Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the Lemon Pie Filling
Open the lemon pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer will give the cake its signature tangy, citrusy flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a spoon or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cake, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar (optional).
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the cream cheese into the filling, creating pockets of creamy goodness.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling layers. Do not mix—this is the key to achieving a soft and gooey center with a crispy golden topping.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter will help the dry cake mix bake into a crispy, buttery crust.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. The cream cheese should be melted, and the lemon filling should be bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Serve
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
For the best experience, serve the cake warm, either on its own or with toppings like:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess
A dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy finish
A dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style touch
Tips for the Best Dump Cake
- Want more texture? Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for an added crunch.
- Prefer a sweeter touch? Drizzle a little honey or sweetened condensed milk over the top before serving.
- Love extra citrus? Add some fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture to enhance the lemon flavor.
- Make it ahead! This cake tastes even better the next day. Simply cover and refrigerate, then reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal Ingredients: You only need four pantry staples!
Super Quick & Easy: No complicated steps—just dump, layer, and bake.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy, tangy, and buttery combination is irresistible.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dessert or a last-minute treat, this cake never fails to impress.
With its bright lemony flavor, creamy cheesecake-like texture, and crisp golden topping, this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a dessert that checks all the boxes. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and delivers big flavor with little effort.
Whether you serve it for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or a special celebration, this cake will instantly become a favorite in your home. Its refreshing citrus burst paired with rich, gooey cream cheese makes every bite pure heaven.
Give this easy dump cake a try, and let the sweet, tangy flavors of lemon brighten up your dessert table!
