5-Ingredient Lemon Dump Dessert

This 5-ingredient lemon dump cake is pure comfort—the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like it’s been passed around church potlucks and family reunions for generations. It has that unmistakable Midwestern charm: just dump, layer, and bake. No mixer, no fuss—just bright lemon flavor, a golden buttery topping, and a gooey, pudding-like center.

It’s the dessert you make when time is short but you still want something that tastes homemade and special. Kids love the soft, sweet-tart filling, while adults appreciate that it looks and tastes like you spent far more effort than you did.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tang. For family dinners, it pairs beautifully after baked chicken, meatloaf, or a hearty pasta casserole. On lighter nights, it’s perfect alongside fresh berries or a crisp salad spread. Hosting friends? Cut it into squares and serve with coffee or hot tea—lemon always shines next to a mild black tea or a simple decaf.

🍋 Old-Fashioned Lemon Dump Dessert

Ingredients

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until just moistened. Batter will be thick.
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter over the lemon filling, then spread gently. Leave a few gaps so the lemon can bubble through.
5. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick in the cake comes out mostly clean.
6. Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken as it rests.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature—plain, or topped with ice cream or whipped cream.