Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With only four ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers seeking a quick and satisfying dessert.
- Flavor Harmony: The tartness of lemon pie filling pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of cream cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing taste.
- Versatility: Ideal for various occasions, from family gatherings to potlucks, this dessert can be served warm or chilled, making it a year-round favorite.
- Minimal Cleanup: As a dump cake, it requires minimal preparation and cleanup, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the corners.
- Sprinkle half of the yellow cake mix over the lemon pie filling.
- Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly over the cake mix layer.
- Top with the remaining cake mix, ensuring even coverage.
- Add Butter: Arrange the thinly sliced butter pieces in a single layer on top of the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible to ensure a moist and golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 9 servings, depending on portion size.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Additions: Incorporate fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, into the lemon pie filling layer for added texture and flavor.
- Cake Mix Alternatives: Experiment with different cake mix flavors, like white or lemon cake mix, to enhance or modify the dessert’s taste.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the top before baking to introduce a delightful crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For extended storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, heat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish without extensive mixing, resulting in a cobbler-like treat with a cake topping.
Can I use homemade lemon pie filling?
Yes, homemade lemon pie filling can be used if preferred. Ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought filling for best results.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese before using?
Softening the cream cheese makes it easier to cube and distribute evenly, but it’s not mandatory. Cold cream cheese can also be used; just ensure it’s evenly spread.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
While butter provides a rich flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute. Choose a high-quality margarine for the best results.
How can I make the cake less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, consider using a cake mix with lower sugar content or adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the pie filling for extra tartness.
Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes, a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can be drizzled over the cooled cake for added flavor and presentation.
What other pie fillings work well in this recipe?
Other fruit pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or apple can be used to create different flavor profiles.
Do I need to mix the cake mix with eggs and oil as per package instructions?
No, for this dump cake recipe, the dry cake mix is used directly without adding eggs or oil.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring the pie filling is gluten-free, this recipe can accommodate a gluten-free diet.
How do I know when the cake is done
4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy richness with this easy 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy richness with this easy 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half the cake mix over the lemon pie filling.
- Distribute cubed cream cheese evenly over the first cake mix layer.
- Top with the remaining cake mix, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange butter slices on top, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add fresh berries for extra texture and flavor.
- Use homemade lemon pie filling if desired, ensuring a similar consistency to store-bought.
- A light lemon glaze can be drizzled over the cooled cake for added sweetness and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
