If you’ve ever struggled with lemon desserts not turning out quite right, this recipe is here to change that. This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a foolproof dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery. With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a creamy, tangy, and irresistible treat ready in under an hour.
Why This Recipe Works
- Only four ingredients – no complicated steps or long ingredient lists.
- Perfect balance of flavors – creamy cream cheese, tangy lemon, and buttery cake.
- Minimal prep time – just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- Crowd-pleasing dessert – perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced thin
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the Lemon Base
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer the Cream Cheese
Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes and drop them evenly over the lemon filling.
4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the top, covering the filling and cream cheese.
5. Top with Butter
Arrange thin slices of butter across the cake mix to ensure even baking.
6. Bake
Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
7. Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, and it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Swirl for creaminess: For a smoother texture, swirl the cream cheese into the lemon filling before adding the cake mix.
- Add garnish: A dusting of powdered sugar or fresh lemon zest on top adds a bakery-style finish.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Conclusion
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is proof that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just four ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a bright, creamy, and irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.