Introduction: What is 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake?
Looking for an easy-to-make dessert that’s both sweet and tangy? The 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake is the perfect solution. This delightful dessert has all the flavors of a traditional lemon cake, with the convenience of a “dump and bake” method. Simple to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s the ideal choice for those who crave a dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s no surprise that this cake has become a favorite in many households. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, a family dinner, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake hits the spot every time.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. With just five basic ingredients, you can create a dish that is both tangy and decadent without the need for complicated techniques or hours of prep work. It’s the ultimate shortcut to an indulgent dessert, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
Let’s dive into the origins, ingredients, and the step-by-step process of making this delicious treat.
The Origin of the Lemon Dump Cake
The concept of a “dump cake” has been around for several decades. First becoming popular in the 1980s, dump cakes were designed to be quick and easy desserts for busy households. The idea is simple: dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest. Though traditional dump cakes were made with fruit, the lemon dump cake is a twist that adds a citrusy zing to the mix, making it a refreshing alternative to the classic chocolate or caramel options.
Lemon desserts have always been popular, particularly during warmer months when citrus flavors are more in demand. The lemon pie filling used in this recipe offers the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a perfect complement to the dry cake mix and melted butter. Over the years, variations of the lemon dump cake have popped up, incorporating ingredients like shredded coconut, cream cheese, or sour cream for added richness and texture.
Ingredients for the 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake
One of the most attractive features of this dessert is its simplicity. You don’t need to gather a long list of ingredients—just five items, and you’re good to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of lemon cake mix (any brand): The base of your dump cake, giving it a lovely lemon flavor and a light texture.
- 1 can (21 oz) of lemon pie filling: This forms the tangy, fruity foundation of the cake and adds moisture.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps to create that golden, crispy top layer, while keeping the cake moist underneath.
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional): Adds a little tropical flair and texture. If you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to skip it!
- 1 cup of sour cream (optional): If you like your cake extra creamy and moist, a scoop of sour cream will work wonders. It also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the lemon.
You can also adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences. For example, if you like a richer cake, you could add more butter, or if you prefer a lighter cake, you could omit the coconut or sour cream.
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first thing you need to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that the cake bakes evenly and reaches the desired texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
To prevent the cake from sticking, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will make the removal of the cake much easier once it’s baked, allowing you to serve it without any hassle.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now, we start the fun part—layering! Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Be sure to cover the entire base, as this will create a smooth, tangy layer. Next, sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the top of the pie filling. Do not mix it in; just sprinkle it on top. The dry cake mix will absorb the moisture from the pie filling and butter as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Butter (and Coconut, if Desired)
Now for the magic ingredient—melted butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If you’re using shredded coconut, sprinkle it over the top at this stage. The butter helps create a golden, crispy top, while the coconut adds a delightful crunch and tropical flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
It’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The cake should be firm, but moist inside.
Step 6: Optional Sour Cream Twist
If you want to make your cake extra creamy and tangy, mix 1 cup of sour cream into the dry cake mix before you layer it in the dish. This will make the cake incredibly moist and add a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your cake is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the warm cake with the cool topping is simply irresistible!
Variations of the 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake
While the traditional 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake is absolutely delicious as is, there are plenty of variations you can try to suit your taste or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Lemon-Lime Dump Cake: Swap out the lemon pie filling for lime pie filling for a more tropical flavor. Or, mix the two together for a zesty lemon-lime twist.
- Coconut Cream Dump Cake: For those who adore coconut, use a coconut cake mix instead of lemon. You can also add a layer of coconut cream pudding underneath the pie filling for extra richness.
- Berry Lemon Dump Cake: Add some fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) to the pie filling. This will give your cake an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Cream Cheese Lemon Dump Cake: Mix softened cream cheese into the cake mix for a more cheesecake-like texture. This will make your cake richer and creamier, with a slight tang from the cream cheese.
- Vanilla Cake Mix: If you’re not a fan of lemon cake mix, you can substitute it with vanilla cake mix for a more subtle flavor that still lets the lemon pie filling shine through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a delicious dessert without the hassle of last-minute prep.
2. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, the lemon dump cake can be frozen. Once it’s fully baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While lemon cake mix gives the dessert its signature flavor, you can substitute it with other cake mixes like vanilla, yellow, or even strawberry for a fun twist.
4. Is this dessert gluten-free?
This particular recipe is not gluten-free due to the cake mix, but you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
5. How can I make this dessert more or less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of pie filling or omit the coconut. Conversely, if you want it sweeter, add more sugar to the cake mix or use sweetened condensed milk in place of the butter for a richer flavor.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake
The 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious treat. With minimal effort and just five basic ingredients, you can create a tangy, sweet, and moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with family, sharing with friends, or simply indulging yourself, this cake is sure to please. Plus, it’s versatile—so you can customize it to your tastes. Add coconut, berries, or even cream cheese to make it your own. So next time you’re in the mood for a simple yet indulgent dessert, look no further than this fabulous lemon dump cake!
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5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake: A Simple, Sweet, and Tangy Dessert for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The concept of a “dump cake” has been around for several decades. First becoming popular in the 1980s, dump cakes were designed to be quick and easy desserts for busy households. The idea is simple: dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest. Though traditional dump cakes were made with fruit, the lemon dump cake is a twist that adds a citrusy zing to the mix, making it a refreshing alternative to the classic chocolate or caramel options.
Ingredients
-
1 box of lemon cake mix (any brand): The base of your dump cake, giving it a lovely lemon flavor and a light texture.
-
1 can (21 oz) of lemon pie filling: This forms the tangy, fruity foundation of the cake and adds moisture.
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps to create that golden, crispy top layer, while keeping the cake moist underneath.
-
1 cup shredded coconut (optional): Adds a little tropical flair and texture. If you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to skip it!
-
1 cup of sour cream (optional): If you like your cake extra creamy and moist, a scoop of sour cream will work wonders. It also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the lemon.
Instructions
The first thing you need to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that the cake bakes evenly and reaches the desired texture.
To prevent the cake from sticking, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will make the removal of the cake much easier once it’s baked, allowing you to serve it without any hassle.
Now, we start the fun part—layering! Spread the lemon pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Be sure to cover the entire base, as this will create a smooth, tangy layer. Next, sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the top of the pie filling. Do not mix it in; just sprinkle it on top. The dry cake mix will absorb the moisture from the pie filling and butter as it bakes.
Now for the magic ingredient—melted butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If you’re using shredded coconut, sprinkle it over the top at this stage. The butter helps create a golden, crispy top, while the coconut adds a delightful crunch and tropical flavor.
It’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The cake should be firm, but moist inside.
If you want to make your cake extra creamy and tangy, mix 1 cup of sour cream into the dry cake mix before you layer it in the dish. This will make the cake incredibly moist and add a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor.
Once your cake is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the warm cake with the cool topping is simply irresistible!
Notes
For an extra special touch, top your lemon dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to make this simple dessert feel extra fancy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: 5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Cake