Lemon Dump Cake
If you’re a busy mom like me, you may have found yourself craving a delicious treat to follow a family meal and lack the time for a complicated recipe. Enter: this easy lemon dump cake recipe.
Don’t let the name fool you – this easy dessert recipe for lemon dump cake will have everyone asking for seconds.
Lemon dump cake, also known as a “dump-it” cake, became popular in the 1950s and ’60s as a simple and quick dessert solution for busy households. So much has changed and yet the busyness has not!
The concept is straightforward: dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and voilà – a heavenly dessert! This no-fuss recipe has been passed down through generations, offering a nostalgic taste of home-baked goodness. And if lemon isn’t your favorite flavor, try our oh-so-popular peach dump cake!
What to serve with this delicious lemon dump cake
Now that we know a little bit about its humble beginning, let’s talk about what makes lemon dump cake the perfect addition to any meal or occasion. The bright citrus flavor and moist, tender texture make it an ideal accompaniment to many dishes, from savory to sweet.
Here are some ideas for serving this versatile dessert:
- Serve it alongside grilled or baked chicken (or fish!). Lemon desserts are perfect with both proteins to balance out the mild, savory flavors with some sweet zest.
- Whip up a quick salad and enjoy your lemon dump cake as a refreshing end to a light lunch.
- Complement brunch favorites—like quiche or frittata—with a slice of lemon dump cake. The citrusy, sweet cream cheese mixture will add a touch of extra decadence to your mid-morning meal.
- Re-create a traditional English afternoon tea experience with finger sandwiches (here’s my egg salad recipe), scones, and lemon dump cake.
- Pair your lemon dump cake with a spoonful of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert all by itself. Add some lemon zest and fresh blueberries for a fun flavor and color contrast.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9 x 13 Baking dish or baking pan (a 13-inch baking dish works best)
- Spoon or spatula for evening the mix
Ingredients needed to make this lemon cream cheese dump cake
Here are the few things you’ll need to make this tasty dessert come to life:
- Lemon Curd: This sweet and tangy spread adds a burst of citrus lemon flavor and a creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base that complements the tartness of the lemon curd.
- Vanilla or Lemon Cake Mix: This creates the cake’s foundation and binds the ingredients together. Some prefer yellow cake mix, too.
- Butter: Creates a buttery, rich flavor and contributes to the cake’s overall texture.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: An optional but highly recommended topping to add a touch of indulgence. I shared my homemade whipped cream recipe in a link above, but cool whip will also do!
Frequently asked questions about lemon dump cake
Here are a few common questions and answers about making this recipe for lemon dump cake and how to store it. If you have a question I did not address, leave it in the comments. I will respond as soon as I can.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
Uneven layers can result in undercooked or overcooked spots in the final product. Avoid that by evenly distributing the ingredients into your baking dish for a smooth, even layer.
Is dump cake supposed to be gooey?
Yes, a dump cake is supposed to be gooey. The texture is typically moist and dense, with a gooey consistency. This is due to the combination of ingredients and the baking method.
How do you check if the cake is done?
Since this cake has a gooey consistency, generally, the toothpick test doesn’t work. If the cake is brown and bubbly on top, the cake is most likely done.
How do you store dump cake?
Cover the cake (or leftovers) with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
How long can a dump cake sit out unrefrigerated?
To maintain freshness and be mindful of food safety, do not leave your dump cake unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try
If you like this recipe for easy lemon dump cake, here are a few more super easy desserts that don’t skimp on flavor!
- Easy Coconut Cake Recipe
- No-Bake Frozen Lemonade Pie Recipe
- Southern No-Bake Banana Pudding Recipe
- Old-Fashioned Strawberry Layered Cake
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Lemon Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 24 ounces lemon curd
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 box vanilla cake mix or lemon cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
- Whipped cream or ice cream optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Spread the lemon curd evenly into the baking dish.
- Cut the cream cheese into little cubes and place in a single layer over top of the lemon curd.
- Next, sprinkle cake mix evenly over top.
- Cut cold butter cubes or slices and arrange evenly on top of cake mix.
- Bake 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.
