The Lazy Baker’s Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake can transform your afternoon dessert into a magical moment.

Simplicity becomes the star of this incredibly easy recipe.

Creamy textures and bright citrus notes dance together in a dessert that requires minimal effort.

Baking enthusiasts and kitchen novices alike will adore this straightforward approach to creating something deliciously impressive.

Four ingredients stand between you and a mouthwatering treat that feels like a professional bakery creation.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress everyone at the table.

Why Lemon Cream Cheese Cake Pops

• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses only 4 ingredients, eliminating complicated shopping lists and reducing preparation time, making it a hassle-free baking experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous dessert cravings, with a tangy lemon twist that appeals to different taste preferences.
• Customizable Comfort Treat: Easily adaptable by adding optional toppings like whipped cream or ice cream, allowing personal creativity while maintaining the core delicious recipe structure.

What’s Inside Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A sweet and fluffy mix perfect for an easy dessert.
• Butter (Unsalted): A rich ingredient that creates a golden, crispy topping.

• Cream Cheese: A creamy, tangy ingredient that adds richness to the cake.
• Lemon Pie Filling: A zesty and sweet base that provides bright citrus flavor.

• Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream: Delicious extras that complement the cake's flavors.

Baking Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

This warm welcome will help your cake bake perfectly from the get-go.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab your baking dish and give it a generous spray with non-stick cooking spray or rub it down with butter.

Make sure every nook and cranny is covered to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Spread the Lemon Base

• Lemon pie filling

Pour and spread the bright, zesty lemon pie filling across the bottom of your prepared dish.

Aim for an even layer that reaches every corner.

Step 4: Dust with Cake Mix

• Yellow cake mix

Sprinkle half of the cake mix over the lemon filling.

Use your fingers or a spoon to create an even blanket of dry mix.

Step 5: Dot with Cream Cheese

• Cream cheese

Scatter cubed cream cheese across the cake mix layer.

Spread them out so each bite will have a creamy surprise.

Step 6: Cover with Remaining Cake Mix

Shower the remaining cake mix over the cream cheese cubes.

Ensure it’s distributed evenly for a consistent texture.

Step 7: Crown with Butter

• Unsalted butter

Lay thin slices of butter across the entire surface.

These buttery ribbons will melt and create a golden, crispy top that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Pull the cake out and let it chill for 15-20 minutes.

This resting time allows the layers to settle and the flavors to get cozy together.

Step 10: Dig In and Delight

Serve warm for a gooey treat or at room temperature for a firmer bite.

Want to take it over the top?

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pure bliss awaits!

Tips for Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

• Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent any sticky situations and ensure easy cake removal.
• Cut cold cream cheese into small, uniform cubes for even distribution and perfect texture throughout the cake.
• Thinly slice butter and cover the entire cake mix surface to create a golden, crispy, and deliciously moist topping.
• Use the toothpick test to confirm the cake is fully baked – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Experiment with different pie fillings like cherry or blueberry to create unique flavor variations of this simple dump cake.

Keep Lemon Cream Cheese Cake Fresh

• Store leftover lemon cream cheese dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness and flavor.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer frozen cake from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature, then warm slightly in the oven or microwave before serving for the best taste and texture.

Pair Lemon Cream Cheese Cake With These

• Brew Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral, bergamot notes beautifully balance the cake's rich, tangy lemon profile, creating a delicate and refreshing taste experience.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth vanilla provides a cool contrast to the warm, buttery cake, enhancing the dessert's sweetness and temperature complexity.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Sprinkle raspberries or strawberries around the cake to add bright, tart freshness that cuts through the cake's dense, rich texture.
• Add Toasted Almond Slivers: Sprinkle crunchy, nutty almond pieces on top for a delightful textural contrast and subtle earthy undertone that complements the lemon's brightness.

Styles of Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure lemon pie filling is gluten-free. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free lemon pie filling and a sugar-free cake mix. Reduce butter quantity to cut down on calories while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese substitute and use coconut oil instead of butter. Great for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Tropical Remix: Substitute lemon pie filling with pineapple or mango pie filling. Add shredded coconut on top for a refreshing summer-inspired dessert that brings exotic flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use different flavors of pie filling?

Yes, you can easily swap lemon pie filling with other flavors like cherry, blueberry, or apple to create unique variations of this dump cake.

• Do I need to mix the ingredients before adding them to the pan?

No, that’s the beauty of a dump cake. Simply layer the ingredients directly in the baking dish in the order specified without any pre-mixing.

• What if I don't have yellow cake mix?

You can substitute yellow cake mix with white cake mix or vanilla cake mix. The texture and taste will remain similar, just slightly different.

• Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! This dump cake is incredibly easy and foolproof. With just four ingredients and simple layering steps, even novice bakers can create a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.

4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Lemon lovers rejoice with this simple 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake that promises effortless dessert magic. Creamy, tangy layers blend seamlessly, delivering a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) can lemon pie filling
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) package yellow cake mix
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Components:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and heating to 350°F (175°C).
2. Thoroughly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring complete surface coverage.
3. Gently pour the entire lemon pie filling across the bottom of the prepared dish, spreading it into an even, smooth layer that reaches all corners.
4. Methodically distribute half of the yellow cake mix over the lemon filling, using gentle sweeping motions to create a uniform coating.
5. Strategically dot the cream cheese cubes across the cake mix layer, spacing them to guarantee consistent creamy pockets throughout the dessert.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cake mix over the cream cheese, creating a delicate blanket that will transform during baking.
7. Arrange thin butter slices across the entire surface, allowing them to create a golden, crispy top during the cooking process.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and a toothpick that emerges with minimal crumbs.
9. After removing from the oven, let the cake rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and flavors to harmonize.
10. Serve either warm for a decadent, gooey texture or at room temperature for a firmer consistency. Optional: Enhance with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Adjust baking time and temperature for different pan sizes to ensure even cooking and prevent over- or under-baking.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother distribution and better blending with cake mix.
• Consider swapping lemon pie filling with other flavors like cherry, blueberry, or apple for variety and personal taste preferences.
• Reduce butter slightly if you prefer a less rich dessert or want to cut down on calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 337 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg