Name: 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake 🍋
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 can lemon pie filling (21 ounces); 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces, softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a fresh, homemade dessert wafting through the house. And when that dessert is a 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you just know you’re in for a treat. I remember the first time I made this cake; I was having one of those days when I wanted something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. A dear friend shared this recipe with me, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a family gathering or a lazy Sunday afternoon.

This recipe has become my go-to for those spontaneous dessert cravings or when I have guests coming over with little notice. Its simplicity does not compromise the indulgent flavors and textures it delivers. Every time I serve it, there are smiles all around, and plates are licked clean!

Why You’ll Love This Dessert
The Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
What to Serve With This Dessert
Storage & Leftover Tips

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Simplicity at Its Best: With just four ingredients, this cake is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip this up. It’s a wonderful recipe for beginners or those who claim they can’t bake. Even if you’ve never cracked an egg, this cake is foolproof, delivering consistent results every time.
Quick Prep Time: Spend less time in the kitchen with a prep time of just about 10 minutes. Perfect for those busy days when you want something quick yet delicious. You could almost say it’s as easy as making a pot of coffee! This minimal prep means more time enjoying the dessert and less time cleaning up.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and cream cheese creates a delightful balance of tart and creamy, making each bite irresistible. The lemon provides a refreshing zing, while the cream cheese offers a luscious, smooth contrast. This dynamic duo makes for a refreshing dessert that’s not overly sweet or too tangy.
Family-Friendly: This cake is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to the joys of baking. They love helping to sprinkle the cake mix or drizzle the butter – supervised, of course! Baking this cake can be a fun family activity, creating cherished memories and delicious results.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, picnic, or potluck, this cake fits right in with its comforting and inviting taste. Its ease of transport makes it a favorite for gatherings where you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert. With its vibrant lemon flavor and creamy texture, it stands out on any dessert table.

The Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can (21 ounces) lemon pie filling
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect environment for your cake to bake evenly. Preheating is essential to avoid any uneven cooking or raw centers. An accurate oven temperature is the first step to baking success.
Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use a bit of melted butter or a non-stick spray to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking. This step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup. A well-prepared pan is crucial for achieving a clean release.
Layer the Ingredients: Begin by spreading the lemon pie filling evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish. Next, dot the softened cream cheese over the lemon filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect, as the beauty of a dump cake is its rustic charm. This step is where the magic begins – don’t stress about making it look perfect!
Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and lemon filling layers. Do not mix; just layer the ingredients on top of each other. This creates a delightful crumbly texture on top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers beneath. The cake mix transforms into a golden, buttery crust as it bakes.
Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, ensuring most of the mix is moistened. The butter will help the cake mix to bake into a delightful golden crust. Covering the cake mix as evenly as possible ensures a consistent bake. The butter percolates through the layers, enhancing flavor and texture.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The exact time can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on it! The aroma will be your first clue that deliciousness awaits. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect bake.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Serve it warm for a comforting treat or at room temperature for a firmer texture. The cooling time allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9×13 inch Baking Dish: Essential for getting the perfect layer and texture. This size ensures the cake layers spread evenly and cook uniformly. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even heat distribution.
Mixing Bowls: For softening the cream cheese and melting the butter. Having separate bowls helps keep your ingredients organized and your counter clean. Opt for microwave-safe bowls if you plan to melt butter quickly.
Spatula or Spoon: To help spread the lemon pie filling and dot the cream cheese. Use a silicone spatula for easy spreading without sticking. A silicone spatula is gentle on non-stick surfaces and makes spreading seamless.
Oven Mitts: Safety first! Always have these on hand when handling hot dishes. Protect your hands when checking on your cake. Invest in quality mitts that provide good grip and heat resistance.
Measuring Cup: To ensure precise measurements, especially for the butter. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture and flavor balance. A liquid measuring cup is ideal for butter, ensuring you have just the right amount.

The Benefits of Each Ingredient

Yellow Cake Mix: This is the backbone of our cake, providing structure and a sweet, buttery flavor that complements the tangy lemon. It offers convenience and consistent results, making baking less intimidating. The mix’s versatility allows for numerous flavor variations in other recipes too.
Lemon Pie Filling: Brings a refreshing, zesty flavor that’s both sweet and tangy, adding moisture and richness to the cake. It simplifies the lemon component, saving time without sacrificing flavor. The filling’s vivid color and robust taste make it a standout feature in the dessert.
Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cake mix and lemon filling. This ingredient ensures a luxurious mouthfeel that elevates the entire dessert. The creaminess adds depth and richness, making each bite more satisfying.
Unsalted Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy crust and adds richness to the overall taste. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level of your dessert, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned. The butter’s quality can greatly influence the flavor, so choose a high-quality brand.

What to Serve With This Dessert

This 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that enhances the creamy texture of the cake. The cold, smooth ice cream contrasts with the warm, tangy cake, creating a harmonious balance. The melting ice cream seeps into the cake, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness and color. Their natural sweetness and tartness complement the lemon beautifully. The berries provide a vibrant, colorful garnish that brightens up each serving.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of elegance. Sweetened or unsweetened, it’s a lovely addition that softens the tartness. For an extra twist, try flavoring your whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or almond extract.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink that complements the lemony flavor of the cake. Both drinks cleanse the palate and enhance the citrus notes of the dessert. These beverages are perfect for outdoor gatherings or summer picnics.

For more dessert ideas, you might enjoy our Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies or Classic Apple Pie Recipe. Both are family favorites and perfect for any occasion!

A delicious plate of 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake 🍋

Storage & Leftover Tips

Should you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This cake is delicious even when chilled, and the flavors continue to meld and develop. Refrigeration helps maintain its texture and prevents spoilage.
Freeze: If you want to keep it for longer, cut the cake into pieces and wrap each piece with plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe container, and you can freeze for up to a month. This method prevents freezer burn and maintains freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheat: To enjoy warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If frozen, allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. This gentle reheating keeps the cake moist and delicious. Avoid over-microwaving to prevent drying out the cake.

For more tips on storing baked goods, check out this guide from King Arthur Baking.

This cake is not just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as mine do. Remember, it’s not about perfection in the kitchen, but the love and joy that go into every dish. Happy baking!