4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump CakeDessert

Introduction

I first came across this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake during a busy week when I needed a dessert that was quick and easy to prepare but still felt special enough for a family dinner. As soon as I pulled it out of the oven, the fresh lemon scent filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around, eagerly awaiting a taste. My family couldn’t get enough of it! The creamy, tangy lemon flavor combined with the buttery cake topping created the perfect balance, and it was a hit with both kids and adults. The best part? It takes just a few simple ingredients and only about 40 minutes to bake! I’ve since made it multiple times, and each time, it’s been devoured in no time. If you’re looking for a hassle-free dessert with a burst of lemony goodness, this one’s for you!

Ingredients

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the lemon pie filling, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
4. Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Be sure not to mix the cake mix with the other ingredients; simply spread it out evenly.
5. Top with Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will soak into the cake mix, creating a golden, crunchy topping as it bakes.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 300
  (Values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy, indulgent dessert.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast of textures.
• Dust with powdered sugar or fresh lemon zest for a tangy, aromatic finish.
• Serve with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing, fruity addition.
• Enjoy as a quick weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks.

Additional Tips

1. Lemon Zest: For a brighter, more vibrant lemon flavor, add a bit of freshly grated lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
2. Add Fruit: Fresh or frozen berries can be added on top of the lemon pie filling before baking for extra flavor and color.
3. Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add a little sugar or honey to the cream cheese mixture for a richer taste.
4. Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and substitute the butter with a plant-based butter.
5. Top with Almonds or Coconut: Add slivered almonds or shredded coconut on top of the cake mix for added crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Berry Lemon Dump Cake: Layer in some mixed berries, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, between the lemon pie filling and the cream cheese layer for a fruity twist.
• Peach Cream Cheese Dump Cake: Replace the lemon pie filling with canned peach pie filling for a different fruity flavor.
• Coconut Lemon Dump Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top of the cake mix before baking for a tropical touch.
• Tropical Dump Cake: Combine pineapple chunks and shredded coconut for a tropical-themed version of this cake.
• Sugar-Free Version: For a lower-sugar option, use a sugar-free lemon cake mix and a sugar-free pie filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this dump cake at your next potluck, dinner party, or family gathering—it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
• Pair it with a fresh green salad and grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
• Make it the centerpiece of your dessert table during holiday celebrations, like Easter, Mother’s Day, or a summer barbecue.
• For a more decadent experience, serve with a rich chocolate drizzle or a scoop of lemon sorbet.
• If you’re serving it at a brunch, accompany it with a light yogurt parfait and fresh fruit.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dessert can be frozen after baking. Let the cake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
   Yes, you can experiment with different pie fillings, like blueberry, cherry, or peach. Just adjust the cake mix flavor to match the fruit.
2. Can I make this dump cake in a smaller dish?
   Yes, you can use a smaller dish, but the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the size.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese for a lighter version of this cake.
4. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
   Yes, unsalted butter works best for this recipe, but you can also use margarine if you prefer.
5. How can I make this cake more tangy?
   Add lemon zest or a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a stronger citrus flavor.
6. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon pie filling?
   While fresh lemon juice can be used for flavoring, the consistency of the pie filling is key to this recipe. If you use fresh lemon juice, consider adding some sugar to balance the tartness.
7. How do I know when the dump cake is done?
   The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the cake should be bubbling around the edges.
8. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
   Yes, you can use different flavors like vanilla, yellow, or even strawberry to pair with other fruit fillings.
9. Is it necessary to use a 9×13-inch baking dish?
   A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for this recipe, but you can use a slightly smaller or larger dish—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
    Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect solution when you need a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and irresistible flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy the sweet, tangy goodness of this lemony treat!

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