Some nights call for something warm and sweet without all the measuring, whisking, and waiting. That’s when this lemon blueberry dump cake steps in quick, comforting, and made in one dish. It’s that dessert you toss together after dinner while the plates are still in the sink, and somehow, it always brings everyone back to the kitchen for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
5-Minute Prep, One-Pan Simplicity
This cake is a true weeknight hero. You’ll need just five minutes and a 9×13-inch baking dish. No bowls. No mixers. No fuss. Just layer, bake, and wait for the magic to happen. Even clean-up is easy, which makes it perfect when you’re already tired but craving something cozy.
Bursting with Fresh Blueberry and Lemon Flavor
Blueberries get juicy and jammy in the oven, mixing with sugar and bright lemon zest. Every bite is warm, fruity, and sweet with a tangy citrus pop. And the buttery cake mix topping turns golden and crisp — almost like a cobbler, but simpler.
Perfect for Any Occasion – From Potlucks to Weeknight Treats
This is a crowd-pleaser that fits right in at family cookouts, church potlucks, or lazy Saturday afternoons. It’s also just the thing when you need a quick dessert after dinner. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and suddenly Tuesday night feels a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh Blueberries and Lemon Zest
Use four cups of fresh blueberries they’re the star here. If they’re a little tart, the added sugar balances them beautifully. A full lemon’s worth of zest brings out their brightness.
Boxed Lemon Cake Mix (Use Dry)
Grab a box of lemon cake mix, but don’t prepare it. Just sprinkle it dry over the fruit. It melts into the berries as it bakes, creating a soft, cake-like top with just the right amount of crisp edges.
Butter – Thinly Sliced for Even Topping
Use ¾ cup of butter, sliced thin. Lay the slices across the top of the cake mix to help it brown evenly. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible for that golden, buttery finish.
Optional Add-Ins:
Try almonds or pecans in the fruit layer for added crunch. Or serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to make it feel even more indulgent.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the blueberries into the dish. Sprinkle evenly with sugar and lemon zest.
- Spread the dry cake mix evenly on top of the berry layer.
- Lay butter slices over the top, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Don’t mix the layers. Just layer and bake.
- Make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix so you don’t get dry patches.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so the juices settle.
Crockpot Method (Slow Cooker Variation)
Want a hands-off version? Cook it in a crockpot:
- Layer ingredients the same way.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- You won’t get that same crispy topping, but the flavor is still rich and comforting.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Best Ways to Serve It Warm
Serve it warm, straight from the pan, with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream works too. The cold creaminess against the hot, bubbly fruit is absolutely worth it.
Storage and Reheating Notes
If you somehow have leftovers (rare!), store them in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or pop it back in the oven for 10 minutes at 325°F to get the top crisp again.
Variations and Substitutions
Use Yellow or Spice Cake Mix
Lemon cake mix brings that zingy citrus layer, but you can swap in yellow or spice cake mix if that’s what you have. Yellow is buttery and mellow. Spice adds warm, fall-like notes.
Add Crunch with Nuts
A sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds in the fruit layer adds texture. It’s especially great if you love that cobbler-crisp hybrid.
Make It More Citrus-Forward with Extra Lemon
Want more tang? Add a splash of lemon juice or an extra half lemon’s zest to the fruit layer. It gives everything a brighter, cleaner flavor.
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake Recipe Card
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Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake | Easy & Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
This lemon blueberry dump cake is a quick and comforting dessert that combines fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and buttery cake mix in one easy-to-bake dish.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh blueberries
1 lemon, zested
½ cup sugar
1 box lemon cake mix (dry)
¾ cup butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pour blueberries into the pan, sprinkle evenly with sugar and lemon zest.
3. Sprinkle dry lemon cake mix evenly over the blueberry mixture.
4. Distribute butter slices evenly over the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Notes
Do not prepare the cake mix; use it dry.
Substitute with yellow or spice cake mix if desired.
Optional add-ins: chopped almonds or pecans in the fruit layer.
For crockpot: cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Great for potlucks, cookouts, or casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
More Such Recipes
If you love easy, fruity desserts, you might also enjoy these:
- Try these Blueberry Cottage Cheese Muffins packed with protein and fresh fruit for a morning bake.
- Or these Apple Pie Bites for a quick and cozy fruit-filled dessert that bake up fast.
- For brunch, this Berry French Toast Casserole for your next brunch table is a soft, berry-filled delight.
- Looking for a spiced twist? This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe with a spiced twist on the classic is a warm fall favorite.
FAQs
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The biggest mistake is mixing the layers. Just dump and layer — do not stir. Also, make sure the butter covers most of the top so you don’t end up with dry cake mix spots.
Do blueberry and lemon go well together?
Yes, they’re a perfect match. The sweetness of blueberries balances the tang of lemon beautifully. It’s a classic flavor combo for good reason.
Why do they call it dump cake?
Because you literally “dump” all the ingredients into the pan. No mixing, no fancy steps. Just layer and bake.
Can you add blueberries to lemon cake mix?
Absolutely. That’s exactly what this recipe does adds fresh blueberries under a lemon cake mix topping. The result is juicy, bright, and delicious.
Final Thoughts
A Bright and Easy Dessert Everyone Will Love
This lemon blueberry dump cake is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen genius, even when you’re short on time. It’s easy, colorful, and always brings a little happiness to the table. Whether you’re serving it on a summer porch or after a weeknight dinner, it’s one of those desserts that just works.
Feel free to save or share it on Pinterest or tag me on Facebook if you make it!