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### **How to Make the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide**
Ready to make your own **Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake**? This recipe couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Follow the step-by-step guide below to create this delectable dessert in no time.
#### **Ingredients**:
– 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 box yellow cake mix (approximately 15 oz)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
#### **Instructions**:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the cake.
2. **Prepare the Baking Dish**:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or a little oil. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure it comes out easily after baking.
3. **Spread the Lemon Pie Filling**:
Open the can of lemon pie filling and pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the filling into an even layer across the bottom of the dish. This will serve as the tart and tangy base of the dump cake.
4. **Layer the Cream Cheese**:
In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for a few minutes or microwaving it for 10-15 seconds. Then, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and distribute them evenly on top of the lemon pie filling. The cream cheese will melt during baking, creating a creamy, luscious layer in the middle of the cake.
5. **Add the Cake Mix**:
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the lemon cream cheese layer. It’s okay if the cake mix doesn’t completely cover the filling—this will form a crumbly, textured topping once baked. You don’t need to mix the cake mix with anything; just sprinkle it directly from the box.
6. **Drizzle with Melted Butter**:
Pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Try to drizzle the butter evenly across the entire surface. The butter will soak into the cake mix, helping it form a golden, crisp crust as it bakes.
7. **Bake the Cake**:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. The cake mix will form a beautiful, crispy top layer, and the filling will be thick and creamy.
8. **Cool and Serve**:
Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The cake will be hot, so make sure to give it some time to cool down. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
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### **Creative Variations and Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake**
While the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is delicious as is, there are several ways you can get creative with the recipe and make it your own. Here are some ideas and tips to try:
#### **1. Add Fresh Lemon Zest**:
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding some fresh lemon zest to the lemon pie filling. This will enhance the lemony tang and make the cake even more aromatic and refreshing.
#### **2. Use a Different Cake Mix**:
While yellow cake mix is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix to change the flavor profile. For example, using white cake mix will give the cake a lighter, fluffier texture, while a lemon or strawberry cake mix can intensify the fruity flavors.
#### **3. Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream**:
Once the cake is baked and cooled, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness and texture. The creamy toppings complement the tangy lemon filling and give the dessert a luscious finish.
#### **4. Add Fruit**:
For added freshness and texture, try adding fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, on top of the lemon pie filling before adding the cream cheese layer. The fruit adds a burst of color and a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.
#### **5. Make It Gluten-Free**:
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily make this cake gluten-free by substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version. Many brands offer gluten-free cake mixes that work just as well in this recipe.
#### **6. Add a Streusel Topping**:
For extra crunch and flavor, you can make a streusel topping by combining a little flour (or gluten-free flour), sugar substitute, and butter. Sprinkle it on top of the cake mix before baking to create a crumbly, sweet topping.
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### **Conclusion**
The **4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake** is a game-changer when it comes to easy, delicious desserts. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who loves spending time in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to make yet decadent enough to wow your guests. The balance of tangy lemon, creamy cream cheese, and buttery cake mix is absolutely irresistible, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
With just four ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that’s not only mouthwatering but also adaptable to suit your taste preferences. So next time you need a quick, crowd-pleasing treat, give this Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake a try—you won’t be disappointed!
