Sweet and tangy Lemon Dump Cake with buttery, golden topping. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you want a bright, refreshing treat.
Lemon Dump Cake is a simple, bright, and tangy dessert that comes together with little effort. This sweet and zesty lemon dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you want a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert.
It’s a refreshing and foolproof treat for spring, summer, or any time you crave something light and sunny. Also, try 35 Best Lemon Desserts.
You might also want to try Crock Pot Strawberry Dump Cake and Pineapple Dump Cake.
Quick and Easy Lemon Dump Cake!
Lemon Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect treat to make when you are craving delicious lemon flavor. It is a combination of sweet and tart that makes this dessert so delicious. It is so easy with only 4 ingredients and one of our favorite oven baked dessert. Check out all our Easy Dump Cake Recipes including Easy Chocolate Dump Cake.
For more lemon desserts, make Lemon Icebox Pie, Lemon Trifle and Lemon Puppy Chow for 51 Easy Summer Desserts.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
- Easy and Quick – Minimal prep, no mixing bowls required.
- Bright Lemon Flavor – Sweet and tangy for a refreshing dessert.
- Soft, Fluffy Cake Topping – Adds texture and pairs perfectly with the lemon filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, potlucks, or casual family desserts.
- Kid-Friendly – Loved by both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Yellow Cake Mix. Provides a rich, buttery base that pairs perfectly with the lemon filling.
- Cream Cheese. Cut into small cubes so it melts evenly into the cake for a creamy, tangy layer.
- Butter. Slice thinly to ensure even melting and a perfectly golden, crisp topping.
- Cool Whip. Use store-bought or Homemade Whipped Cream to add a light, fluffy finishing touch before serving.
Find the complete ingredient list at the bottom of the page.
How To Make Lemon Dump Cake
Step 1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, get your 9×9 baking dish ready to go. Spray it with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2. Spread the lemon pie filling in the pan.
Step 3. Next, sprinkle half of the dry cake mix on top of the lemon pie filling.
Step 4. Put cream cheese pieces on top of the pie filling.
Step 5. Finally, top the cream cheese mixture with the remaining cake mix.
Step 6. Add the thin pats of butter in a single layer all over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover the entire top of the dry cake mix with the butter slices.
Step 7. Bake the cake. It normally takes between 35-40 minutes, but oven times can vary. I like to use a toothpick inserted in the middle. If it comes out clean, it is ready.
Serving Suggestions
- Whipped Cream. This lemon dump cake tastes amazing topped with a dollop of whipped cream for extra sweetness.
- Ice Cream. Add a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream on top for the perfect dessert combination that’s similar to a cobbler.
- Fresh Fruit. Garnish each serving with fresh blueberries or raspberries to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator
Cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to 3 months. Do not store at room temperature due to the cream cheese.
Reheating
Warm individual portions of leftover lemon dump cake in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds before serving if you prefer it warm.
More Easy Lemon Recipes
- Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
- Lemon Cake Recipe
- Easy Lemon Poke Cake Recipe
- Lemon Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Lemon Cupcakes
- Lemonade Pie
More Dump Cake Recipes
Whip up this bright and tangy Lemon Dump Cake for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert! Share your creations in the comments, give the recipe a star rating, and don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings like fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar to make it your own.
Lemon Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 16 oz Lemon Pie Filling
- 1 Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 oz Cream Cheese diced into small pieces
- 1/2 cup Butter cut into thin slices
- Cool Whip
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9X9 baking pan with a non stick cooking spray.
- Place the lemon pie filling into the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle half of the cake mix onto of the lemon pie filling.
- Then top with the pieces of the cream cheese and then the remaining cake mix.
- Top with the butter pieces in a single layer on top of the cake and cover as much as the surface as possible.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
- Serve topped with cool whip and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Variations
- Change the Cake Mix – Use other types of cake mixes- lemon cake mix and white cake mix make delicious options.
- Pie filling– Use blueberry pie filling to make blueberry dump cake. This pairs well with lemon cake mix for lots of lemon and blueberry flavor. Strawberry pie filling is good as well. Try a combination to make Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake.
- Lemon Curd – You can also add some lemon curd for extra lemon flavor or lemon pudding mix.
I guess this sounds good, but you don’t indicate if you are using instant lemon purdding or cook n serve lemon pudding. I’m anxious to try it.
I used a can of lemon pie filling and a yellow cake mix for this recipe. I did not use any pudding. I hope you try it and let us know what you think!
Ooo….I bet fresh blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries would be a nice addition.
That sounds delicious!
I love ALL things lemon!!! I just went to the grocery store and got all of the ingredients. I’m soooo… looking forward to making this today. I always make homemade whip cream so that is what will top off this deliciousness.
I hope you enjoy it! Homemade whipped cream will be delicious on this cake recipe.
Is the butter and cream cheese softened?
No it does not need to be softened for this recipe.
Do you put in the dry cake mix or does it have to be prepared according to the box directions .
I put the dry cake mix in – Do not prepare it according to the box directions.
This looks delicious I love every thing that is lemon. Thank you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I can’t find lemon pie filling anywhere. What else can I use as a substitution?
I haven’t tried it yet but you could try it with a homemade lemon pie filling or lemon pudding (prepared). The lemon pie filling in my grocery store is with the canned goods and not on the bakery aisle. If you try either of those substitutions, please let us know how they turn out!
I found it at Food Lion.
Thanks for sharing! It is available at my local grocery store as well!
I used cherry pie filling and it turned out delicious!
Can this be made ahead of time and seved cold? I’m looking for a cool dessert for a hot day!
Yes, this is great served cold! You could easily make this the day before serving. I hope you enjoy it!
Can you make this in a 9×13 pan?
Yes, you can but I would recommend doubling the recipe if making in a larger pan.
Looks like a great recipe. I would add some lemon zest or lemon oil to the box mix to give it extra freshness.
That would be delicious in this recipe!
Can you use whipped cream cheese
Yes, that should work great in this recipe.
What size box of cake mix is used?
I used a 15 oz cake mix for this recipe.
Can you use lemon cake mix?
Yes, you can.