How do you keep the cream cheese from clumping in a dump cake?

To prevent cream cheese from clumping, start by chilling your cream cheese and then cutting it into small, even cubes before adding it to the cake. Scatter the cubes evenly over the cake mix. As the dessert bakes, the cream cheese will melt smoothly, creating creamy pockets instead of lumps. For an even silkier texture, you can briefly beat the cream cheese before layering if you prefer a more uniform swirl.

Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about a 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is that it stores well and actually tastes even better the next day. Prepare and bake the cake as directed, then cool completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven for that fresh-from-the-oven flavor, or serve chilled for firmer, bar-style slices.

What’s the best way to serve 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

This lemon cream cheese dump cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you like a firmer dessert, chill the cake after baking and cut into bars or squares—perfect for picnics and lunchboxes. Add fresh berries, citrus zest, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a finishing touch. For parties, layer the cake into parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit for a show-stopping dessert.

Can I use other pie fillings or cake mixes for variety?

Definitely! While lemon pie filling and yellow cake mix make the classic version, you can swap in other flavors to suit your taste. Try cherry, blueberry, or apple pie filling for a different fruit twist, or use white, spice, or even lemon cake mix for a new flavor profile. The same simple method applies, so you can easily customize your dump cake with what you have on hand.

How to make the Most Delicious 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Name: How to make the Most Delicious 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz.) can lemon pie filling; 1 (15 oz.) package yellow cake mix; 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Description

This easy 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake is a bright, tangy, and sweet dessert that comes together quickly with minimal effort. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when you’re craving a simple yet delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (16 oz.) can lemon pie filling
1 (15 oz.) package yellow cake mix
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease an 8″x8″ square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Pour lemon pie filling into the bottom of the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly into the corners.
Top with half of the cake mix, then place the cubed cream cheese evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle the remaining cake mix on top of the cream cheese layer.
Arrange the thinly sliced butter pats on top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use cold butter to make slicing easier and more even.
You can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.
Make sure cream cheese is cold when cubing for easier handling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 340
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg