Easy Lemon Dump Cake

Posted on October 27, 2025

Ah, the Easy Lemon Dump Cake, a dessert that holds a special place in my heart. I can still remember the summer afternoons spent in my grandmother’s warm kitchen, with the sunlight streaming through the window and a sense of anticipation filling the air. This cake has the power to summon those cherished memories of laughter, family gatherings, and, of course, the delightful smell of lemon wafting through the house. To this day, whenever I whip up this recipe, I can hear my grandmother’s warm, loving voice encouraging me to “just keep it simple and enjoy the process.”

This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a reminder of the joy found in simple, homestyle cooking, and it’s perfect for anyone seeking comfort and solace in their lives, especially busy women like us who juggle so much. The bright lemon flavor offers a zing of happiness, making this cake the ultimate feel-good dessert. No fuss, no complex steps just pure, heartwarming goodness that says, “You are loved.”

Ingredients List

Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s gather everything we need for our Easy Lemon Dump Cake. Here’s what you’ll require:

  • 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1.5 sticks of melted butter
  • 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (or any non-dairy alternative)
  • Lemon zest (optional, for that extra brightness)
Overhead image of lemon dump cake ingredients neatly arranged on a countertop — ideal for readers preparing this simple, comforting dessert.

Tips:

  • You can opt for gluten-free cake mix if needed.
  • Use cold butter for that lovely, moist texture, but melted butter works just fine too!

Instructions

Now comes the fun part! I’m excited to share this step-by-step guide with you. Trust me, it’s as easy as it sounds.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Let’s get that delicious aroma going from the very start!
  2. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. We want our cake to come out easily, nobody likes a stuck cake!
  3. Spoon the lemon pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. This bright filling is where the magic begins.
  4. Now, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pie filling. Just toss it on there like you’re creating a warm hug for your dessert!
  5. Melt the butter and pour it generously over the dry cake mix. Don’t stir it this is a dump cake, after all! It’s all about that layered vibe.
  6. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a lovely golden brown and your kitchen is filled with that comforting lemony goodness.
  7. Once baked, remove your cake from the oven and let it cool completely. Patience, my friend—this is the hardest part!
  8. When you’re ready, spoon the Cool Whip over the cooled cake, smoothing it out just like icing on a canvas.
  9. For a colorful finish, sprinkle with some optional lemon zest. It adds a beautiful pop of color!
  10. Enjoy! This is a treat that deserves to be savored, shared, and celebrated.
Slice of lemon dump cake topped with Cool Whip and lemon zest on a white plate.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Lemon Dump Cake is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy it:

  • As a delightful breakfast pairing: Picture this with a warm cup of strong black coffee or a refreshing lemon balm drink for a vibrant kick.
  • On special occasions, like family reunions or potlucks, serve it as a centerpiece dessert. My aunt always served it during summer picnics, and it was gone in a flash!
  • For a delightful twist, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. That creamy contrast with the zesty cake? Absolute heaven on a plate.

Nutritional Information

Despite its rich and indulgent taste, each serving of this Easy Lemon Dump Cake offers approximately 250 calories, 3 grams of protein, 38 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. Even though it’s a dessert, there’s a balance to enjoy, perfect for those moments when you want a little sweetness in your life without the guilt!

Tips & Variations

Here are some additional tips to make this recipe shine even brighter:

  • Add fruit! Toss in some blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist, my neighbor swears by her mother’s secret berry addition.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing the Cool Whip with coconut whipped cream, perfect for those who are dairy-free.
  • Try a spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cake mix before baking. It’s an unexpected twist that brings out the lemon flavor beautifully!

This was my mother’s twist on grandma’s original, and I must say, it became an instant classic in our home!

Conclusion

As you step into your kitchen and whip up this Easy Lemon Dump Cake, I encourage you to savor each moment. Cooking isn’t just about food; it’s how we show love. We connect with memories, feelings, and each other through every dish we create. I would love to hear about your experience with this recipe. Please share your stories or any tweaks you made along the way!

Try this recipe and tag me if it brought joy to your table. Remember, love is the secret ingredient!

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Easy Lemon Dump Cake


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  • Author: maya-refresher
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful, simple dessert that captures the taste of summer with bright lemon flavors, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (21 oz each) lemon pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1.5 sticks of melted butter
  • 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (or any non-dairy alternative)
  • Lemon zest (optional, for that extra brightness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Spoon the lemon pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pie filling.
  5. Melt the butter and pour it over the dry cake mix without stirring.
  6. Bake for 45-60 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Let the cake cool completely.
  8. Spoon the Cool Whip over the cooled cake and smooth it out.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.

Notes

You can opt for gluten-free cake mix if needed. Consider adding fruit like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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