Lemon Dump Cake with Creamy Layers

Oh, hi there. I just slid a warm Lemon Dump Cake with creamy layers onto my counter. The bright smell, you know, makes the kitchen feel like summer. Well, this cake is kinda magic. I dump simple stuff in the pan, stir once, and wait. The layers bake into soft cream and zesty crumbs. Each bite feels cool, smooth, and lemony. I keep sneaking little spoonfuls. You might like that sweet-tart hug too. Stick with me. Let’s mix it up right now and taste that sunny slice together. Ready?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Buttery Flavor: Each bite is packed with creamy layers, tangy lemon, and sweet cake.
• Effortless to Make: No mixers, no fuss—just layer and bake.
• Perfect for Parties or Lazy Days: Feeds a crowd or saves well for solo dessert breaks.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients.
• Great for Make-Ahead Desserts: Tastes even better chilled the next day.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: Around 1 hour

Servings:

• Makes one 9×13 inch pan—serves about 12 people

Difficulty:

• Very easy. Great for kids, beginners, or anyone who wants a no-stress dessert.

Required Kitchen Tools

To pull this lemony dream together, you’ll need:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Mixing bowl (for the creamy layer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Butter knife (to slice butter)
• Oven mitts

Ingredients for Lemon Dump Cake with Creamy Layers

Here’s what you’ll need to gather (exact amounts in the recipe card at the end):

• Lemon Pie Filling: The tangy heart of this cake—store-bought works great.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy middle.
• Granulated Sugar: To lightly sweeten the cream cheese layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the creamy mixture.
• Whole Milk: Just enough to make the creamy layer pourable.
• Yellow Cake Mix: The dry cake mix gives that classic buttery crumble.
• Unsalted Butter: Thinly sliced and layered over the top to melt and bake everything golden.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): For a dusting on top after baking.

Variations for Lemon Dump Cake

Want to switch it up a bit? Here are some tasty tweaks:

• Add Berries: Scatter fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries between the lemon and cream cheese layers.
• Use a White Cake Mix: For a slightly lighter flavor that still complements the lemon.
• Make It Extra Creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream to the cream cheese layer for more tang.
• Top with Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the butter before baking for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure other ingredients are certified GF.

How to Make Lemon Dump Cake with Creamy Layers (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Spread the Lemon Filling

Spoon the lemon pie filling into the baking dish and gently spread it out evenly. This will be the tangy base.

3. Make the Creamy Layer

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until it’s smooth and pourable. Then, spoon it over the lemon pie filling and gently spread it out. It doesn’t need to cover every inch—swirls are fine!

4. Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix across the top. Don’t mix it in—just let it sit as a dry layer on top of the cream.

5. Top with Butter

Slice the butter thinly and lay the pieces all over the cake mix. Try to cover as much as you can. This butter will melt during baking and create a rich golden crust.

6. Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Some areas may be a little softer than others—totally okay.

7. Cool Slightly

Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy layers set.

Serving and Decoration

This dump cake is best served warm or chilled, depending on your mood:

• Warm & Gooey: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert.
• Chilled & Set: Chill in the fridge for 2–3 hours if you want cleaner layers and a firmer texture—great for slicing and serving like bars.
• Dust of Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, a light dusting adds a sweet finish and makes it picture-ready.
• Add Lemon Zest: Grate a little fresh lemon zest over the top for added color and aroma.

How to Store Lemon Dump Cake

To keep your cake fresh and tasty:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The cream cheese layer makes this a fridge-only dessert.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15–30 seconds if you prefer it gooey again.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	325 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	250mg
Total Carbohydrates	39g
Sugars	26g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands used.

Lemon Dump Cake FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon filling?
Yes! If you have a favorite lemon curd or filling recipe, feel free to use about 2–2½ cups in place of the canned version.

Can I use a different cake mix?
White or lemon cake mix works beautifully here too. It’s all about your flavor preference.

Why isn’t my top fully golden?
Make sure the butter slices are evenly spread. If there are dry patches, you can lightly mist with cooking spray before baking or drizzle a bit more melted butter.

Can I serve it cold?
Absolutely. Some people love it warm and gooey, others prefer it chilled and creamy—it’s up to you.

Conclusion

Lemon Dump Cake with Creamy Layers is one of those desserts that’s just easy to love. It’s bright, soft, and sweet with very little effort in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or just need a quick pick-me-up, it brings lemony comfort every single time.

Let the layers do the work—and the compliments will roll in.