Lemon Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make and tastes like lemon squares. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—it only has three ingredients. Spread some lemon curd in a square baking dish, layer it with lemon cake mix, and top it with melted butter. Bake this delightful treat, and you’ll have a delicious dessert reminiscent of lemon squares!
Lemon desserts are wonderfully refreshing, and I especially love them when the recipe is simple. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this lemon treat!
I found this recipe tucked inside my mom’s cookbook collection, the one we searched for years to find, making it even more special. I can’t wait for you to try it—simple, sweet, and so good!
There are many versions of this dump cake. Who knew these desserts were popular, and I’m just getting around to making them!
You might ask yourself what a dump cake is and how it gained that name!
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is an easy dessert in which you simply “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish without much mixing. Usually, it involves fruit or pie filling, a dry cake mix, and melted butter. The result is a delicious, cobbler-like treat with minimal effort.
Where did it originate?
Dump cakes are thought to have started in the U.S., probably around the 1950s or 60s. They became a hit because they’re super easy to make – you dump all the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. Perfect for busy home cooks, especially during the era when convenience was king!
What is the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler?
A dump cake and a cobbler are quite similar, but the main difference is in how they’re made. A dump cake is super easy—just dump all the ingredients into a dish and bake, usually with a cake mix on top. A cobbler typically has a biscuit or pie crust topping, and the ingredients are more carefully layered or mixed together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Lemon Curd: Adds a rich, tangy lemon flavor and a creamy texture to the cake. Use either homemade lemon curd or store-bought.
- Lemon Cake Mix: Provides the cake base and structure, making it fluffy and moist. Feel free to swap it for white, vanilla, or French vanilla cake mix.
- Butter: Melts into the cake mix, creating a golden, crispy topping and adding richness.
How to Make a Lemon Dump Cake
Step 1 – Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Grease your 8 x 8-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2 – Layer the Lemon Curd
- Spread the lemon curd evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Step 3 – Add the Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the pie filling, trying to cover as much of it as possible.
Step 4 – Drizzle with Butter
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much of it as possible. This helps the cake mix absorb the butter, resulting in a better texture.
Step 5 – Bake
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6 – Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of ice cream for a little extra sweetness and a nice finishing touch.
Best Ways to Store Your Quick Lemon Dump Cake for Freshness ✨🍋✨
Here are some easy ways to store your Lemon Dump Cake so you can enjoy it later:
Short-Term Storage:
- Room Temperature – Keep the cake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator – For longer freshness, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get even better as it sits!
Long-Term Storage:
- Freezer – If you want to save it for later, freeze individual portions or the whole cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to get that fresh-baked texture back.
This cake is so easy to store, which makes it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week! 🍋✨
Lemon Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup lemon curd
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- ¾ cup butter melted
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease your 8 x 8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Layer the Lemon Curd
- Spread the lemon curd evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Add the Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the pie filling. Try to cover as much of the filling as possible.
Drizzle with Butter
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much of it as possible. This helps the cake mix absorb the butter, which results in a better texture.
Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of ice cream for a little extra sweetness and a nice finishing touch.
Nutrition
Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter cold
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- zest of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Get all your ingredients ready.
- Thoroughly whisk eggs in a bowl.
- Add whisked eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a medium-size saucepan. Whisk ingredients thoroughly. Next, add the cubes of butter to the egg mixture. Note that the butter will melt eventually when cooking.
- Turn on the burner to the lowest heat setting and place water in a double boiler.
- Place the saucepan on the double boiler and constantly stir with a rubber spatula. The heat should be at the lowest setting. Make sure not to boil curd, or it will split. Stir with a spatula for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, increase the heat to a low-medium flame. Stir constantly. The curd goes from a liquid yellow to an opaque creamy color in the last five minutes of cooking.
- Once it thickens, take off the stovetop and immediately transfer the cooked curd to a bowl. Make sure to keep stirring for a couple of minutes as it cools. If you get bits of scrambled egg, strain the curd or pluck out the bits of egg. The scrambled egg won't doesn't affect the flavor but just an aesthetic choice.
- This recipe makes 2 cups of lemon curd. Pour into a clean jar and place in the fridge once cooled. The lemon curd should last for about 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Best Dump Cake Tips and Tricks
- Use Canned Lemon Pie Filling: It’s a convenient, time-saving option that provides consistent, delicious lemon flavor.
- Evenly Spread the Ingredients: Make sure to spread the lemon pie filling and cake mix evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform baking and texture.
- Melt the Butter Completely: Melt the butter fully before drizzling it over the cake mix to help it soak in properly, creating a moist and rich cake.
- Make Sure to Cover Cake Mix with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix to prevent dry spots and ensure a golden, crispy topping.
- Add a Citrus Zest: Sprinkle lemon zest over the pie filling for an extra burst of fresh lemon flavor.
- Top with Nuts or Coconut: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut before baking.
- Check for Doneness: Watch the cake as it bakes, looking for a golden brown top and bubbling edges to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure all other gluten-free ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- 8×8 inch Baking Dish
- Spoon or Spatula
- Microwave-Safe Bowl (for melting butter)
- Measuring Cup
- Oven Mitts
Frequently Asked Questions About This Lemon Recipe
You can substitute any fruit filling, like cherry, apple, or blueberry, for a different flavor.
Yes, store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. But if you prefer, you can leave it at room temperature for a few days. Make sure to cover it.
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
You can use margarine, but butter is preferred for a richer flavor.
Yes, but adjust the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. Also, using a larger dish will result in a thinner dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cake Recipe!
- Only 3 Ingredients – Lemon curd, cake mix, and melted butter come together for an easy, no-fuss dessert.
- Minimal Prep Time – Just 10 minutes of prep before it goes in the oven!
- Bakes in 35 Minutes – A quick and effortless way to enjoy a homemade dessert.
- Sweet & Tangy Flavor – The lemon curd adds the perfect balance of citrusy goodness.
- Golden, Buttery Topping – The melted butter creates a crispy, crumbly top layer.
- No Mixing Required – Just layer the ingredients and bake—so simple!
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for a last-minute dessert or a springtime treat!
I love making lemon desserts and am thrilled to add this lemon dump cake to my collection! It’s an easy, delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re a fan of lemony goodness like I am, be sure to check out my other lemon recipes here.
Here are some other delicious lemon desserts you’ll love! 🍋✨
- English Lemon Curd – This rich, velvety lemon curd is bursting with citrus flavor and perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or even drizzling over your lemon crumble cake!
- The Best Lemon Sour Cream Pie – A creamy, tangy lemon pie with a smooth sour cream topping that perfectly balances the sweetness—this is a must-try for lemon lovers!
- Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle – A moist and flavorful gluten-free lemon cake topped with a sweet, zesty drizzle—so good, you won’t even miss the gluten!
These recipes pair perfectly with your lemon dump cake and are great for anyone who loves bright, citrusy flavors!
I always love having you here, and I hope you get a chance to make this lemon dump cake soon! It’s the perfect easy lemon dessert—light, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lemon curd cake, a last-minute spring dessert, or just something sweet and simple, this one is a must-try. Thanks for stopping by, and happy baking this easy lemon dessert!
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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