4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake – The Easiest Dessert Ever

Sometimes, the best desserts are the simplest. If you’re craving a tangy, creamy, and buttery treat that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or dozens of ingredients, the 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your answer. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a luscious dessert perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a quick indulgence. Here’s everything you need to know to make it perfectly every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully simple—just four ingredients:

Yellow cake mix – 1 box (about 15.25 oz)
Lemon-lime soda – 12 oz (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened to room temperature
Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), cut into small pieces

Optional: A dusting of powdered sugar for garnish, or fresh lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavor.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Layer the Cream Cheese

Take your softened cream cheese and cut it into small cubes. Spread the cubes evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creamy layer will melt as the cake bakes, creating a smooth, tangy surprise beneath the cake topping.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Don’t worry about mixing—this is a dump cake, so it’s designed to be effortless!