4 Ingredients Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake is bright, buttery, and wonderfully simple. With its sunny citrus flavor and velvety cream cheese pockets, it’s the perfect no-fuss dessert for picnics, potlucks, or warm-weather gatherings. Everything layers right into the baking dish—no mixing bowls needed—making it a true convenience treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-satisfying finish.

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

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a square baking dish.
  2. Spread lemon pie filling evenly along the bottom of the dish.
  3. Sprinkle half of the cake mix over the filling.
  4. Distribute the cream cheese cubes evenly on top.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining cake mix over the cream cheese.
  6. Arrange thin slices of butter across the top in a single layer.
  7. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool 15–20 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: ~280 kcal per serving | Servings: 9

Tips

  • Slice the butter as thinly as possible so it melts evenly and covers more surface area.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly so it sets and scoops cleanly.

FAQ

Can I use a different pie filling?
Yes, cherry, blueberry, or apple pie filling all work well.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?
No—cubed cold cream cheese works best for creating creamy pockets.

Can I make this in a 9×13 pan?
You can, but the cake will be thinner; reduce baking time by about 5–10 minutes.

Should the cake mix be prepared according to the box?
No, it’s used dry as part of the dump-and-go method.

How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days; reheat individual portions in the microwave.

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