Recipe

Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Written by Daou Nourdine

 

Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate quick-fix dessert—sweet, tangy, and creamy with only four simple ingredients. It comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, or lazy weekend baking. Bursting with lemony brightness and rich cream cheese swirls, this crowd-pleasing dessert is the definition of delicious simplicity.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No mixing bowls required – everything goes straight into the baking dish.
  • Only 4 ingredients – no hassle, no stress.
  • Layered flavor and texture – tart lemon, sweet cake, and creamy goodness.
  • Make-ahead friendly – stores beautifully for leftovers (if there are any!).

Ingredients & What They Do

  • 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz) – Adds bright citrus flavor and a light, tender crumb for the topping.
  • 1 can lemon pie filling (21 oz) – The sweet-tart base that gives the cake its juicy, vibrant lemon flavor.
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Brings rich, creamy texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Ensures the dry cake mix bakes into a golden, moist topping.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Add the lemon pie filling:
    Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the tangy base layer.
  3. Add the cream cheese:
    Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the lemon filling. For best results, space them evenly so every bite gets a bit of creamy goodness.
  4. Sprinkle the cake mix:
    Evenly sprinkle the lemon cake mix over the top, covering all the cream cheese and pie filling.
  5. Pour the butter:
    Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible.
  6. Bake:
    Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the edges are set. Let cool slightly before serving.

 Pro Tips for the Best Dump Cake

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest texture.
  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature so it spreads more evenly.
  • Cover any dry patches of cake mix by gently patting down after drizzling the butter, or add a bit more melted butter if needed.
  • Add lemon zest to boost citrus brightness without extra tartness.

 Serving Suggestions

This sweet and zesty dessert is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Try it with:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool contrast.
  • A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for presentation.
  • Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for added color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, decadent, and utterly delicious dessert, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake checks every box. With just four pantry staples, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you’re serving it warm from the oven or chilled the next day, this tangy-sweet treat is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on this irresistibly easy lemon dream!

 

About the author

Daou Nourdine