Oh, let me tell you about my love for lemon dump cake! It’s one of those desserts that just makes you smile the moment you take a bite. The bright, zesty flavor is so refreshing, and the best part? It couldn’t be easier to whip up! Seriously, if you’ve got a box of cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you’re halfway there. I adore how this cake combines all those lovely lemony notes with a fluffy, buttery topping. It’s the perfect go-to when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Lemon Dump Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
How to Prepare Lemon Dump Cake
Making this lemon dump cake is so delightfully simple that you might find yourself making it on repeat! Let’s dive into the steps, and I promise, you’ll have a luscious dessert in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that lovely golden-brown finish!
- While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with some butter or cooking spray. You don’t want your cake to stick—trust me on this!
- Next, spread the luscious lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of your greased dish. This layer is going to add so much moisture and flavor!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix with 1 cup of water. Just stir until everything is combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. We’re going for a rustic vibe here!
- Now, pour that cheerful yellow cake mix over the lemon filling in the dish. Don’t worry about spreading it too perfectly; it’ll all blend together as it bakes.
- Drizzle the melted butter on top of the cake mix. This is where the magic happens, so don’t skip this step!
- Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Then, dust it with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and elegance before serving. Oh, the aroma will drive you wild!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just 10 minutes to get it in the oven!
- Minimal ingredients mean fewer trips to the store.
- Refreshing taste that brightens up any occasion.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will ask for the recipe!
- Easy cleanup, so you can relax and enjoy your dessert.
Tips for Success
To really nail this lemon dump cake, there are a few key tips I swear by! First, let your butter come to room temperature before melting it. This helps it blend better with the cake mix, creating a deliciously moist topping! If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but watch it closely so it doesn’t splatter.
Also, keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens can vary, so check your cake around the 30-minute mark. You want that golden crust, but you don’t want it to overbake and dry out. A toothpick should come out clean, but a few moist crumbs are totally okay!
Lastly, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess pairs perfectly with that bright lemon flavor—oh, yum! Enjoy the smiles!
Common Questions About Lemon Dump Cake
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Absolutely! While I adore the bright flavor of lemon, you can experiment with other cake mixes like vanilla or even white cake. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will change, but it can still be delicious!
How should I store leftovers? If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. Just reheat a piece briefly in the microwave before enjoying it again!
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can! This cake is great for making ahead. Just prepare it as usual and let it cool completely before covering it. You can either refrigerate it or leave it at room temperature for a day. Just dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh!
What if I don’t have lemon pie filling? No worries! You can substitute it with another fruit pie filling, like cherry or blueberry. Just remember, the flavor will be different, but it’ll still be a tasty dessert!
Can I freeze lemon dump cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake! I recommend slicing it first, then wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, one piece of this delightful lemon dump cake contains about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It also has around 20g of sugar and 300mg of sodium. So, while it’s a treat, enjoy it in moderation!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your lemon dump cake, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top—there’s just something magical about that fluffy texture against the tart lemon flavor. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, also add a delightful burst of color and sweetness. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, you’ll want to try them all!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lemon dump cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to savor it later, you can even freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy the zesty goodness!
Print
Lemon Dump Cake: 7 Reasons to Love This Easy Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert made with lemon, cake mix, and a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can lemon pie filling
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread lemon pie filling evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix lemon cake mix with water until combined.
- Pour the cake mix over the lemon filling.
- Drizzle melted butter on top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon dump cake
