Looking for a simple yet delectable dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings? Look no further than this 4-ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dessert that’s bursting with tangy lemon flavor and creamy goodness. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive in and discover how to create this mouthwatering treat.
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
Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F. Lightly grease a square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Lemon Filling: Pour the lemon pie filling into the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring it spreads evenly into the corners to create a luscious lemon base.
Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle half of the yellow cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling, forming the second layer of your cake.
Creamy Cheese Delight: Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly over the cake mix, providing pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dessert.
Finish with Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Next, take the thinly sliced unsalted butter and arrange it in a single layer on top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures that your cake is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a heavenly dessert experience.
Related Recipes:
- Quick & Delicious Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
- Blueberry Lemon Lasagna Recipe
- Chicken Pot Pie Bake
Serving Tips:
- Warm or Chilled: This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for a comforting treat, or refrigerate leftovers for a refreshing dessert option.
- Garnish: Enhance the presentation of your dessert by garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon glaze can also add a burst of color and flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: Pair this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert combination. A hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea complements the zesty lemon flavor beautifully.
- Portion Control: Cut the cake into neat squares for easy serving, ensuring each guest receives a perfect portion of this delightful dessert. Consider serving with small dessert forks or spoons for an elegant touch.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when properly stored.
- Freezing: To extend the shelf life, you can also freeze individual portions of the cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Frozen cake can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. For a quicker thawing method, you can microwave individual portions on a low setting until heated through.
- Refreshing Leftovers: If the cake becomes slightly dry after refrigeration or freezing, revive its moistness by gently reheating it in the microwave for a few seconds or by adding a drizzle of lemon syrup before serving.
FAQs :
1. Can I Use Homemade Lemon Pie Filling for This Recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a canned lemon pie filling for convenience, you can certainly use homemade lemon pie filling if you prefer. Simply prepare your favorite lemon pie filling recipe according to its instructions and use it as directed in the recipe.
2. Can I Substitute the Yellow Cake Mix with Another Flavor?
- Yes, you can customize the flavor of this dump cake by using a different cake mix. Feel free to experiment with flavors like vanilla, white, or even lemon cake mix to enhance the lemony goodness of the dessert. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will vary depending on the cake mix you choose.
3. Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins to the Cake Batter?
- Absolutely! Adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, or other mix-ins like shredded coconut or dried fruit, can add texture and flavor to the dump cake. Simply sprinkle them over the cake mix layer before adding the butter slices for a delicious twist on the original recipe.
4. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time for a Special Occasion?
- Yes, this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake can be prepared ahead of time for convenience. You can assemble the cake as instructed up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled ingredients. This make-ahead option is perfect for entertaining or special occasions when you want to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion:
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a masterpiece of flavor with this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, potluck, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this dessert is sure to delight. With its irresistible combination of tangy lemon, creamy cheese, and buttery cake, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every blissful bite!
4 Ingredients Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with our mouthwatering recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. This easy-to-follow recipe requires only four simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its irresistible combination of tangy lemon filling, creamy cream cheese, and buttery cake, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, our recipe promises to deliver delicious results every time.
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a square baking dish.
- Spread lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the yellow cake mix over the lemon filling.
- Distribute cubed cream cheese over the cake mix layer.
- Sprinkle remaining cake mix on top.
- Arrange thinly sliced butter pats over the cake mix.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and set.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Customize the cake by adding nuts or dried fruits to the mix.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
