
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is the definition of quick and easy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a last-minute treat, this dump cake comes together in minutes with simple pantry staples. The lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist that perfectly complements the sweet blueberries, while the golden cake topping creates a warm, comforting finish. It’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Blueberry pie filling (or fresh blueberries tossed with sugar and cornstarch)
- Lemon pie filling (or lemon curd as a substitute)
- Yellow or lemon cake mix
- Unsalted butter, melted or sliced
- Fresh lemon zest (optional, for added brightness)
- Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the fruit base: Spread the blueberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the lemon pie filling over the top and gently swirl for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit layer. Do not mix.
- Add butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. Make sure most of the surface is covered to avoid dry patches. Optionally, sprinkle on lemon zest, nuts, or coconut.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10–12
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Use different berries: Try raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend.
- Add cream cheese: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese between the fruit layers for added richness.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Add texture: Top with chopped pecans, walnuts, or granola for a crunchy finish.
- Make it citrusy: Use orange or lime zest in place of lemon for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl and warm for 30–45 seconds. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes. This cake is best served warm, but it’s also delicious cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of pie filling?
Yes. Toss fresh blueberries with sugar and cornstarch to create a thickened base similar to pie filling.
What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow or lemon cake mix pairs best with the fruit flavors, but white cake mix also works well.
Can I use lemon curd instead of pie filling?
Absolutely. Lemon curd adds a richer, tangier flavor and works as a great substitute.
Do I need to stir the layers?
No. Simply layer and bake—stirring will change the texture and intended results of a dump cake.
How do I prevent dry spots on top?
Be sure to evenly distribute the melted butter, covering most of the dry cake mix.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes. Bake it ahead of time and reheat just before serving. It also tastes great at room temperature.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. Once cooled, wrap the cake well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes, divide ingredients into ramekins and bake for about 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because of the fruit and butter, leftovers should be refrigerated after cooling.
Can I add a crumb topping?
You can sprinkle a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and butter on top for a crisp-style finish.
Conclusion
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something homemade, delicious, and low-effort. With just a few simple ingredients and no mixing required, it’s as easy as it is satisfying. The tangy lemon and sweet blueberry combination is bright, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it straight from the fridge—it’s irresistible either way.
Print
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert featuring layers of sweet blueberry and tangy lemon pie filling topped with buttery cake mix. It’s baked to golden perfection with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) blueberry pie filling (or 3 cups fresh blueberries tossed with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch)
- 1 can (15–21 oz) lemon pie filling (or 1 1/2 cups lemon curd)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or lemon cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest (optional)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread blueberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon lemon pie filling over the blueberries and gently swirl with a spatula or knife for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible to avoid dry patches.
- Optionally, sprinkle lemon zest, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is evenly distributed to prevent dry cake mix spots.
- You can substitute fresh blueberries for pie filling by tossing with sugar and cornstarch.
- Lemon curd can be used instead of lemon pie filling for a tangier flavor.
- This dessert is freezer-friendly—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serve warm, cold, or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg