I still remember the first time I tried making a lemon cream cheese dump cake for a family gathering—it was chaos in the kitchen, but the sweet, tangy aroma quickly turned the mess into magic. This old-fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s quick, family-friendly, and customizable, giving you a balanced, comforting dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake is a dream for anyone who loves quick, family-friendly desserts with maximum flavor. Inspired by grandma’s old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake, it’s effortless to make yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you try a 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake, a 3 ingredient lemon dump cake, or even a lemon cream cheese dump cake Pioneer Woman style, the creamy lemon layers and golden topping always impress. You can also experiment with lemon curd recipes or turn it into a lemon pudding cake for a slightly different texture. Fans of Jamie Oliver lemon cream cheese dump cake and lemon cream cheese dump cake Allrecipes versions will find this recipe equally irresistible, balancing simplicity with rich, tangy flavor. This dessert proves that comfort and convenience can go hand-in-hand, making it one of the most versatile lemon treats you’ll ever bake.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The magic of this lemon cream cheese dump cake comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. Using lemon pie filling or a lemon curd recipe forms the bright citrus base, while cream cheese adds that smooth, luscious layer reminiscent of grandma’s old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake. The lemon cake mix provides structure and a golden, slightly crisp top, and butter ensures richness and moisture. Optional add-ins like vanilla, lemon zest, or white chocolate chips let you customize your 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake or experiment with variations like Jamie Oliver lemon cream cheese dump cake or lemon cream cheese dump cake Pioneer Woman style. Fans of lemon cream cheese dump cake Allrecipes or 3 ingredient lemon dump cake will appreciate how easy this recipe is while still delivering incredible flavor. You can even transform it into a lemon pudding cake for a softer texture.
🛒 Ingredients (One 9×13 pan)
For the Cake:
2 cans (20–22 oz each) lemon pie filling or homemade lemon curd
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced or melted
Optional Add-Ins:
1 teaspoon vanilla
Zest of 1 lemon
½ cup white chocolate chips
Powdered sugar for topping
How to Make This Recipe
Making a lemon cream cheese dump cake is as simple as layering flavors for a show-stopping dessert. This old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake starts with a base of lemon pie filling or a fresh lemon curd recipe, followed by a creamy layer of softened cream cheese, creating the rich, tangy center that makes this dessert unforgettable. Sprinkling the lemon cake mix over the top and adding butter slices results in a golden, slightly crisp topping. Whether you’re trying a 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake, a 3 ingredient lemon dump cake, or a Jamie Oliver lemon cream cheese dump cake, the process is effortless yet produces a dessert reminiscent of grandma’s old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake. You can even try a lemon pudding cake variation or follow styles like lemon cream cheese dump cake Pioneer Woman or lemon cream cheese dump cake Allrecipes for subtle twists.
🛒 Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 pan.
Spread 2 cans of lemon pie filling or a lemon curd recipe evenly in the pan.
Cut 8 oz softened cream cheese into cubes and scatter over the lemon layer.
Sprinkle 1 box of lemon cake mix evenly on top of the cream cheese layer.
Place ½ cup butter slices over the cake mix or drizzle melted butter evenly.
Bake for 40–55 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
Cool 10–15 minutes before serving.
Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or add lemon zest for extra flavor.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect lemon cream cheese dump cake relies on a few simple tricks that enhance flavor and texture. For an old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to create a smooth, creamy layer. Thin slices or melted butter spread evenly over the top of the 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake ensure a golden, crisp finish. Fans of grandma’s old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake and Jamie Oliver lemon cream cheese dump cake will appreciate these techniques, which help the dessert bake evenly and bubble beautifully. You can also experiment with a lemon pudding cake version or follow ideas from lemon cream cheese dump cake Pioneer Woman or lemon cream cheese dump cake Allrecipes to adjust sweetness and tanginess to your taste. Using fresh lemon zest and a lemon curd recipe can intensify the lemon flavor even more.
💡 Expert Tips:
Always soften 8 oz cream cheese before adding to the pan.
Use ½ cup butter slices evenly across the cake mix to prevent dry spots.
Try a lemon curd recipe instead of canned filling for richer flavor.
Add lemon zest or white chocolate chips for a custom twist.
For a 3 ingredient lemon dump cake variation, omit optional add-ins.
Cool 10–15 minutes before slicing to let layers set.
FAQs
What is a lemon cream cheese dump cake?
A lemon cream cheese dump cake is an easy, layered dessert featuring lemon pie filling or a lemon curd recipe, soft cream cheese, and lemon cake mix. This old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake delivers creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors without complicated steps. Variations include a 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake, a 3 ingredient lemon dump cake, or recipes inspired by Jamie Oliver lemon cream cheese dump cake and lemon cream cheese dump cake Pioneer Woman.
Can I make this recipe with fewer ingredients?
Yes, you can make a 3 ingredient lemon dump cake or a 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake for a quicker version. Using just lemon pie filling, cake mix, cream cheese, and butter still gives a rich, flavorful dessert similar to grandma’s old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake or lemon cream cheese dump cake Allrecipes versions.
How do I prevent dry spots on top of my lemon cream cheese dump cake?
Use thin slices of butter or melt and drizzle evenly over the lemon cake mix. This ensures a golden, moist topping for your lemon cream cheese dump cake Pioneer Woman style or any lemon pudding cake variation.
Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of canned lemon filling?
Absolutely. A homemade lemon curd recipe intensifies flavor and gives a fresh taste to any old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake, 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake, or Jamie Oliver lemon cream cheese dump cake version.
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This lemon cream cheese dump cake is a simple, flavorful dessert that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet layers in every bite. Whether you choose an old fashioned lemon cream cheese dump cake, a quick 4-ingredient lemon cream cheese dump cake, or a variation inspired by Jamie Oliver lemon cream cheese dump cake or lemon cream cheese dump cake Pioneer Woman, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special celebrations, this dessert proves that easy can also be extraordinary.
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright, tangy, ultra-easy lemon dessert made with layers of lemon pie filling, sweet cream cheese, and buttery cake mix. This 4-ingredient dump cake is creamy in the center, crisp on top, and perfect for potlucks, weeknight treats, or anytime you’re craving an old-fashioned lemon dessert.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (One 9×13 pan)
For the Cake:
2 cans (20–22 oz each) lemon pie filling or homemade lemon curd
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced (or melted and drizzled)
Optional Add-Ins:
1 teaspoon vanilla
Zest of 1 lemon
½ cup white chocolate chips
Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
Spread the lemon pie filling (or lemon curd) evenly across the bottom of the pan.
If using, sprinkle in lemon zest for extra brightness.
Cut softened cream cheese into cubes and scatter evenly over the lemon filling.
(For a smoother layer, you can beat the cream cheese with vanilla first.)
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the entire pan — don’t mix it in.
Lay thin slices of butter across the surface, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
(Or melt and drizzle for more even coverage.)
Bake for 40–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Let cool 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Top: Drizzle a little melted butter halfway through baking.
- Extra Creamy: Whip the cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla before adding.
- Shortcut Version: Make it a 3-ingredient dump cake by skipping the cream cheese.
- Make Ahead: Stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- Serving Idea: Add fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Dump Cake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American