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.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – Quick & Easy Dessert 2025

Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10-12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional); Zest of 1 lemon (optional); ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional); Powdered sugar for topping (optional)

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

Scale

🛒 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

📝 Instructions Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Add the Lemon Base

Spread the lemon pie filling (or lemon curd) evenly across the bottom of the pan.
If using, sprinkle in lemon zest for extra brightness.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

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.)

Step 4: Dump the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the entire pan — don’t mix it in.

Step 5: Add the Butter

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.)

Step 6: Bake

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