Looking for a quick and easy dessert that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! Our Lemon Dump Cake is the perfect combination of tangy lemon flavor and sweet, moist cake. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a go-to for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to make this delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- 1 can of lemon pie filling
- 1 can of crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Pineapple: Pour the can of crushed pineapple (with juice) into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Lemon Pie Filling: Spoon the lemon pie filling over the crushed pineapple, spreading it out to cover the pineapple layer.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the top of the lemon pie filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
- Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible to ensure a moist cake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra treat, top each serving with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Dump Cake
- Use Cold Butter: If you prefer a crumblier texture, use cold butter and cut it into small pieces, scattering them over the cake mix.
- Add Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the lemon pie filling before spreading it over the pineapple.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the top of the cake mix before baking for added texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this cake is perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want a delicious dessert without the fuss.
- Versatility: This recipe is highly adaptable. Swap out the lemon pie filling for another flavor, such as cherry or blueberry, to create your own unique version.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
Lemon Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the tangy, sweet flavors of this simple yet delicious cake.
Serving and Storage Tips for Lemon Dump Cake
Serving Tips
- Warm or Cold: Lemon Dump Cake is delicious whether served warm or cold. For a warm dessert, serve it right out of the oven. If you prefer a cold treat, let the cake cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for a few hours.
- Toppings: Enhance the flavors of your Lemon Dump Cake with these tasty toppings:
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy complement.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the tangy lemon flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Sprinkle a bit of lemon zest on top for an extra burst of citrus.
- Fresh Berries: Top with fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for added color and flavor.
- Portioning: Cut the cake into squares or spoon it directly from the baking dish into bowls for a more rustic presentation. This cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinners.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Lemon Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you baked it in a glass or ceramic dish, you can cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Lemon Dump Cake. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Oven: To reheat multiple servings, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the desired amount of cake in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Serving from Frozen: If serving from frozen, allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat following the microwave or oven instructions above.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Lemon Dump Cake stays delicious and fresh, ready to be enjoyed at any time. Whether you’re serving it at a party or saving a piece for later, these tips will help you make the most of this delightful dessert.
1. Can I use fresh lemons instead of lemon pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh lemons, but it will require additional preparation. To substitute lemon pie filling, you’ll need to make a homemade lemon filling by cooking a mixture of lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch until thickened. This homemade filling can then be used in place of the canned lemon pie filling.
2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While lemon cake mix enhances the lemon flavor, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors such as yellow, white, or even vanilla. Each variation will bring a unique twist to the dessert, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.
3. What can I substitute for crushed pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple on hand, you can use pineapple tidbits or chunks instead. Just make sure to include the juice as it adds moisture to the cake. Alternatively, you can try other fruits like mandarin oranges or peaches, but be aware that this will alter the flavor profile of the cake.
4. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Lemon Dump Cake, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the lemon pie filling and crushed pineapple, are gluten-free. There are many gluten-free cake mix options available that work just as well as traditional cake mixes.