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A tangy, creamy, and effortless dessert that’s as easy as dumping ingredients in a pan! This zesty lemon cake bakes up with a luscious cream cheese layer and buttery golden topping—perfect for potlucks, weeknight treats, or when you need a bright, citrusy dessert fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only 4 ingredients – Minimal effort, maximum flavor
No mixing required – Just layer and bake
Creamy + tangy + buttery – The ultimate texture combo
Ready in under an hour – Faster than traditional cakes
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix (like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines)
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling (or homemade lemon curd)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
(Optional add-ins: 1 tsp lemon zest, whipped cream, or fresh berries for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Ingredients
- Spread lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then dollop spoonfuls over the pie filling.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top (do not stir).
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix (try to cover most of the surface).
3. Bake
- Bake 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges bubble.
4. Serve
- Let cool 10–15 minutes before serving. Top with:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
Pro Tips
For extra lemon punch: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the cream cheese.
No pie filling? Use 1½ cups lemon curd instead.
Crispier topping: For a crunchier texture, bake 5 minutes longer.
Don’t overbake: The center should still be slightly gooey when warm.
Variations
- Berry twist: Swap lemon pie filling for blueberry or raspberry.
- Coconut lover’s: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the cake mix.
- Citrus duo: Use orange cake mix + lemon filling for a tropical vibe.
Serving Suggestions
À la mode: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Tea time: Pair with Earl Grey for a citrusy match.
Potluck star: Transport in the baking dish for easy sharing.
Storage
- Room temp: Cover and store for 2 days.
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (reheat 10 sec in microwave for gooeyness).
- Freeze: Wrap slices for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Try yellow cake mix + 1 tbsp lemon zest for similar flavor.
Why is my topping powdery?
The butter needs to coat the cake mix—use a spoon to spread it evenly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on HIGH 2–2.5 hours (no lid).
Final Thought
This dump cake is a lazy baker’s dream—minimal prep, no fancy skills, and a dessert that tastes like you fussed. The bright lemon and rich cream cheese will have everyone begging for the recipe
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4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Description
A tangy, creamy, and effortless dessert that’s as easy as dumping ingredients in a pan! This zesty lemon cake bakes up with a luscious cream cheese layer and buttery golden topping—perfect for potlucks, weeknight treats, or when you need a bright, citrusy dessert fast.
Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix
1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the Ingredients:
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese over the pie filling.
Add the Cake Mix:
Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Do not mix, just spread it out.
Top with Butter:
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Bake:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbling around the edges.
Serve:
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Optional Tips
For a tangier flavor, add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for added freshness.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.