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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
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Spoon chunks of softened cream cheese over the filling. You don’t need to spread it—just scatter it evenly.
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Sprinkle the lemon cake mix directly over the top of the cream cheese and pie filling layer. Do not stir.
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Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of it as possible.
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling at the edges.
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Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. It will thicken slightly as it sets.
Serving and Storage Tips
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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For a cool summer dessert, chill it in the fridge and serve it cold.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds if you prefer it warm.
Variants
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Blueberry Lemon: Add a layer of blueberry pie filling underneath or mix it with the lemon filling.
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Lemon Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top before baking for extra texture and flavor.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix if needed—results are still delicious!
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Zesty Kick: Mix a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese for even more citrusy brightness.
FAQ
Q: Can I use homemade lemon filling instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! As long as the consistency is thick like a pie filling, homemade works beautifully.
Q: My cake mix looks dry in spots after baking. What should I do?
A: That’s common with dump cakes. If you want a more uniform topping, use a spoon to gently press down the dry spots before baking or stir a little of the butter into the dry mix.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake it up to a day in advance and reheat before serving or enjoy it chilled.
Q: Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
A: You can, though the cake will be slightly less creamy. Full-fat gives the richest flavor and texture.
