Lemon Dump Cake
Lemon Dump Cake is a simple and delightful dessert featuring a tangy lemon filling layered under a moist, fluffy yellow cake mix topped with melted butter and optional nuts or coconut. With minimal preparation and baking, it delivers a bright citrus flavor balanced by a sweet, buttery crust suitable for any occasion.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free cake mix)
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (about 21 ounces) canned lemon pie filling
- 1 package yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes
- Powdered sugar or lemon icing for dusting or drizzling
- Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and for easy cleanup.
- Spread the lemon filling: Spoon the canned lemon pie filling evenly into the bottom of the dish, smoothing with a spatula to create a uniform lemon base layer.
- Add the dry cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the lemon filling, covering it completely without pressing down.
- Pour melted butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer, ensuring as much surface area as possible is covered. This will melt into the mix and form a golden, buttery crust when baked.
- Add optional toppings: Evenly sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut flakes over the top if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Bake until golden and bubbly: Place the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the lemon filling bubbles around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set and hold its shape. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle lemon icing before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for even melting and to prevent uneven browning.
- Do not press down the cake mix; leaving it loose creates a light, crumbly crust.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing for better texture and shape retention.
- Choose quality canned lemon filling or use homemade lemon curd for enhanced flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the lemon filling for extra depth if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: lemon dump cake, easy lemon dessert, citrus cake, dump cake recipe, gluten free lemon cake, quick lemon dessert