4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

🍋 Introduction

Sometimes, the best desserts are the easiest ones — and this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake proves it. With minimal effort, you’ll get a gooey, buttery, lemony dessert that tastes like sunshine in every bite.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity: No mixer. No fancy layers. Just dump, bake, and dig in. The sweet-tart flavor of lemon pie filling balances the creamy richness of cream cheese, all blanketed under a golden, buttery cake crust.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend barbecue, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night craving, this dump cake delivers comfort and joy with every forkful.

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🛒 Ingredients

You only need 4 pantry and fridge staples to make this cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
• 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

That’s it!

Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of lemon zest — totally optional but delicious.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Layer the Lemon

Spread the lemon pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the sweet, tangy base of your dessert.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese

Dot the lemon layer with small cubes of cream cheese — spacing them evenly across the surface. These will melt into little pockets of creamy richness.

Step 4: Dump the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the entire dry cake mix over the top. Do not stir — just dump it evenly. That’s the magic of a dump cake.

Step 5: Pour the Butter

Pour the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix. Some dry spots are okay; they’ll turn crunchy and golden.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It’s best served warm but still delicious at room temperature or chilled.

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Dump Cake

• Don’t stir! Dump cakes are about layering, not mixing.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and richness.
• Melt butter fully before pouring to ensure even coverage.
• Add a crunch: Sprinkle slivered almonds or crushed graham crackers on top before baking for a toasted finish.
• Serving suggestion: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to every slice.

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🔁 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• To store: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• To reheat: Microwave individual servings for 30–40 seconds.
• To make ahead: Assemble the dump cake up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

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🍓 Flavor Variations

• Lemon Raspberry: Add fresh or frozen raspberries to the lemon pie filling.
• Strawberry Lemon: Use half lemon pie filling and half strawberry preserves.
• Lemon Blueberry: Add a handful of fresh blueberries for bursts of fruity contrast.
• Coconut Lemon: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking for a tropical flair.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix.

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❓ FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
Absolutely! Cherry, apple, or blueberry all work beautifully with cream cheese and cake mix.

Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes. It makes the cream cheese easier to cube and helps it melt more smoothly into the filling.

Why is my top a little dry?
Some dry patches on top are normal and actually add a delightful texture. If you’d like full coverage, drizzle a bit more butter before baking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two 9×13 pans or one very large baking dish. Increase baking time by 5–10 minutes.

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🔢 Nutrition (Approximate per serving — yields 12)

• Calories: 325
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: 0.5g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on the brand of ingredients used.

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📌 Pinterest Description

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – Just lemon pie filling, cream cheese, cake mix, and butter! This easy dessert is creamy, zesty, and golden on top. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate no-fuss treat.
✨ Ingredients: lemon pie filling, cake mix, cream cheese, butter
📌 Save this now for your next gathering!
#DumpCake #LemonDessert #EasyBaking #CreamCheeseDessert #SummerDesserts

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