How to Make a Classic Lemon Dump Cake | Quick & Easy Dessert

How to Make a Classic Lemon Dump Cake | Quick & Easy Dessert

Introduction

Are you in the mood for a bright, tangy dessert that requires minimal effort and ingredients? Look no further than the classic lemon dump cake! This dessert is a crowd-pleaser, combining the refreshing taste of lemon with the rich, buttery texture of a cake. Despite its name, a “dump” cake is anything but ordinary. It’s called so because you simply “dump” the ingredients into a pan and bake—no need for mixing or layering. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through making this delightful dessert step by step.

Ingredients List

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to create this zesty delight:

• 1 can (21 oz) Lemon Pie Filling: The star of the show, providing the bright lemon flavor. If you can’t find lemon pie filling, you can substitute with lemon curd or make your own using lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the cake base. Feel free to use lemon cake mix for an extra lemony punch.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly, buttery topping. Use margarine as a substitute if needed.
• Optional: 1 cup of Fresh Blueberries: For added flavor and a pop of color. Raspberries or blackberries also work well.
• Optional: ½ cup Shredded Coconut: For a tropical twist.

Timing

Preparing a lemon dump cake is incredibly quick and easy:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes

Comparing this to other desserts, it’s 20% less time-consuming than the average cake recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Lemon Filling
3. Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you’re using fresh berries, scatter them over the filling now.

Step 3: Dump the Cake Mix
4. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the lemon filling, completely covering it. Do not stir or mix.

Step 4: Add the Butter
5. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, but again, resist the urge to stir. The combination of butter and cake mix will create a deliciously crumbly topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Optional Toppings
6. If using, sprinkle shredded coconut or any other desired toppings over the buttered cake mix.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
7. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The cake is done when you can see the lemon filling bubbling through the topping in places.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
8. Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

A serving of lemon dump cake (approximately 1/12th of the recipe) contains:

• Calories: 350-400 (depending on specific ingredients and substitutions)
• Fat: 16-20g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Protein: 2-4g
• Sugar: 35-40g

These values are estimates and can vary based on the brands of ingredients used and any substitutions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this dessert, try the following substitutions:

• Use a lighter cake mix: Choose a sugar-free or reduced-sugar cake mix to cut down on sugar and carbs.
• Reduce the butter: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to lower the fat content.
• Add more fruit: Incorporate more berries to increase fiber and antioxidants while keeping the dessert naturally sweet.
• Use a homemade lemon filling: Make your own filling with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of the canned variety.

These tweaks can make the dessert more suitable for various diets without compromising on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon dump cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with these serving ideas:

• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: The cool, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the warm, tangy cake.
• Add a drizzle of lemon curd or syrup: For an extra lemony kick.
• Garnish with fresh mint or lemon zest: Adds color and freshness to the presentation.
• Pair with tea or coffee: The citrus notes of the cake complement hot beverages beautifully.

This dessert is versatile and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a dump cake, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

1. Stirring the ingredients: The charm of a dump cake is in its layered, unmixed state. Stirring leads to a dense texture, so just layer and bake.
2. Not using enough butter: The butter is crucial for creating a crumbly topping. Make sure to distribute it evenly.
3. Undercooking the cake: The top should be golden brown, and the filling should be visibly bubbling at the edges.
4. Overcrowding the pan: Stick to a 9×13-inch pan to ensure the cake bakes evenly and achieves the right texture.

Avoid these mistakes for a perfect dump cake every time.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your lemon dump cake fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store covered with plastic wrap or foil for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving if desired.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Always let the cake cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Conclusion

The lemon dump cake is a perfect dessert for anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss treat bursting with citrus flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress. Try this recipe and share your feedback with us!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of pie filling?

   • Fresh lemon juice won’t provide the same thick consistency as pie filling. For best results, use lemon pie filling or curd, or make your own using lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.

2. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

   • Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I use a different fruit filling?

   • Absolutely. Cherry, apple, or blueberry pie fillings are great alternatives for different flavors.

4. Why is my dump cake too dry?

   • Make sure you’re using the right amount of butter and not overbaking the cake. The top should be golden, not dark brown.

5. Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

   • Yes, you can assemble the dump cake, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful lemon dump cake. Happy baking!