The sunny days of summer are finally here, lighting up everything around. A homemade lemon dessert can brighten up your day. Today, I’m excited to share a simple Lemon Dump Cake recipe. It needs only 4 ingredients and is quick to make.
This dessert is great for any gathering. It’s a mix of sweet and tangy flavors that will make you smile. It’s perfect for family events, potlucks, or even office parties.
This Lemon Dump Cake is easy to make and delicious. You’ll need just a few things from your pantry. The cream cheese and cake mix make every bite a joy.
It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. This recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
What Makes This Lemon Dump Cake Special
The lemon dump cake is a standout in desserts. It combines creamy texture, rich buttery flavor, and a strong citrus taste. Its simplicity and quick preparation make it perfect for any time.
With just four ingredients – lemon pie filling, cream cheese, yellow cake mix, and butter – it’s ready in minutes. This makes it great for busy nights or special events.
The Origins of Dump Cake
Dump cakes became popular in the late 1960s for their easy method. The name “dump cake” comes from dumping all ingredients into a pan without mixing. This lemon dump cake follows this simple approach, making a delicious dessert with little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lemon dump cake is loved for many reasons. Its creamy texture and rich flavor are enhanced by the lemon pie filling’s bright taste. It’s a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
It’s quick to prepare, with only 10 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of baking. It serves 8-12 people, making it perfect for family dinners, church events, or potlucks.
Whether you’re a dump cake fan or new to them, this lemon dump cake will wow you. Its simplicity, flavor, and versatility make it a top choice for easy lemon desserts.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need for a Lemon Dump Cake
Recipe
Making a great lemon dump cake is easy with just four ingredients: lemon pie filling, yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and unsalted butter. These ingredients mix to make a moist and tasty dessert.
The recipe starts with two and a half cups of lemon pie filling or lemon curd. This ingredient brings the signature tangy and citrusy taste to the dessert. Then, a 15.25-ounce package of yellow cake mix is used for the fluffy topping. It bakes to a golden brown.
For a creamy layer, half a cup of cream cheese is added. It complements the tartness of the lemon filling beautifully. A stick of unsalted butter, sliced thin, is placed over the cake mix. This ensures the dessert stays rich and buttery.
With lemon pie filling, yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and unsalted butter, you can make a lemon dump cake that will wow everyone. Its mix of flavors and textures makes it a hit with all who try it.
“The lemon dump cake recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors with a luscious, moist texture that’s absolutely hard to resist.”
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect 9×13-inch baking dish Lemon Dump Cake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment. Let’s take a look at the must-have items for this recipe:
Baking Dish Requirements
The foundation of this recipe is a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size dish is perfect for the Lemon Dump Cake as it allows the cake to bake evenly. It also provides the right ratio of cake to fruit filling. Be sure to grease the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
Additional Tools
- Spatula – for smoothing the cake batter and cream cheese layer
- Knife – for cubing the cream cheese and slicing the cold butter
- Whisk (optional) – for whipping the cream topping
- Zester (optional) – for adding fresh lemon zest as a garnish
With these simple tools, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a delicious Lemon Dump Cake in no time. Let’s move on to the step-by-step preparation instructions.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Preparing the lemon dump cake is easy. Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to keep the cake from sticking.
First, spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half of the lemon cake mix over it. After that, evenly arrange cubes of cream cheese over the cake mix. Finally, add the rest of the lemon cake mix and top with thin butter slices.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Spread the lemon pie filling across the base of the dish in an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the lemon cake mix over the filling.
- Distribute the cream cheese cubes evenly over the layer of cake mix.
- Top with the remaining lemon cake mix.
- Place thin slices of butter across the entire surface of the cake.
Make sure to spread all ingredients evenly for the best taste. The mix of lemon pie filling, cake mix, cream cheese, and butter is crucial for a great lemon dump cake.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lemon pie filling | 1 (21 oz) can |
| Lemon cake mix | 1 (15.25 oz) box |
| Cream cheese, cubed | 8 oz |
| Salted butter, sliced | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
Tips for Perfect Butter and Cream Cheese Layer
To make your Lemon Dump Cake perfect, focus on the butter and cream cheese. These ingredients make the cake rich, creamy, and delicious. Your guests will love it.
Proper Butter Placement
Butter placement is key. Cut the butter into thin slices and spread them out on the cake mix. This way, the butter melts into the mix, making the cake moist and tasty.
Cream Cheese Cutting Technique
For the cream cheese, cut it into small cubes. Place these cubes over the lemon pie filling. This adds creamy, tangy pockets to the cake, balancing the lemon flavor.
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Thin Butter Slices | Ensures even distribution and absorption into the cake mix |
| Cream Cheese Cubes | Creates pockets of creamy texture throughout the cake |
By using these tips, you’ll make a Lemon Dump Cake that looks great and tastes amazing. Every bite will be a delight.
Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines
To make the perfect lemon dump cake, follow the right baking time and temperature. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping, a cake mix fully absorbed in butter, and a bubbling filling.
For the best results, check the cake at 35 minutes. Adjust the baking time as needed. Your oven and ingredients might affect the time. Aim for a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfectly cooked.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the lemon dump cake for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Check the cake at 35 minutes to ensure the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Adjust the baking time as needed, in 5-minute increments, until the cake is fully cooked.
By following these guidelines, you’ll get a delicious lemon dump cake. It will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the perfect mix of tart and sweet in every bite!
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Once your lemon dump cake is done, it’s time to think about serving it. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. There are many toppings that can make it look and taste better.
Whipped Cream Options
A dollop of whipped cream is a classic choice. It goes well with the lemon flavor. You can sweeten it with powdered sugar or vanilla for extra taste. Cool Whip or other non-dairy options are good if you want something lighter.
Garnishing Ideas
Adding garnishes can make your cake look great. A dusting of powdered sugar on top looks like snow. Sprinkling fresh lemon zest adds citrus aroma and flavor.
For a fancy touch, place a thin lemon slice on each slice. Whether you choose whipped cream or a garnish, these touches will make your cake a hit with everyone.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have leftover lemon dump cake, don’t worry. It can stay in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just warm it up in the microwave for a quick treat.
This lemon dump cake is great because you can make it ahead. You have two choices:
- Bake the cake and store it in the fridge until serving time.
- Put all the ingredients in the dish and refrigerate it. Then, just bake it fresh when you’re ready.
Either way, this make-ahead dessert makes hosting easy. Just warm it up and you have a delicious dessert ready.
These storage and make-ahead tips let you enjoy lemon dump cake anytime. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a quick dessert.
Conclusion
This easy lemon dump cake recipe is a true gem. It offers the perfect balance of convenience and delicious flavor. It’s versatile, making it great for many occasions, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe will impress. It’s quick to make and uses just a few simple pantry staples. This makes it perfect for a homemade, easy lemon dessert without the hassle. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a perfect mix of tart and sweet.
So, why not try this irresistible lemon dump cake recipe? It’s sure to become a family favorite. With its simplicity and flavor, it’s a gem worth adding to your baking collection.
