Are you craving a sweet and tangy dessert but short on time and ingredients? Look no further than this irresistible 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake. With just a few simple components, you can create a luscious and decadent treat that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a little indulgence, this dump cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this mouthwatering dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 ounces) lemon pie filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Lemon Pie Filling: Gently fold in the lemon pie filling until well combined with the cream cheese.
- Layer the Ingredients: Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom. Next, spread the lemon pie filling and cream cheese mixture over the melted butter.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the lemon cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the surface completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added texture and crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the top of the cake mix before baking.
- Drizzle with Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled dump cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors and pie fillings to create unique flavor combinations. Try using a yellow cake mix with cherry pie filling or a white cake mix with blueberry pie filling for delicious variations.
Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Low-Carb Cake Mix: Look for a low-carb or keto-friendly cake mix alternative made with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carb content of the dessert.
- Sugar-Free Pie Filling: Opt for a sugar-free or low-sugar lemon pie filling to further reduce the carb content of the dessert.
- Swerve Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener, such as Swerve or erythritol, in place of granulated sugar to sweeten the cream cheese layer.
Low Carb Version:
- Almond Flour Crust: Replace the cake mix with a crust made from almond flour, butter, and sweetener for a low-carb alternative.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding freshly grated lemon zest to the cream cheese layer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can customize this dump cake recipe by using a different flavor of cake mix, such as yellow, white, or even strawberry. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite!
2. Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply assemble the layers as instructed, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.
With its creamy lemon filling, buttery cake topping, and irresistible cream cheese layer, this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a dessert dream come true. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight treat or planning a special occasion, this easy dump cake recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds with this deliciously decadent dessert!
