4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake offers a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that is as delightful as it is simple to create. This dessert boasts a bright, zesty lemon flavor complemented by a creamy richness from the cream cheese, which results in a mouthwatering treat that melts in your mouth. The beautiful golden top and the bubbling edges offer a visual feast, while the aroma of fresh lemons fills your kitchen, making this cake irresistible. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just treating yourself to dessert after a long day. This easy-to-follow recipe offers a step-by-step guide to crafting a lemon-infused delight that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a game-changer for busy bakers and dessert lovers alike. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients. Families will appreciate how quickly it comes together—ideal for those last-minute gatherings. The best part? It calls for only four primary ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option without sacrificing flavor. Not only is it a quick solution for dessert cravings, but it’s also customizable—feel free to add a personal touch or serve it with your favorite sides.
Ingredients for 4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix: This box of sunshine is the base of your cake, providing sweetness and a lovely texture.
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling: This vibrant filling is packed with zesty flavor and a hint of tartness, elevating the cake’s taste.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess, perfectly balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: This brings moisture and richness, creating a crumbly golden top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling underneath.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for your cake.
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Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
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Spread the lemon pie filling: Pour the luscious lemon pie filling into the greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula for a good base.
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Add the cream cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them evenly over the lemon pie filling, ensuring every bite will be creamy.
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Layer the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the top of the cream cheese cubes. Do not stir; this layering is crucial for achieving the right texture.
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Drizzle with butter: Pour the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer. This will create a golden crust while baking, adding to the visual appeal.
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Bake: Pop the cake in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is beautifully golden and crumbly. The center may look slightly soft, but that’s perfect.
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Cool and serve: Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips & Tricks
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this allows it to blend better into the cake, creating a smooth texture.
- Customizations: Feel free to experiment by adding fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or raspberries, on top of the pie filling for an added fruity twist.
- Layering Technique: To make layering easier, use a spoon to make small ‘wells’ in the dry cake mix before drizzling butter to ensure even distribution.
- Extra Flavor: Consider folding in a teaspoon of lemon zest for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a drizzle of lemon glaze for a sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For a delightful presentation, serve the 4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the creaminess and offer a delightful contrast to the cake’s warm texture. Additionally, serving this cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate its aesthetic appeal. For drinks, consider refreshing iced tea or lemonade to complement the lemony notes of the dessert.
Nutritional Information
This lemon cream cheese dump cake is indulgent, yet it can be enjoyed in moderation. While specific calorie counts will vary, a typical serving (about 1/8th of the cake) contains roughly 300-350 calories. The inclusion of cream cheese adds some protein and fat, while the lemon pie filling incorporates a small amount of dietary fiber.
Storing Tips & Variations for 4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life (up to a week). For those looking to try healthier alternatives, consider swapping the cake mix for a low-sugar variety or making your own from scratch to cut down on additives. You can also experiment by using orange cake mix or pie filling for a new citrus flavor twist.
Conclusion for 4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
This 4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s bound to impress family and friends. With its minimal ingredient list and easy step-by-step directions, it’s time to bring this bright, zesty cake to your next gathering. Don’t wait—dive into the refreshing flavors and creamy textures of this delightful treat today!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for lemon, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla or orange for a unique twist.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a few hours in advance. Just be sure to cool it before covering it.
4. What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider incorporating lemon zest or even a drizzle of lemon glaze on top when serving for an enhanced lemon flavor.
5. Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for a safe freeze. Simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.
4 Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and simple dessert featuring zesty lemon flavor and creamy richness from cream cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Pour the lemon pie filling into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and scatter over the lemon pie filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix over the top without stirring.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden.
- Cool for about 5 minutes before serving, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for better blending. Add berries for a fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
