• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
All Our Way
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Wild Game
  • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Wild Game
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Wild Game
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Desserts - Dolci

Lemon Dump Cake

Published: Mar 14, 2022 · Modified: Jul 3, 2023 by Marisa Franca · 14 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Pinterest long image of Lemon Dump Cake on plate with whipped topping.

This delicious Lemon Dump Cake recipe brings a delightful creamy citrusy flavor to this quick and easy dessert. The moist pudding-like cake has only 4 ingredients with just minutes of hands on time to prepare. It's the ideal dessert for any occasion.

Serving of Lemon Dump Cake with Whipped Cream.
This Lemon Dump Cake recipe is one of the easiest summer desserts we make.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
  • 🛒 Ingredients
  • 🗒 Instructions
  • 🔪 Equipment
  • 🤔 FAQs
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Tips
  • 📚 Variations
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📗 Related Recipes
  • 🍽 Serve with
  • 📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
  • 📝 Recipe Card
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

  • It's an uncomplicated cake dessert to make with only 4 ingredients.
  • The recipe has simple ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Lemon is a popular flavor with everyone, especially in the summer months.
  • This is a casual dessert perfect for finishing family meals.

If you can open a can and box then slice a few ingredients you can make this amazing lemon dessert. But don't let the simplicity fool you, this lemon dump cake rates right up there in flavor with the best lemon dessert recipes.

🛒 Ingredients

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Image of the ingredients required for making the Lemon Dump Cake Recipe.

Note: The full list of this recipe ingredients with their amounts and options are listed in the Lemon Dump Cake recipe card below.

  • Lemon Cake Mix
  • Lemon Pie Filling
  • Cream Cheese
  • Butter
  • Whipped topping (optional)

🗒 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

First set of instructions for making the lemon pie filling cake.
  1. Spray a 9X13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Evenly spread the lemon pie filling on the bottom of the pan.
  2. Slice the cream cheese and place on top of the lemon filling.
  3. Make sure to evenly space the cream cheese over the pie filling.
  4. Gently push each slice down into the lemon filling.
Second set of four steps to making the recipe for lemon cake with cream cheese.
  1. Sprinkle the cake mix over the filling and cream cheese.
  2. Make sure to evenly spread the mix so that it covers the bottom layers.
  3. Cut very thin pats of butter and cover the entire top of the cake mix.
  4. Make sure to cover as much of the cake as possible.
The third and final four steps to making the pudding cake recipe.
  1. Bake in a preheated 350℉ oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
  2. The cake is done when the topping is browned. The cake is pudding-like so some of the top may have moist spots. That's okay -- it is done.
  3. Let the cake cool for a bit.
  4. Serve warm by itself or with some whipped cream or ice cream.

🔪 Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant i the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

You’ll need the following items to make this Lemon pudding cake recipe successfully.

  • Can Opener
  • Knife
  • Baking Dish 13X9
  • Non-stick Cooking Spray

🤔 FAQs

These are the questions we are most frequently asked about making (recipe name)

Why do they call it dump cake?

 A dump cake is an American dessert similar to a cobbler but with a cake-like topping. It is so named because it is prepared by "dumping" ingredients (such as canned fruit or pie filling, followed by a boxed cake mix) into a baking dish without mixing. Our Lemon Dump Cake Recipe is similar to a pudding cake with a lot less work.

Can you leave dump cake out?

It's best to refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container. The dessert will last for several days in the refrigerator but we've never had it last that long.

What is the difference between and dump cake and cobbler?

They are pretty similar, but a dump cake uses cake mix, the type you purchase at the store. Both have a bottom layer of fruit filling or pie filling, but a cobbler uses a biscuit or pie crust topping.

Can I add lemon juice to cake mix?

You can add lemon juice or lemon zest (or both!); the tartness from the lemon helps cut the sweetness of the cake mix. It's also a great idea if you love lemon flavor because it enhances the citrus taste giving the dessert more of a fine bakery taste.

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips

When purchasing the cake mix at the store, make sure it doesn't already have a pudding mix in it. You want a plain lemon cake mix.

Make sure your butter is VERY cold so that you can easily slice the pats thin. You want as much of the cake mix covered with the butter as possible. The butter will melt down into the lemon cake dessert and not spread out. If there are large gaps, the cake mix that's not covered will be dry and powdery.

A forkful of lemon dump cake with the cake pan in the background.
Each bite of this lemon cobbler dessert is bursting with bright citrus flavor.

📚 Variations

You can make up as many dump cake variations as your imagination will allow. Such as:

  • Cinnamon Peach
  • Apple Caramel
  • Lemon Blueberry
  • Strawberry Almond
  • Cherry Chocolate

🥫 Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be just fine for 5 to 7 days. I really don't think you'll have too much to worry about, the dessert goes fast.

You can also store this lemon dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before you're ready to serve it.

📗 Related Recipes

If you're into lemon flavored desserts then our delicious Lemon Tart with a Biscotti Crust would be another one you have to try.

Italians love using lemons for all sorts of dishes from asparagus, grilled shrimp, and even pasta.

I love adding lemon to my water because of all the health benefits and taste.

🍽 Serve with

Serve this yummy lemon dessert with a big scoop of our homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you'd like more color to your dessert add some blueberries. Lemon and blueberries are a fantastic combination, you only have to look at our Lemon Blueberry Cream Pie.

A quick meal to serve before this luscious dessert would be some easy roasted Lemon Garlic Chicken. It's another recipe that uses few ingredients.

And to continue with the citrus theme, Lemon Parmesan Broccoli is perfect.

📞 Chiacchierata (chat)

Whenever I want a quick dessert I look no further than a dump cake. The combinations are endless and it's super easy to throw together. We especially love this recipe for Lemon Dump Cake. I always keep the ingredients handy just in case...

Next time if you're craving something orangey, be sure to check out the Orange Creamsicle Bar recipe. The dessert is easy to make and reminiscent of those famous ice cream bars.

Lemon pudding cake with a dollop of whipped cream on a white plate.

What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.

📝 Recipe Card

Look no further than this easy 4 ingredient dessert recipe if you need a quick and delicious summery treat. Each bite bursts with a fresh sunny citrus flavor. Top this lemon-like cobbler with your favorite vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

And if you're a lemon dessert lover, next time try out our Old-Fashioned Lemon Bars. They are great finish to a summer picnic or backyard barbecue.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

📖 Recipe

Lemon cake mix made with lemon pie filling with whipped cream.

Amazing Citrusy Lemon Dump Cake

Lemon dump cake is quick and easy to make with just 4 ingredients. Each bite is loaded with lemon flavor and so luscious and rich from the butter and cream cheese. This is a family favorite.
4.58 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 291kcal
Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
As An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Baking dish 13X9-inch
  • Sharp knife
  • Can opener
  • Vegetable oil spray

Ingredients

  • 1 Package Lemon Cake Mix may substitute yellow cake mix
  • 2 cans Lemon pie filling 15.75-ounce size cans
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese
  • ½ cup Salted Butter very cold
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉.
  • Spray the bottom and sides of the baking pan with non stick cooking spray.
  • Spread both cans of the lemon filling into the bottom of a 9"X13" baking dish.
  • Slice the cream cheese over the lemon filling and gently push each slice down into the lemon filling.
  • Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the lemon and cream cheese layers.
  • Spread thin pats of butter over the entire top of the dry cake mix. Make sure as much of the cake mix is covered as possible. ** see notes
  • Bake about 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is browned.
  • Serve Warm and with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

When purchasing the cake mix at the store, make sure it doesn't already have a pudding mix in it. You want a plain lemon cake mix.
Make sure your butter is VERY cold so that you can easily slice the pats thin. You want as much of the cake mix covered with the butter as possible. The butter will melt down into the cake and not spread out. If there are large gaps, the cake mix that's not covered will be dry and powdery.
** You can also use melted butter drizzled over the top of the cake mix. I find it's easier to get coverage by using the pats of butter. 
STORE: Store the cake covered with a lid or plastic wrap in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.  More storage instructions are in the post above. 

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 442mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 1mg

Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!

    Powered By ConvertKit
    We'll never share your email or send you spam. Promise

    Related Posts

    • Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Parmesan an Easy Roasted Side

      Lemon Garlic Asparagus with Parmesan is a quick and easy vegetable side that's full of…

    • Lemon Garlic Roasted Mushrooms Recipe{Funghi Arrostiti con Lemone e Aglio}

      If you like mushrooms(we're crazy about them), then I can guarantee that Lemon Garlic Roasted Mushrooms{Funghi…

    • The Best Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe for Grilling

      This all-purpose lemon butter sauce is a great to have on hand. It's light and…

    More Desserts - Dolci

    • A slice of Triple Cream Pie on a white plate with the full pie in the background.
      Triple Coconut Cream Pie|Triple the Joy
    • Carrot cake cookies frosted with cream cheese fronting on a wire cooling rack.
      Carrot Cake Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting
    • This no-bake Strawberry Pie has the taste of a fruity margarita drink, with whipped topping spiked with Cointreau and tequila.
      No-Bake Margarita Strawberry Pie
    • Strawberry White Chocolate Blondies stacked up one on the other with a glass of milk in the background.
      Strawberry White Chocolate Blondies
    2.1K shares

    Primary Sidebar

    Pinterest long image of Lemon Dump Cake on plate with whipped topping.

    I’m Marisa Franca, a home chef, food writer, and photographer who believes that you can make gourmet quality food at home with simple seasonal ingredients. I’m passionate about family, food, friends, everything Italian, and happy endings.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    🍿Snack Favorites

    • Macaroni and cheese stuffed into a large pepperoni slice and baked.
      Pizza Bites Appetizer and Snack
    • A glass bowl filled with creamy chickpeas made into a hummus dip.
      Homemade Hummus Recipe
    • Casserole dish with baked ground beef taco dip.
      Baked Taco Dip
    • A sausage meatball pyramid in a white plate with the appetizers pierced with toothpicks.
      Cheesy Sausage Balls

    🇮🇹 Italian Comfort Food

    • Bolognese Sauce Antica gives you a true taste of Italy. A special sauce for a special meal.
      Bolognese Sauce Antica A True Taste of Italy
    • Creamy Parmesan Baked gnocchi in a rich cheesy sauce baked in a black cast iron skillet.
      Baked Gnocchi in Parmesan Sauce
    • A cast iron skillet holding the Beefy Ravioli Bake with torn basil leaves sprinkled on top.
      Beefy Baked Ravioli
    • A white plate filled with egg sauce coated pasta with bits of pork on top and some parley leaves.
      Classic Roman Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

    🌬️ Cozy Winter Soups

    • Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup recipe served in a white bowl and garnished with onions, bacon, and almonds.
      Savory Chicken Wild Rice Soup With Mushrooms
    • Bowl of Slow Cooker Taco Soup Topped With sour cream and corn chips.
      Easy Slow Cooker Taco Soup
    • Brown bowl filled with chunks of meat and barley grains in a tomato broth with a spoon in the bowl.
      Old-Fashioned Hearty Beef Barley Soup - The Way Mamma Used To Make
    • Black Bean soup garnished with sliced avocado, diced red onions, and cilantro leaves.
      Southwestern Black Bean Soup

    🤤 Delicious Yet Light

    • A salad bowl filled with Strawberry Lettuce combination and grilled chicken dressed with poppyseed dressing.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
    • A glass bowl filled with orzo pasta combined with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, feta, seasonings, and dressed with a Greek vinaigrette.
      Ultimate Greek Orzo Salad
    • Fresh green cabbage salad made with a homemade green goddess dressing.
      Green Goddess Salad And Dressing
    • Overhead view of large white bowl filled with arugula salad tossed with pears, gorgonzola cheese, cranberries, and walnuts.
      Arugula Salad

    Footer

    Pinterest long image of Lemon Dump Cake on plate with whipped topping.

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 All Our Way

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required