Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Foolproof 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Dessert lovers rejoice as this incredibly simple 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake sweeps you into a world of effortless baking bliss.

No complicated techniques or extensive prep work stand between you and pure lemony delight.

One pan, four ingredients, and minimal effort combine to create a delectable treat that sparkles with bright citrus notes.

The magic happens when cream cheese, cake mix, lemon pie filling, and butter meld together in a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Each bite promises a tangy, creamy experience that melts on your tongue with incredible smoothness.

The rustic charm of this dump cake ensures anyone can achieve bakery-worthy results without breaking a sweat.

Let’s find out this foolproof dessert that will surely become your new go-to recipe for instant sweet satisfaction.

How to Bake a Quick Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

How to Bake a Quick Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
  • Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature that will transform simple ingredients into a magical dessert.

  • Crumbly Foundation

Mix the cake mix with melted butter, creating a sandy texture that will become the base and topping of this dreamy treat.

  • Base Layer

Gently press half of the buttery crumbs into your baking dish, creating a golden foundation for the lemony surprise.

  • Creamy Lemon Filling

Blend softened cream cheese with bright lemon pie filling until silky smooth, ensuring no lumps interrupt the creamy goodness.

  • Filling Spread

Pour the zesty mixture over the crumb base, letting it settle into every delicious corner of the dish.

  • Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumbs across the top, creating a rustic, mouth-watering layer that will turn golden and crisp.

  • Baking Magic

Send your creation into the warm oven, allowing it to transform for 40-45 minutes until it reaches a perfect golden glow.

  • Finishing Touch

Let the cake cool slightly, then slice and serve with a whisper of powdered sugar or a cloud of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Flavor Variations for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Flavor Variations for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
  • Add fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for an extra citrusy punch that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a super smooth and silky filling.
  • Sprinkle fresh blueberries or raspberries between the crumb layers for a fruity flavor explosion that complements the lemon beautifully.
  • Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to make this dessert friendly for those with dietary restrictions without losing an ounce of deliciousness.
  • Drizzle warm caramel sauce or top with toasted almond slivers just before serving to elevate this simple dump cake into a restaurant-worthy dessert that'll impress everyone at the table.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Effortlessly

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Effortlessly
  • Citrusy Brunch Delight: Serve this vibrant lemon cake alongside a fresh fruit salad for a sunshine-filled morning treat that brightens up any weekend gathering.
  • Creamy Dessert Companion: Top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the cake's tangy lemon flavor and create a luxurious, cool contrast.
  • Elegant Tea Time Pairing: Slice into small squares and serve with hot Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated afternoon snack that complements the cake's delicate texture and zesty notes.
  • Festive Garnish Option: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest or edible flowers on top to add a pop of color and extra burst of citrusy aroma that elevates the cake's visual appeal and taste.

Keep Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Moist in Storage

Keep Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Moist in Storage
  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the cake's texture and flavor perfectly intact.
  • Quick Chill Technique: Allow the cake to cool completely before covering to prevent condensation from making the crumb layer soggy and maintaining its delightful crispness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for convenient storage up to 3 weeks – perfect for future sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Serving Temperature Sweet Spot: Enjoy this lemon cream cheese dump cake slightly chilled or at room temperature for the most decadent taste experience, letting the flavors truly shine through.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for 4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

For The Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the classic, fluffy cake foundation with minimal effort and maximum convenience.
  • Lemon Pie Filling: Delivers a vibrant, tangy burst of sunshine that infuses the entire dessert with bright citrus flavor.
For The Creamy Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious richness and a silky smooth texture that balances the sweet and tart elements.
For The Moisture And Binding:
  • Unsalted Butter: Ensures a golden, crisp top while keeping the cake incredibly moist and helping ingredients meld together seamlessly.

Basic Tools to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for spreading out and baking the cake evenly.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake mix and butter to create crumbly texture.
  • Whisk: Great for blending cream cheese and lemon pie filling into a smooth mixture.
  • Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading filling and evening out cake layers.
  • Oven mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dish.
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Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Effortless Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy lemon cream cheese dump cake emerges as a simple dessert dream for busy bakers. Quick assembly and minimal ingredients make this treat a crowd-pleasing choice you’ll want to share with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) softened cream cheese
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 21 oz (595 g) lemon pie filling
  • ½ cup (113 g) melted unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Crumb Foundation: Combine dry cake mix with melted butter, mixing until the texture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs. Spread half of this mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a rustic base layer.
  3. Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: Whisk softened cream cheese and lemon pie filling together in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, eliminating any potential lumps.
  4. Layer Assembly: Carefully pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crumb base, using a spatula to ensure complete and uniform coverage across the entire surface.
  5. Topping Finish: Generously scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the cream cheese layer, allowing for an uneven, textured appearance that will transform during baking.
  6. Baking Process: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a center that slightly wobbles when gently nudged.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and let the dessert rest for 15-20 minutes to set properly. Optional: Enhance with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Notes

  • Butter Blend Technique: Ensure melted butter is fully incorporated into cake mix, creating uneven crumbles that provide a rustic, textured base for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Cream Cheese Smoothing Tip: Whisk cream cheese and lemon filling thoroughly to eliminate lumps, guaranteeing a silky, uniform filling that spreads evenly across the cake.
  • Baking Doneness Check: Watch for golden-brown top and center that slightly jiggles when touched – this indicates perfect moisture and prevents over-baking.
  • Cooling Crucial Step: Let cake rest 15-20 minutes after baking to help set structure, making slicing cleaner and improving overall texture and flavor melding.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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