This bright, zesty, and effortless dessert combines creamy ricotta, tangy limoncello, and moist cake—all with no mixing bowls, no layers, just dump & bake! Perfect for summer gatherings or when you need a quick, impressive treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ 5 ingredients, 5 minutes prep – Seriously simple!
✅ Light yet indulgent – Not overly sweet.
✅ No mixer needed – Just a spoon and a pan.
🍋 Ingredients
(Serves 8–10)
- 1 (15 oz) tub whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup limoncello liqueur *(or 2 tbsp lemon zest + 3 tbsp lemon juice)*
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (15 oz) box lemon cake mix *(or vanilla cake mix + 1 tbsp lemon zest)*
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Ricotta Layer
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, limoncello, and sugar until smooth.
- Spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. Add the Cake Mix
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the ricotta layer.
- Drizzle melted butter on top (don’t stir!).
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake 35–40 mins until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Cool & Serve
- Let cool 15 mins (it thickens as it sets).
- Dust with powdered sugar and top with berries or whipped cream.
💡 Pro Tips
🔥 Extra lemon punch? Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the ricotta.
🔥 Non-alcoholic? Skip limoncello and use 1/4 cup lemon juice + 1 tsp vanilla.
🔥 Make ahead? Assemble unbaked and refrigerate overnight (add 5 mins to bake time).
❓ FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead?
Yes, but blend it first for smoothness.
How to store leftovers?
Fridge: 4 days | Freeze: 1 month (reheat gently).
No cake mix? Use 1.5 cups flour + 1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 cup sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Limoncello Ricotta Dump Cake is sunshine in dessert form—bright, creamy, and impossible to resist. Perfect for last-minute guests or lazy baking days!
Love easy desserts? Try these next:
- 3-Ingredient Lemon Magic Cake
- Blueberry Ricotta Pound Cake
- Strawberry Dump Cake
Made it? Tag us with your lemony masterpiece! 📸✨