How To Make 4 Ingredients Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Pour lemon pie filling into the bottom of greased baking dish, making sure to spread it into the corners.
Top with 1/2 cake mix, place cubed cream cheese evenly on top, then sprinkle remaining cake mix.
Take butter pats (as thinly sliced as possible) and place them in a single layer on top of the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface of the cake as possible.
Place baking dish in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool 15-20 minutes before serving.
Here are some variations and tips for making a 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake:
Variations:
Fruit Add-Ins: Add fresh or frozen fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries for an extra burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon. Spread the fruit over the cream cheese layer before adding the cake mix.
Citrus Options: Swap the lemon for other citrus flavors like lime or orange by using a different flavored cake mix or adding lime/orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Use a Different Cake Mix: While a lemon-flavored cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, yellow cake, or even a white cake mix to create a more subtle lemon flavor.
Add Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake mix before baking for a tropical twist. It adds a nice texture and pairs well with the lemon and cream cheese.
Lemon Curd: For extra lemon flavor, swirl some lemon curd over the cream cheese layer before adding the cake mix.
Crumb Topping: For a crunchy finish, add a streusel topping made with butter, sugar, and flour over the cake mix before baking. It adds texture and a nice sweetness.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Tips:
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before spreading it over the lemon filling. This ensures smooth mixing and a more even layer.
Evenly Distribute the Cake Mix: When sprinkling the dry cake mix over the cream cheese, spread it evenly to avoid clumping or uneven baking.
Melt the Butter: Instead of cutting the butter into slices and placing it over the cake mix, melt the butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix. This helps it spread evenly, ensuring a consistent golden crust.
Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: Baking in a glass or ceramic dish allows for even heat distribution, helping the cake bake evenly and preventing burnt spots.
Monitor Baking Time: Check the cake toward the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The top should be golden brown, and the cream cheese layer should be set but still slightly creamy.
Serve with Toppings: Enhance the dessert by serving it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
By experimenting with these variations and following these tips, you can customize your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake to make it even more delicious and suitable for your taste.
To properly store your 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, follow these steps:
Short-Term Storage:
At Room Temperature (Same Day): If you plan to serve the cake on the same day, it can be left at room temperature for a few hours, covered with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
In the Refrigerator (Up to 4–5 Days): For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it.
Due to the cream cheese, the cake should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Long-Term Storage (Freezing):
Freeze Individual Portions: To freeze, cut the cake into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freezer Storage (Up to 3 Months): The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating:
Reheat in the Oven: If you prefer to serve the cake warm, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Microwave: For individual servings, you can reheat the cake in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds.
These storage methods will help you maintain the texture and flavor of your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake for days or even months!
