Easy Lemon Dream Cake starts with a boxed cake mix swirled with lemon pie filling. All topped with a creamy, lemony whipped topping!
LEMON DREAM CAKE
One of the biggest blessings for me since I started this website has been all the amazing people I’ve had a chance to get to know. Food. It really brings folks together, doesn’t it? Occasionally, I get emails from readers who would like to share a favorite family recipe with me. I love when y’all take the time to share special recipes with me. Especially when a special memory is attached.
HOW-TO VIDEO INCLUDED BELOW:
LEMON CAKE MIX AND LEMON PIE FILLING
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. My husband, who is not a lemon cake fan, really enjoyed this one if that gives you an indication.
lemon pie filling*
HOW TO MAKE LEMON DREAM CAKE:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare cake mix as directed on the back of the box. Pour batter into baking dish.
Originally published: July 2012
Updated & republished: July 2019
LEMON DREAM CAKE
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ingredients needed to make cake: eggs, oil & water
- 1 (15.75 oz) can lemon pie filling
- 1 tub lemon flavored frosting
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (COOL WHIP) thawed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Spray a 9 x 13 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.
- 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.
- In a bowl, combine lemon flavored frosting with whipped topping.
- Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
CRAVING MORE LEMON RECIPES? BE SURE TO CHECK THESE OUT!
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Lois Horton says
Awesome cake!! Made this for my family at Easter and they loved it. I did use a lemon cake mix instead of vanilla and it was just the right amount of lemon for all the lemon lovers lovers like us😊
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
That is SO great to read Lois! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave feedback! I always love to hear about other options that worked out good. It also helps out other people that may wonder if they can switch out for other flavors. Thanks again!
Nancy B. says
Making this today for our Easter dinner with friends tomorrow. Can’t wait to have a piece. Will post a picture and tell you their feedback. I have no doubt it will be awesome. Luv your recipes.
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
Love it Nancy! Yes, please be sure to let me know what everyone thought!
Virginia says
Would this work for cupcakes with a dollop of pie filling in each cup?
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
Hi Virginia, I haven’t tried it. Possibly? If you give it a try, please let me know!
Pam says
Can you freeze this cake once it has been frosted?
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
I haven’t tried it but it seems like it should freeze ok. 🙂
Pam says
Can you freeze this cake after it has been frosted? Made this last night. Delicious!
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
Woo hoo! Love hearing that – thank you Pam!
MQuinones says
This recipe was very simple and easy to follow!
Absolutely delicious and it was a hit with the family!
Definitely one of our favorite desserts and most requested!
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
Woo hoo!!! Thank you so very much! Absolutely thrilled that everyone loves it so much! 🙂
JoAnn Leonard says
Loved it. I did make a change in the cake mix. Instead of the water I used one Meyer lemon and for the remainder of the water I used milk. This was a gluten free cake mix too. The mixing of the icing and cool whip made it seem lighter. I am sharing your recipe on Facebook for my lemon lover friends. Thanks for the great easy dessert.
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
Thank you so much JoAnn! I love how you took this recipe and really made it your own and to suit your tastes!!
David says
I have made this cake several times and it comes out moist and tastes lemony and good.
Marcia Kompelien says
Can a person use a lemon cake mix and add the ingredients to that and then spread lemon pie filling all through it ????
Lois says
Do you think you could use dream whip instead of the dairy whip?
Brandie says
Hi Lois, I haven’t used dream whip before for this recipe but I’m sure it will work just fine. Let us know if you do use it and how it turns out for you.
linda Mcneely says
wo what would happen if we pushed the envelope and added holes to the cake after it cooked and put in lemon jello?
Millie says
Could I use lemon curd instead of lemon pie filling?
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
I don’t see why not.