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A golden-brown lemon dump cake in a baking dish, topped with melted butter and lemon slices, served on a wooden table.

How to Make a Lemon Dump Cake in 5 Simple Steps

Lemon Dump Cake is an easy-to-make, citrusy dessert with a buttery, golden-brown topping and gooey lemon filling. It’s a quick treat that requires minimal effort and delivers great results, perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. The cake’s simplicity comes from the “dump” method, where you layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.

  • Total Time: 45-60 minutes (including cooling)
  • Yield: 8-12 servings (depending on portion size)

Ingredients

  1. Lemon Pie Filling – 15-16 ounce can (store-bought or homemade lemon curd)
  2. Cake Mix – 15.25 ounce package (yellow, lemon, white, or vanilla cake mix)
  3. Cream Cheese – 4 ounces, cut into small cubes (optional but recommended)
  4. Butter – ½ to 1 cup (unsalted or salted, cut into thin slices)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×13-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. If using the traditional method for the cream cheese layer: Sprinkle half of the cake mix over the lemon filling. Evenly distribute the cubes of cream cheese over the top, then add the remaining cake mix.
    • Alternative Method: Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, spread it directly over the lemon filling, and top with the remaining cake mix.
  4. Arrange the butter slices evenly over the top layer of cake mix.
  5. Bake for 35-50 minutes depending on pan size. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 45-50 minutes, or in a 9×9-inch pan for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling filling.
  6. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving. Rest it for 30 minutes for best texture.

Notes

  • Pan Size Adjustments: Use a larger pan (9×13-inch) for a thinner cake or a smaller pan (9×9-inch) for a thicker cake.
  • Butter Tips: Cold butter works best for easy distribution. Avoid mixing the layers; let them bake separately.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for added flavor and presentation.
  • Storage: Store with cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Without cream cheese, store at room temperature or in the fridge. The cake also freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Eva Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-50 minutes (depending on pan size)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian