Table of Contents

This lemon dump cake recipe is simple yet utterly delicious and is your go to if you’re looking for a simple dessert. This combination of tangy brightness of lemon, plus the buttery richest of cake fits every occasion. A dump cake defies traditional cakes that must be prepared with much attention, because it’s the exact opposite—you dump the ingredients into a dish, take it out of the oven, and enjoy.

In this blog, I’ll show you how to make an irresistible lemon dump cake, with step by step instructions, expert tips, serving ideas and variations. This recipe will please you whether you are hosting a get together, attending a potluck, or simply desiring a sweet and tangy dessert.

Lemon Dump Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

It’s 1 box lemon cake mix – it adds the nice lemony flavor and base.
For a tangy rich layer 1 cans (21 oz) lemon pie filling
3/4 cup of sugar – adds sweetness and sweetness to the bars (not necessary, but I always feel slightly guilty and violated when left out)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) – adds sweetness and creaminess
For a golden, buttery topping, heat 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup) and melt.
Vanilla extract – 1/2 tsp. Helps improve the taste

Optional Add-Ins:

If you want a tropical twist then 1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup white chocolate chips – helps with sweetness a throw texture

Lemon Dump Cake Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Put your oven to 350°F (175°C). For easy serving later, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray non stick.

2. Layer the Ingredients

Pour the lemon pie filling evenly over bottom of prepared baking dish. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the pie filling, but be sure to drizzle the milk, to cover the filling fully. It makes for a luscious, creamy base of the lemon dump cake.

3. Add the Cake Mix

Open up the box of lemon cake mix and sprinkle evenly all over the pie filling and condensed milk layers. Spread it out with a spatula or your hands making sure you cover all surfaces.

4. Drizzle with Butter

Melted down the butter evenly over the cake mix. Again, try to cover as much of the surface as possible, as this will give you a golden crumbly topping.

5. Bake the Cake

Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. At the 30 minute mark, check to see the edges aren’t browning too quickly.

6. Cool and Serve

Unbake the cake in the oven, then cool for at least 15 minutes. This makes it easier to serve—allowing the layers to set. At room temp or warm; refrigerate; enjoy for the best flavor.

Expert Advice For Perfect Lemon Dump Cake

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Use a quality high quality lemon cake mix and pie filling to make sure those flavors are full and vibrant. This can lead to a less flavorful cake, and cheaper alternatives.

Distribute the Butter Evenly

To get that perfect golden topping, be sure the melted butter is spread over the cake mix evenly. In a dry spot, use a spoon or brush to cover the spot.

Add Texture with Toppings

If you want to dress yours up, sprinkle chopped nuts, shred coconut, or the white chocolate chips over the top before baking. In addition, they add texture for a touch of elegance to the dessert.

Let it Rest Before Serving

Serve with slightly warm cake. This helps the layers to set, so you know you have each piece perfectly layered, and they make it easier to slice and scoop them.

Lemon Dump Cake: What To Serve With It

Fresh Whipped Cream

Lemon dump cake brings excellent flavors together and dollops of freshly whipped cream lighten the rich flavors with light airy contrast. For the perfect pair adding some powdered sugar to sweeten the cream.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream — serve. It is perfect combination of melted creaminess of the ice cream with the tangy lemon filling they fill the buds with this delightful dessert.

Fresh Berries

Finish the cake with fresh raspberries, blueberries or strawberries adding a natural sweetness and color. Lemon flavor blends with the tartness of the berry very well.

Lemon Glaze

A few extra zing of citrus, a nice glossy finish… drizzle with a simple lemon glaze- powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Ingredient Alternatives

lemon dump cake

Gluten-Free Lemon Dump Cake

If you are having someone who is gluten sensitive in your party, replace the lemon cake mix with a gluten free lemon cake mix. Make sure all the other ingredients are gluten free too.

Dairy-Free Version

Change the butter for a plant based dessert butter, for example coconut oil or vegan margarine. A delicious way to make dairy free condensed milk, to replace the traditional version without giving up on creaminess.

Lower-Sugar Option

If you opt for a sugar free lemon cake mix and reduced sugar pie filling, you will lower the amount of sugar. But you can substitute unsweetened condensed milk for a slightly less sweet, equally creamy result.

Unique Flavor Twists

It’s not necessary, but adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pie filling gives it an extra burst of citrus.
If you want just a slight subtle undertone of nutty, mix in 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract.
Add some crunch; top with a little crushed graham crackers.

Why This Recipe’s better than any Ordinary One

A standout in its simplicity, versatility and amazing flavor, this lemon dump cake recipe is the one. Lemon filling layered between a cake mix, and made golden with topping, this dessert is indulgent and refreshing. This recipe is unlike most others; you don’t need fancy equipment, and in the end, it’s not a complicated recipe. This is a real “dump and Bake” recipe that results in culinary art from behind a stove. This adaptability also means you can flavor and textures to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Any Occasion

When i make this lemon dump cake it’s the best dessert for almost any occasion. Bright, citrusy in flavor, it’s a great choice for summer barbecues and picnics or cozy family dinners and holiday gatherings, what with its warm comforting layers too. It’s easy to prepare, which means you can quickly prepare this cake and bring it to last minute guests or pot luck events. It’s a versatile ingredient because it can be served warm or cold, and it’s something you can use year round. This lemon dump cake is sure to impress whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a party or just making something decadent on a mid week treat.

More Ways to Enjoy the Recipe

Lemon Parfaits

To make a lemon parfait layer fresh berries and whipped cream onto chunks of the lemon dump cake in a glass. The way we repurpose leftovers while making something that looks beautiful.

Lemon Dump Cake Bars

When cooled, the cake may be sliced into bars and baked. Perfect for bake sales, picnics, or lunchbox snacks, these portable treats are another easy cookie you’ll want to add to your recipe files.

Lemon Trifle

Layer this lemon dump cake base with vanilla pudding, whipped cream and crushed cookies and you have a trifle. It takes simple dessert and makes it into an elegant centerpiece.

Lemon Milkshake

Put vanilla ice cream, milk and a slice of lemon dump cake all together and blend for a decadent lemon milkshake. Finally garnish with some whipped cream and a slice of lemon for a extra fancy touch.

Why the Recipe Stands Out

But this lemon dump cake recipe is different because it gets the biggest lemon flavor for the least amount of effort. Made with store bought ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll get dessert that tastes homemade and luxurious. The recipe is also versatile hence such a favorite among bakers. This recipe will serve you well whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions, exploring flavours or reusing some leftovers. Then, with the bright, tangy lemon flavor, it’s always a winner in the guest department and, lastly, it’s a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts.

See Also: Trufa de Café Recipe

Health Conditions and Nutrition Insights

There are about 320 calories and 14g of fat in each serving of lemon dump cake. But because the dessert is rich and indulgent, it’s perfect for special occasions. If you are watching your sugar or fat it can help make the recipe lighter by using the reduced sugar or dairy free alternatives. So, the addition of fresh fruit to the top also elevates the nutritional profile with vitamins and antioxidants.

Overall, this lemon dump cake recipe is a winner and must try for dessert lovers who love a pretty easy recipe with a lot of flavor. Buttery topping, endless customize options and bright citrus flavor make it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Total your tangy, delicious pleasure off every bite!