Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy serving.
Step 2: Assemble the Dump Cake
- Spread the Lemon Pie Filling: Pour the lemon pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the base.
- Add Cream Cheese: Drop small dollops of softened cream cheese across the lemon pie filling. You don’t need to spread it, as it will melt into the filling while baking.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the pie filling and cream cheese. Make sure it covers the entire dish without mixing it in.
- Pour Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This will create a golden, crumbly top layer when baked.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. Here are some ideas to make it extra special:
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creaminess.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing and creamy contrast.
- Garnish with Lemon Zest: For an extra pop of color and citrus flavor, sprinkle some lemon zest on top before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix if needed. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
- Avoid Mixing Ingredients: Resist the urge to stir the ingredients. Simply layer them, and let the magic happen as it bakes.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is easier to spread out and melts nicely into the lemon filling.
Variations
- Use a Different Cake Mix: If lemon is too bold, you can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix for a milder flavor.
- Add Fruit Toppings: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries on top of the pie filling before adding the cake mix for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Try a Lemon Glaze: For a little extra sweetness, drizzle a lemon glaze on top after baking by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of lemon juice.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 15-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. The cake is also delicious cold, so you can enjoy it right from the fridge!
Why This Dump Cake is a Must-Try
The 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is as easy as it gets, yet it’s packed with flavor and texture that make it feel like a gourmet dessert. The bright lemon flavor is perfect for spring and summer, but it’s equally comforting in the winter months when you need a little pick-me-up. The combination of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese makes each bite a delightful contrast of flavors.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy dessert that will impress, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the answer. It’s quick to put together, requires minimal ingredients, and brings out the best of lemon’s fresh, zesty flavor. Give it a try at your next gathering or for a weeknight treat—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can taste so indulgent!
