Some desserts just scream sunshine, and this Lemon Dump Cake is one of them. Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, it’s the easiest way to get that perfect balance of tart lemon and buttery sweetness with minimal effort. If you love lemon bars, lemon pie, or anything citrusy, this is about to become your new favorite lazy-day dessert.
Dump cakes are all about simplicity—just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The lemon pie filling brings a zesty kick, the cake mix creates a golden, crumbly topping, and the cream cheese melts into pockets of creamy goodness. And let’s not forget the butter—because everything’s better with a little buttery richness.
For an extra indulgence, I love serving this warm with a dollop of Whipped Cream. The light, fluffy texture balances out the tangy lemon, making every bite even more irresistible.
If you need a quick, no-fuss dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, this Lemon Dump Cake is a must-try!
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Six Ingredients, No Fuss. No mixing, no mess—layer and bake!
- Perfectly Sweet and Tart. The best of both worlds.
- Creamy Pockets of Goodness. That cream cheese? Next-level amazing.
- Great for Any Occasion. From casual weeknights to summer parties.
Lemon Dump Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray
- 1 22 ounce can lemon pie filling
- 1 15.25 ounce package lemon cake mix
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup salted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the lemon pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cake mix over the pie filling.
- Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly over the cake mix layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cake mix over the cream cheese.
- Evenly space out small pieces of butter on top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and fully set.
- Serve warm with whipped topping and enjoy!
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 517kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 67g |
| Sodium | 412g |
| Potassium | 93g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fibre | 1g |
Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Dump Cake!
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese – Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cubing. This helps it melt more evenly into the cake.
- Don’t Overmix – The beauty of a dump cake is its simplicity. Resist the urge to stir the layers together—keeping them separate creates a perfect balance of gooey, creamy, and cakey textures.
- Boost the Lemon Flavor – If you love a more vibrant lemon taste, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake mix or sprinkle a bit over the whipped topping before serving.
- Distribute Butter Evenly – Cutting the butter into small, evenly spaced pieces ensures the cake mix bakes up golden and crisp without dry spots. For even better coverage, melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the top.
- Let It Set Before Serving – The cake will be extra gooey when it first comes out of the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes so the layers can settle and thicken slightly.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – For a little texture contrast, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes over the top before baking.
- Serve It Right – This cake is best served warm, but if you prefer a firmer, sliceable texture, let it cool completely and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
- Pair It with Extras – A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of lemon curd takes this dessert to the next level.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
