Lemon Dump Cake Recipe

This Lemon Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful and easy dessert that combines the bright flavors of lemon with a rich, buttery cake. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a refreshing treat that everyone will love!

Description

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dessert, this Lemon Dump Cake Recipe is the answer. A dump cake is known for its simplicity, and this lemon variation is no exception. It’s a fantastic option for busy bakers or those who may not feel confident in the kitchen. With layers of tangy lemon filling and a golden, crispy cake topping, this dessert is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dump Cake Recipe

The beauty of a dump cake lies in its ease of preparation. There’s no need for complex mixing or layering. You simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. This recipe is perfect for warm summer days, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a sweet treat with a citrus twist.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

The lemon flavor in this cake comes from a combination of lemon juice and lemon pudding mix, resulting in a deliciously tangy filling that perfectly complements the sweet cake topping. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an ideal dessert for lemon lovers.

Versatile and Customizable

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it to suit your taste. You can add a sprinkle of coconut, blueberries, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving. This lemon dump cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh lemon glaze.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave for a few seconds. The flavors tend to intensify after a day, making it even more enjoyable.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this Lemon Dump Cake contains approximately 250 calories. The combination of lemon and cake makes it a delightful option that won’t derail your diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Ingredients

1 can (21 ounces) lemon pie filling
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Layer the Ingredients: Pour the lemon pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Mix the Pudding: In a bowl, combine the instant lemon pudding mix with 1 cup of water and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the lemon pie filling. Do not stir; simply spread it out.
Pour the Pudding Mixture: Pour the pudding mixture over the cake mix layer, ensuring even coverage.
Drizzle the Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding the zest of one lemon to the pudding mixture.
This recipe can be made ahead of time; just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
If you want to make individual servings, consider using ramekins instead of a baking dish.