A simple, tangy, and sweet cake that comes together in no time – perfect for busy days when you crave a quick dessert!
Lemon Dump Cake is one of those desserts that’s both super easy to make and absolutely delicious! I decided to make it because I wanted a light, refreshing dessert with a burst of lemon flavor, but without all the fuss.
This cake is so simple – you literally “dump” the ingredients into the pan, and it bakes into a moist, tangy cake with a slightly crispy top. My family loves it because it’s sweet, tart, and has that perfect balance of flavor. Whether for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this lemon cake is always a hit!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Yes! While yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, you can also use a white cake mix or a lemon cake mix for an even more intense lemon flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe from scratch?
A: Yes! If you prefer to make your own cake batter, you can substitute the cake mix with homemade batter. However, the beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, so using a cake mix keeps it quick and easy.
Q: Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon pie filling?
A: While fresh lemon juice will give the cake a nice tang, lemon pie filling is ideal because it adds sweetness and structure to the cake. If you prefer fresh lemons, you could try making your own lemon filling with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Once baked, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer storage.
Q: How can I serve Lemon Dump Cake?
A: This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for an extra special treat.
What You Need to Make Lemon Dump Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for extra lemon flavor)
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make Lemon Dump Cake
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the ingredients:
Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, pour the dry cake mix evenly over the lemon filling.
3. Add butter and water:
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix and then pour the water over the top. Don’t stir – just let the ingredients sit as they are.
4. Bake the cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake should be set and slightly crispy on top.
5. Serve:
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it warm, or let it cool completely before storing.
Tips
- For a tangier flavor: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the lemon pie filling before baking for an extra burst of lemon.
- Make it extra sweet: Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- For a crunchy top: If you want a crunchier top, add a handful of crushed graham crackers or crushed almonds to the cake mix before baking.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan W. – “This Lemon Dump Cake was so easy to make and absolutely delicious! The cake was light, and the lemon flavor was just perfect. I’ll definitely be making this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel T. – “I loved how simple this recipe was! It had a great balance of sweet and tangy, and the top was so crispy. I made it for a family gathering, and it was gone in minutes!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie L. – “This cake is so good, and it’s perfect for busy days when you want something sweet but don’t have time to bake. The lemon filling gives it such a nice flavor.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I made this for a dinner party, and everyone loved it! It’s super easy, and the lemon flavor really stands out. Definitely a crowd-pleaser.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lena R. – “I’ve made several dump cakes, but this one is my favorite. The lemon filling is so delicious, and the cake is perfectly moist and crumbly. So good!”
Printable Recipe
Lemon Dump Cake
This Lemon Dump Cake is a simple, tangy, and sweet dessert with a golden, crispy top and a luscious lemon filling. It’s an easy dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or lemon cake mix for extra lemon flavor)
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the ingredients:
Pour the lemon pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, pour the dry cake mix evenly over the lemon filling.
Add butter and water:
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix and then pour the water over the top. Don’t stir – just let the ingredients sit as they are.
Bake the cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake should be set and slightly crispy on top.
Serve:
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it warm, or let it cool completely before storing.
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Lemon Dump Cake, please share it with your friends and family! It’s a quick and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your cake turns out!
