Drying
  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.
  • Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power, or reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's delicate texture and prevent dried-out edges.

Drinks and Sides That Pair with Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Zesty Lemon Sorbet Companion: Pair this creamy dump cake with a bright, tangy lemon sorbet to amplify the citrusy notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery cake.
  • Crisp White Wine Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the cake's lemony brightness, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the dessert's zesty profile.
  • Lavender Tea Delight: Brew a delicate lavender tea that echoes the cake's floral undertones, offering a soothing herbal counterpoint to the sweet and tangy dessert.
  • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Topping: Crown the warm dump cake with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a luxurious blend of warm cake and cool, creamy sweetness that melts beautifully together.

Flavor Ideas That Elevate Your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Flavor Ideas That Elevate Your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
  • Tropical Paradise: Swap lemon pie filling with passion fruit or mango puree for a vibrant, exotic flavor that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach.
  • Berry Bliss: Replace lemon with mixed berry pie filling, creating a luscious, ruby-red dessert bursting with sweet and tangy berry goodness.
  • Chocolate Dream: Substitute lemon pie filling with chocolate pudding and add cocoa powder to the crumb mixture for a rich, decadent chocolate lover's version.
  • Spiced Autumn: Mix in pumpkin pie filling and sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the crumbs for a cozy, warm dessert that captures fall's essence.
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4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Lemon cream cheese dump cake delivers a zesty, creamy dessert with minimal effort. Simple ingredients combine into a delightful Southern-style treat that melts in your mouth and fills kitchens with irresistible citrus comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Topping:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) melted unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch (23 centimeters by 33 centimeters) baking dish and heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Empty the dry cake mix into a large mixing bowl and pour in the melted butter, stirring until the mixture transforms into coarse, uneven crumbles.
  3. Distribute approximately half of the buttery crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a rustic foundational layer.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and lemon pie filling using a whisk, continuing until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency without any lumps.
  5. Gently cascade the tangy lemon cream cheese mixture over the crumb base, using a spatula to ensure complete and even coverage.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture across the top, allowing for a textured, uneven landscape that will transform during baking.
  7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a set center that slightly jiggles when nudged.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool for 15-20 minutes, which helps it set and makes slicing easier.
  9. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or accompany with a dollop of whipped cream before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

  • Discover a foolproof dessert that combines tangy lemon and creamy cheese with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick preparation means you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying this crowd-pleasing treat.
  • Swap traditional complex cake techniques for this simple dump-and-bake method that guarantees delicious results every single time.
  • Versatile recipe allows easy customization with different pie fillings or cake mix variations for endless flavor possibilities.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, letting the flavors meld and intensify with each passing moment.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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