Home » Dessert Recipes » Lemon Dream Cake (+Video)

Lemon Dream Cake (+Video)

Easy Lemon Dream Cake starts with a boxed cake mix swirled with lemon pie filling. All topped with a creamy, lemony whipped topping!

A CREAMY CAKE FOR LEMON LOVERS

This lemon cake has quickly become one of my favorites (and a favorite of my co-workers!) My co-workers are often my guinea pigs for new recipes. This recipe is definitely for those who love lemon desserts. It is so easy to make but looks like you spent hours making it. If you want a fun new lemon recipe, try making this Lemon Dream Cake!

A small slice of Lemon Dream Cake on a white dessert plate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a Dream Cake?

A dream cake, also known as a dreamy cake, is a dessert that lives up to its name by being exceptionally delicious and indulgent. These cakes are often rich, moist, and flavorful, with layers of creamy frosting or filling. Dream cakes can come in various flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or fruit-infused, and they are usually topped with decadent decorations like fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles. The key characteristic of a dream cake is that it leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it, making it a standout choice for special occasions or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy.

Is this cake on lemon overload?

Now, you would think looking at this recipe that this cake is on lemon overload. Let me assure you – it really isn’t. It isn’t crazy sweet or a big ole lemon bomb. It is the perfect balance of sweet and a little tart from the pie filling.

Can I make this with a different cake flavor?

You can use yellow, white or even a lemon cake mix. I think they could maybe even use strawberry for a strawberry lemonade type effect. You could even make this with homemade cake mix if you wanted to. Looking for a homemade white cake mix or a yellow cake mix– I have you covered. The whole thing about this cake is convenience and ease, but if you have the time and energy to make a cake from scratch, go for it!

Is the frosting necessary?

While I love the frosting combination, if you want to make this a little lighter, you can.
It’s super easy to change it up a bit, just don’t use the lemon frosting in the topping. It can just be the Cool Whip. Or you can add in a teaspoon of lemon extract to the Cool Whip and stir and just spread that on the cake.

Can I use lemon curd instead?

Sure thing. Lemon curd would be great in this Lemon Dream Cake. Lemon curd can be used instead of the lemon pie filling. It won’t be as much since lemon pie filling comes in larger amounts than lemon curd but it will still work. You can also mix lemon curd in with the Cool Whip instead of the lemon frosting. 

Can I make this in round cake pans and layer them?

We had a reader ask this, and I figured it’s worth mentioning in here too so you don’t miss the info. I wouldn’t recommend this since this cake can be a bit heavy and I don’t think the layers with the frosting and Cool Whip would hold up well. That being said, if that’s something you want to try, you could… just know that I haven’t tested it that way and don’t think it’s an easy swap to make.

What to do with leftover cake?

Any leftover Lemon Dream Cake needs to be refrigerated, especially because of the frosting with the Cool Whip. When you aren’t serving this cake, it needs to be kept in the fridge too. So, leftover cake should be covered or placed in an airtight container and can be stored for up to 4 days. As time goes on, the cake will start to change texture from the frosting and pie filling. So, the sooner you can eat it, the better.

Can I freeze this cake?

You bet and I think this would be a good one to freeze and enjoy later! Freeze it appropriately and enjoy within 2-3 months of freezing.

A plate with a serving of homemade Lemon Dream Cake.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE

  • vanilla cake mix
  • ingredients needed to make cake (eggs, oil and water)- quantities and required ingredients may vary depending on your cake mix brand
  • lemon pie filling
  • lemon flavored frosting
  • whipped topping – most commonly people use Cool Whip, but you can make your own if desired
Cool Whip, vegetable oil, eggs, water, lemon frosting, lemon pie filling, and vanilla cake mix.

HOW TO MAKE LEMON DREAM CAKE:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare cake mix as directed on the back of the box. Pour batter into baking dish.

Place spoonfuls of lemon pie filling all over the batter.

 Take a knife and swirl it all around to help evenly distribute it better.

Note: The lemon pie filling is heavier than the cake batter. So it will sink to the bottom of the cake as it is cooking. Don’t worry, it won’t burn. This is normal.

A baking dish with cake mix and lemon curd, then it all swirled and a baking dish with a baked Lemon Cake.

Bake at 350F degrees (in center rack) for about 35-40 minutes. Until it springs back to the touch and isn’t jiggly in the center. Let cake cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

In a bowl, combine lemon frosting with whipped topping. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Spread frosting over cooled cake.

A glass bowl with the ingredients for the frosting, then it all mixed, and it all spread on the cake.

Refrigerate until chilled and keep any leftovers refrigerated.

Serve and enjoy.

A slice of Lemon Dream Cake being removed from the baking dish with the rest of the cake.

CRAVING MORE LEMON RECIPES?

Close up looking at a slice of Lemon Dream Cake on a plate.

Lemon Dream Cake (+Video)

Easy Lemon Dream Cake starts with a boxed cake mix swirled with lemon pie filling. All topped with a creamy, lemony whipped topping!
4.84 from 118 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 15.25 ounce box vanilla cake mix
  • ingredients needed to make cake: eggs, oil & water (according to the back of the cake mix box)
  • 1 can lemon pie filling
  • 16 ounce tub lemon flavored frosting
  • 8 ounce tub whipped topping (COOL WHIP) thawed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Prepare cake mix as directed on the back of the box. Pour batter into baking dish.
  • Place spoonfuls of lemon pie filling all over the batter.
    Vanilla cake mix with globs of lemon pie filling on top.
  • Take a knife and swirl it all around to help evenly distribute it better.
    Cake mix swirled with lemon pie filling in a baking dish.
  • Bake at 350F degrees (in center rack) for about 35-40 minutes until cake springs back to the touch and isn’t jiggly in the center.
  • Let cake cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
    An unfrosted, fresh baked Lemon Dream Cake.
  • In a bowl, combine lemon flavored frosting with whipped topping. Mix until thoroughly combined.
    Lemon frosting and Cool Whip mixed together in a bowl.
  • Spread frosting over cooled cake. Slice and serve or place in the refrigerator to chill slightly before serving.
    Iced Lemon Dream Cake in a baking dish.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 453mg | Sugar: 54g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Originally published: July 2012
Updated & republished: July 2019

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161 Comments

  1. The cake turned out fantastic but unfortunately the frosting did not turn out fluffy like yours. The frosting/cool whip turned out runny. I used the exact brands and sizes specified. I’ll make it again. My husband likes lemon cake.

  2. This sounds amazing….we are having a winter storm here in Michigan right now…thought I'd look on here to see if I could bake something to help with the winter blues..FOUND IT…YUM! Can't wait to sink my teeth into it…

  3. Just saw this on-line. If you can't find lemon pie filling, I bet the lemon curd would do well too! And maybe not as sweet.

  4. I make a simular cake with cherry pie filling same technique. Frosting is package of pudding mixed with 1/2 the milk after it thickens add a container of whipped topping. refrigerate any leftovers.

  5. I made this this week for a coworker's birthday. It was absolutely delicious and was a huge hit! I will certainly be making this again!

  6. Erica, I was wondering if you could use instant lemon pudding mix in place of the lemon frosting, like the Watergate Cake.

  7. So, I have a quick question. Do you think I could use lemon yogurt instead of lemon frosting. My boys really don't like frosting so I thought to make it lighter maybe some yogurt would be good. Thoughts?

  8. I made this cake years ago from a recipe I saw in the Sunday paper. I thought I would make it this year for Easter but cannot find the canned lemon pie filling anywhere. I still wanted the cake so I bought a couple boxes of instant lemon pudding & am making a lemon poke cake instead 🙂

      1. Can I make a lemon poke cake using a white cake mix, lemon pie filling in a can and frost with teal whipping cream mixed with cream cheese and be able to FREEZE It?

  9. Yay!! Thank y'all so much for coming back to let me know how this turned out for you. I am so happy you like it. I sure am glad Cynthia shared it with me. It is a new family favorite for sure! ~Brandie

  10. I made this over the weekend and it was gone immediately! I couldn't find lemon frosting so I squeezed 1/2 lemon and some lemon rind in and it was sooooo lemony fresh and delicous. Probably better than the lemon flavored frosting would have been

  11. Thank you for this recipe. Made it today and it was awesome! Store didn't have lemon frosting so I used whipped vanilla and it was great. A big hit and I'll definitely make again!

  12. I just wanted to say THANK YOU!
    I'm going to the store to buy the cake mix, cool whip & lemon pudding today. I know everyone will love it! :0)

  13. I found this one on Pinterest, and had to check it out because I absolutely LOVE lemon! When the recipe loaded, I was not at all surprised to discover that you had posted it. Your blog was the first one I began following, and when I need a great recipe, I know I can always count on you to have one that isn't too complicated and never let's me down with my family!
    This recipe reminds me of my mom because she made the most amazing lemon pie, but no matter how hard I try, I can never seem to make the flaky crust like hers. 🙁 Oh well, now I can make it this way, and it will really WOW my family & friends!
    Thanks again, Nancy :~D

  14. I just received a smart phone for Christmas. The first thing I looked up was recipes. I stumbled onto your site and found a ton of your recipes I plan on trying. Thanks Wanita

  15. I just LOVE lemon. I can't wait to make this one. BTW, hubs absolutely LOVED red velvet poke cake.

  16. I just made this today and barely waited long enough for it to cool to have a bite! It was so easy to make and it is so YUMMY!!! THANK YOU so much for all the time you give to your blog and all of the great recipes you share!!!

  17. Brandie,

    My husband is going to love this. I detest meringue so this is a great way to get that flavor without having to make meringue.

  18. I just put mine in the oven but I couldn't find lemon pie filling anywhere in my lil town. But I couldn't wait! I used cherry pie filling and hoping it all turns out good lol. But I will get the lemon, I know it's at one of these stores lol. Thanks for sharing this 🙂