4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – A Quick and Delicious Dessert Recipe 🍋🍰
When it comes to easy, mouthwatering desserts, few can compete with the simplicity and flavor of a Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a fuss-free dessert with just a few ingredients, but still packed with amazing flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just looking for a simple dessert to whip together on short notice, this 4-ingredient lemon dump cake will become your go-to sweet treat.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make this dessert step-by-step, why it’s such a crowd-pleaser, and tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time. So, let’s dive into this easy, delicious, and quick dessert recipe that will have you coming back for seconds!
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a type of dessert where you “dump” all of the ingredients into a baking dish and bake it—no mixing or complicated steps involved. The beauty of this cake is its simplicity and how quickly it comes together. Dump cakes often include a cake mix, fruit filling, and a few other ingredients that meld together during baking to create a deliciously sweet treat.
In this case, we’re making a lemon cream cheese dump cake, which combines the tangy freshness of lemon pie filling with the creamy richness of cream cheese, topped with a golden, buttery cake crust. It’s the ultimate dessert when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This recipe is as simple as it sounds: four ingredients. That’s it! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The base of this cake, providing a sweet and slightly crumbly texture. A box of yellow cake mix works perfectly for this recipe, but you can experiment with different cake mixes if you prefer.
- 1 can lemon pie filling (21 oz): This brings the tart and zesty lemon flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the cream cheese.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the cake, balancing the tartness of the lemon and making the texture irresistible.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The butter helps bind everything together and creates a golden, crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
That’s it! With these four ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that’s rich, sweet, and tangy all at once. No need for any complicated ingredients or steps—just simple, everyday items that come together to create a show-stopping dessert.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Making this dump cake is as easy as dumping your ingredients into a baking dish and letting the oven do the rest. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want it nice and hot before you start baking. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. - Assemble the Layers:
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The lemon filling is sweet, tart, and will form the base layer of your cake. - Add the Cream Cheese:
Next, drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling. You don’t need to spread it perfectly, as it will melt and blend into the pie filling while baking. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture that balances the tart lemon flavor. - Top with Cake Mix and Butter:
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and lemon filling layers. Then, drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. The butter should cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible, ensuring the top gets golden and crispy while baking. - Bake the Cake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You may want to check the cake around 30 minutes to ensure the top is browning evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool slightly before serving. The cream cheese layer will be rich and creamy, while the top will have a slightly crisp, golden texture. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Why This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is So Popular
There are a few key reasons why this dessert is a favorite for so many people:
- Simplicity: With only four ingredients, this dessert couldn’t be easier. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone in a rush to get a delicious treat on the table.
- Quick and Easy: The total prep time for this cake is less than 10 minutes, and it only needs about 35-40 minutes in the oven. This makes it perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without much effort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sweet and tangy lemon pie filling, creamy cream cheese, and golden cake makes this dessert irresistible. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, holiday celebration, or casual get-together.
- Versatile: You can customize this dump cake by adding your own twist—like adding fresh lemon zest to enhance the lemon flavor, or even using a different pie filling (like blueberry or cherry) to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information
If you’re wondering about the nutritional content, here’s a rough breakdown of the calories per serving (based on a 9×13-inch pan serving 12 people):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal per serving (depending on the size of each slice)
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
This dessert is a bit indulgent, but it’s totally worth it for a special treat! To make it a bit lighter, you could try using reduced-fat cream cheese or a sugar-free cake mix, though it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before using it. If it’s too cold, it won’t melt properly into the pie filling, and you might end up with lumps.
- Experiment with Different Cake Mixes: While yellow cake mix is classic, you can try different flavors like white, butter, or even lemon cake mix for a more intense lemon flavor.
- Top with Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add color and a fresh twist to the dessert.
Conclusion
This 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re in the mood for a tangy treat or looking for a dessert that will impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a delicious dessert that will have you coming back for seconds—and it’s so simple, anyone can make it!
Give this recipe a try today, and enjoy a creamy, lemony delight that everyone will love. Happy baking!