4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

If you’re looking for a simple dessert that’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to wow anyone who tries it, then let me introduce you to this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Picture this: a luscious, tangy lemon cream cheese filling baked beneath a buttery, golden crust. It’s sweet, creamy, and tart all at once, with a warm, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you going back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something indulgent for yourself, this dessert is so easy yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This recipe isn’t just about throwing together a few ingredients—it’s about creating something special with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking on a busy weeknight or treating yourself to a simple yet scrumptious dessert, this one’s got you covered:

Versatile: It’s the perfect dessert to whip up when you need something quick but impressive. Whether you’re feeding your family, surprising a friend, or sharing with a crowd, everyone will love it. You don’t even need to be an experienced baker to nail this one!

Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of ingredients, you’re all set. No need for fancy or expensive items—this cake proves that a little creativity goes a long way in the kitchen. The perfect solution for when you’re craving a sweet treat without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make this one. It’s literally as simple as “dumping” the ingredients together. Perfect for those days when you want to relax but still enjoy something indulgent.

Crowd-Pleasing: People will be asking for the recipe, I promise you! The sweet and tangy combo of lemon with the creamy filling is a hit every single time. Kids, adults, and even picky eaters will love this!

Ingredients

Here’s the beauty of this dump cake—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, yet it’s incredibly delicious. Let’s break it down:

Lemon Cake Mix: The foundation of our dump cake. It adds that fluffy, slightly sweet texture with a perfect balance of lemony goodness. No need to make the batter from scratch, just grab a box of cake mix, and you’re good to go!

Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy element that adds richness and depth. It combines perfectly with the lemon cake mix, creating that luscious, smooth filling that’s so addictive. Trust me, it’s the secret ingredient that makes this cake stand out.

Butter: A generous amount of butter creates that golden, crispy top and adds to the cake’s indulgent flavor. It melts into the cake mix and brings it all together into a warm, buttery perfection.

Lemon Zest: For that extra kick of fresh lemon flavor. It brightens up the cake, making it taste even more vibrant and refreshing. A simple addition that takes this cake to the next level.

(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making this lemony masterpiece. It’s so simple, you’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out!

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking. You’ll want every last bit of that creamy goodness!

Layer the Ingredients: Start by spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the lemon cake mix on top. Don’t mix them—just layer them and let the magic happen in the oven!

Top with Butter: Slice your butter and evenly distribute it over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, turning the top into a delicious, golden crust.

Bake to Perfection: Pop it into the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This is the part where you can let the smell fill your kitchen—it’s going to be irresistible.

Let It Cool: Once out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. It’ll be hard to resist, but giving it a few minutes will make all the difference in letting the flavors set.

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness. You can serve it warm on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate it a little, here are a few ideas:

Fresh Fruit: Serve it with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make the dessert extra indulgent. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Tea or Coffee: Pair it with a nice cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful after-dinner treat. The cake’s light lemon flavor pairs wonderfully with a soothing beverage.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this cake:

Make It Ahead: This cake can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving for that fresh-baked taste!

Try Different Flavors: If you’re not a lemon fan, you can easily swap out the cake mix and cream cheese for other flavors. Try using a vanilla or strawberry cake mix for a fun twist.

Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, you can swap out the butter for a lower-fat alternative or use a sugar-free cake mix.

Store Leftovers: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave for that fresh, comforting taste.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cake flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or even chocolate for a unique spin.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can even freeze it if you want to keep it for longer!

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: You can! Simply swap the cake mix for a gluten-free version, and you’re all set.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and thaw before reheating.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
A6: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. You can also reheat it in the oven at a low temperature.

Conclusion

The 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is everything you want in a dessert—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Enjoy every bite!

Print