4 Ingredients Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Looking for a dessert that’s simple, sweet, and totally irresistible? Let me introduce you to this 4
Ingredients
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. It’s one of those recipes that comes together in no time, but the results will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. With just four
Ingredients
and a little patience, you can create a warm, gooey, and flavorful dessert that’s bursting with lemony goodness. It’s a perfect treat for a weeknight craving, a potluck, or any time you need something quick but delicious.
The magic behind this recipe is the combination of soft, tangy cream cheese and the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon pie filling. All that is topped with a buttery, golden-brown cake-like topping. So, let’s dive right into how to make this cake and make sure you get every step just right!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this lemony masterpiece:
1 box of yellow cake mix – This is the base for the crumbly topping that forms the beautiful layer on top.
1 package (21 ounces) lemon pie filling – The star of the show! This lemon filling provides that fresh citrus burst and creates a luscious, smooth layer.
1 pack (8 oz) soft cream cheese – The cream cheese adds richness and a smooth texture to the lemony goodness. It helps balance the tartness of the lemon filling perfectly.
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter – This helps create that buttery, golden, and crisp topping we all love.
Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this incredibly simple yet decadent cake! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bake this treat:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give your oven time to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare everything. Next, grease a 9” x 13” baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Crumbly Cake Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the melted butter. You’ll want to stir this mixture until it becomes crumbly—almost like coarse sand. This crumbly mixture will form the top and bottom layers of your cake.
Now, take half of the crumbly mixture and evenly spread it in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press down gently to create a solid layer. This is the base of your cake, so make sure it’s nice and even.
3. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and the lemon pie filling until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You’ll want this filling to be creamy and free of any lumps. It’s the perfect contrast to the crumbly cake base you just made.
Once it’s mixed together, spoon the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crumb layer in the baking dish. Spread it evenly to cover the bottom layer completely. This will help create a rich, creamy texture that’s full of lemony flavor.
4. Top with More Crumbles:
Next, take the remaining half of the crumbly cake mixture and sprinkle it over the lemon cream cheese filling. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly; the crumbles will bake up golden and delicious, giving the cake its signature texture.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Now, pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown and the cake is set in the center. If you gently shake the pan, it should feel firm, and the top should be nice and crisp.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. The cake will continue to set as it cools, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. After a short rest, cut it into squares and serve it up! You can enjoy it warm or let it cool to room temperature—either way, it’s delicious!
7. Optional Toppings:
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the cake with a little powdered sugar or top it with a dollop of whipped cream. Both options add a nice finishing touch to this already amazing dessert.
Notes
Cake Mix Variety: While a yellow cake mix works wonderfully for this recipe, you can also try using a white cake mix for a slightly lighter, fluffier texture. Some people even experiment with lemon or vanilla cake mixes for a more intense flavor.
Cream Cheese Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth, creamy filling.
Make It Your Own: If you want to add a little twist to this dump cake, consider mixing in a handful of shredded coconut or chopped nuts into the crumb mixture for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions: This cake is rich enough on its own, but you can also serve it alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, for a refreshing contrast.
Nutrition
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the
Nutrition
per serving, assuming you cut the cake into 12 pieces:
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Sugar: 25g
This dessert is definitely on the indulgent side, but with its simple
Ingredients
and delightful flavor, it’s worth every bite!