4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a quick dessert with big flavor and minimal fuss, this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is about to become your new go-to treat. Combining tangy lemon, creamy richness, and a buttery, golden topping, this recipe is pure comfort wrapped up in the freshness of citrus. No need for complicated methods or a mile-long ingredient list—this cake is all about maximum payoff for minimum effort, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings, weekday treats, or when you just need a zesty pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Can you believe you only need four simple ingredients to pull together such an irresistibly delicious dessert? Each element is essential, playing its part to create the delightful sweet-tart flavor, plush texture, and cheerful color that make the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake so memorable.

• Lemon Cake Mix: The backbone of the recipe, this gives the cake its sunny lemon flavor and dreamy, fluffy texture.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Packed with tart lemony goodness, this filling adds juiciness and a bright, jammy layer at the base.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Adds richness, subtle tang, and a pillowy contrast to the cake’s crumbly topping.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Brings everything together and helps form that golden, buttery crust everyone will fight over.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake comes out cleanly and prevents any delicious bits from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Layer the Lemon Pie Filling

Spread the lemon pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Don’t skip around—smooth it out so every bite gets an equal amount of tangy lemon flavor.

Step 3: Add That Creamy Goodness

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese over the lemon pie filling. It’s fine if it’s not perfectly uniform; those creamy pockets are what make this cake a delight.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Resist the urge to stir—it’s called a “dump cake” for a reason. The magic happens as everything bakes together.

Step 5: Drizzle with Butter

Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. This step is key for getting that golden, slightly crisp topping. Try to cover as much as possible for best results.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbly edges, which signal that the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is ready to wow your taste buds.

Step 7: Cool (Just a Little!) and Serve

Let the cake cool slightly—about 10 to 15 minutes—so it sets up a bit but stays warm and gooey. Optionally, finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of whipped cream to make it extra-special.

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

Scatter a few fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic look. If you’re in the mood, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds an indulgent twist and complements the cake’s tangy side beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with fresh berries or a fruit salad to dial up the citrus notes and make your dessert table pop. For a spring brunch, try it with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a cool lemonade.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning warm servings into individual ramekins and topping with edible flowers for a charming touch, or serve chilled cake squares at a picnic for a refreshing treat. Layer it in mason jars for an adorable grab-and-go dessert at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake keeps beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days—the flavors meld and get even better overnight.

Freezing

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can be frozen if you want to make it ahead or save extra portions. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Don’t overdo it—just enough to make it gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While lemon makes this cake bright and zippy, you can experiment with vanilla or even white cake mix for a different spin. Just know that the signature sweet-tart flavor of the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake comes from the combination of lemon cake and lemon filling together.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese?

Yes, softening the cream cheese helps it blend smoothly and creates luscious pockets throughout the cake. If you forget, a gentle microwave zap (10-15 seconds) does the trick.

What can I use instead of lemon pie filling?

If you can’t find lemon pie filling, try canned lemon curd or even make your own quick lemon filling. However, keep the consistency thick to prevent the cake from getting too runny.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free lemon cake mix for an easy adaptation. Just double-check the other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Why is it called a “dump cake”?

It’s all about the effortless method—you literally “dump” the ingredients into the pan and pop it in the oven, rather than mixing them together. The result is a crave-worthy dessert with layers of texture and flavor, with almost no prep time required.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and the ones you love to the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake any day of the week. It’s sunshine in a baking dish and a sweet reminder that easy recipes can sometimes be the most delicious of all. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of lemony joy!

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