Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you my absolute favorite lemon dump cake recipe. This delightful dessert is like a warm hug on a plate—it’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-comforting. Imagine a luscious layer of lemon pie filling beneath a fluffy cake that’s topped with a golden, buttery crust. The best part? It’s so easy to make! You just dump everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table. Trust me, one bite of this lemony goodness and you’ll be hooked! It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home, and I can’t wait for you to try it. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious lemon dump cake. Don’t worry, it’s a short list, and I promise you won’t need any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl and a baking dish!
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- 1 can of lemon pie filling
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Make sure to have these items on hand before you start, and if you have any questions about the ingredients or substitutes, just let me know! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Lemon Dump Cake
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful lemon dump cake! I promise, it’s as simple as it sounds, and you’ll have a lovely dessert in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to lemony bliss!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your cake bakes evenly.
- Once the oven is warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. Make sure it’s nice and smooth—this will be the delicious base of your cake!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and water. Stir until it’s well mixed, but don’t overdo it! You want it just combined, so it stays fluffy.
- Now, pour that lovely cake batter over the lemon pie filling. Spread it out gently so it covers the filling completely.
- Next, drizzle the melted butter on top of the cake batter. Don’t worry about spreading it out—just let it do its magic in the oven!
- Place your baking dish in the preheated 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. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you want to add a little extra sweetness, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. This step is optional but oh-so-pretty!
And there you have it! A warm, comforting lemon dump cake that’s just waiting to be enjoyed. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: This lemon dump cake is a breeze to make! Just mix, pour, and bake—no complicated steps or fancy techniques required.
- Deliciously Comforting: With its sweet and tangy flavors, every bite feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Quick Prep Time: You can have this cake in the oven in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal dessert for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: You can easily swap the lemon pie filling for any fruit you love, so feel free to get creative with your flavors!
- Perfectly Satisfying: The combination of the cake and pie filling creates a delightful texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it a wonderful dessert to share with family and friends.
Trust me, once you try this lemon dump cake, you’ll be coming back for more! It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles and joy to any table.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk about the ingredients in this lemon dump cake and how you can easily swap them if needed. I want to make sure everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions!
- Lemon Cake Mix: This is the star of the show! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, many brands offer gluten-free lemon cake mixes these days. Just make sure to check the label.
- Lemon Pie Filling: While lemon is delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment! You can use any fruit pie filling you adore, like cherry or blueberry, for a fun twist. Just remember, the flavor will change with the fruit, but it’ll still be tasty!
- Butter: If you’re dairy-free or vegan, you can substitute melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. It works just as well and keeps everything wonderfully moist.
- Powdered Sugar: Dusting with powdered sugar is optional, but it adds a lovely touch. If you want a healthier option, you can skip it or use a sugar substitute that works for you.
Remember, cooking is all about flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these ingredients. The goal is to make a dessert that brings you joy, so adapt away!
Tips for Success
To ensure your lemon dump cake turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, always preheat your oven—this helps your cake bake evenly. If you want a nice, moist texture, don’t overmix the cake batter; just stir until combined. Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving—it’s best enjoyed warm! For storage, keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. When serving, a scoop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes it to the next level! Enjoy every bite!
Variations of Lemon Dump Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this lemon dump cake recipe! Here are a few delightful variations that I think you’ll love:
- Berry Bliss: Swap out the lemon pie filling for a can of mixed berry pie filling. The combination of sweet berries will create a refreshing twist that’s perfect for summer!
- Peach Perfection: Use peach pie filling for a warm, comforting dessert that brings the taste of summer right to your kitchen. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Spiced Delight: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a cozy, spiced flavor. This works especially well with apple or cherry pie filling.
- Coconut Cream: Mix in shredded coconut to the cake batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You can even top it with toasted coconut for a beautiful finish!
- Chocolate Indulgence: For chocolate lovers, try using a chocolate cake mix instead of lemon. Pair it with cherry pie filling for a decadent dessert that satisfies those sweet cravings.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors! Cooking is all about having fun in the kitchen, so let your taste buds guide you!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in this lemon dump cake. While I can’t provide exact figures, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect for one slice:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Sugar: About 15g
- Sodium: Roughly 300mg
- Fat: Around 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 38g
- Protein: About 2g
For the most accurate information, I encourage you to check the labels on your ingredients. This way, you can adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy your delicious lemon dump cake, knowing you can tweak it to suit your lifestyle!
Questions You Might Have
Can I make this lemon dump cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Just remember to dust it with powdered sugar just before serving for that lovely finishing touch!
What if I don’t have lemon pie filling?
No problem at all! You can substitute it with any fruit pie filling you like, such as cherry, blueberry, or even peach. Each option will give you a unique flavor, and they’re all delicious!
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Feel free to switch it up with any flavor of cake mix you have on hand. A yellow or vanilla cake mix would work wonderfully, and you could even experiment with chocolate for a fun twist!
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover lemon dump cake covered in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for up to three days. Just warm it up slightly in the microwave before enjoying it again—it tastes amazing warm!
Why is my cake sinking in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if it hasn’t baked long enough. Make sure to follow the baking time closely, and gently stir the batter until just combined. Your cake will come out perfectly fluffy!
Lemon Dump Cake: 5 Simple Steps to Comforting Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious lemon dump cake that brings comfort and joy.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can lemon pie filling
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the lemon pie filling in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix with water until combined.
- Pour the cake batter over the lemon pie filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- You can use any fruit pie filling instead of lemon.
- Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: lemon dump cake, easy dessert, comfort food
