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    Home » Recipes » Cake + Cupcakes » Easy Lemon Cake with Lemon Pudding Frosting

    Easy Lemon Cake with Lemon Pudding Frosting

    Published : March 12, 2021 Updated : September 13, 2021 by Together As Family 99 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Print Recipe

    Easy Lemon Cake, also known as lemon lovers layered cake, starts with a cake mix and lemon instant pudding mix! This lemon cake is so moist, light, and full of bright lemon flavor. It's topped with a whipped lemon pudding frosting that is so fluffy. If you love lemon + strawberry then be sure and also try my easy strawberry lemonade cake that also starts with a cake mix. 

    Recipe for lemon cake made with a cake mix and instant pudding mix.

    EASY LEMON CAKE WITH LEMON INSTANT PUDDING MIX AND A CAKE MIX

    This easy lemon cake was one of the first recipes I ever posted to this food blog of mine. Bake when I first posted it the cake mix boxes were a larger size (18 oz) than they are today (15 oz). Because of that this recipe has not worked well for many of you over the years since they changed the boxed cake mix size. 

    I have been wanting to update this recipe for awhile now and here we are. I have personally made and tested this recipe dozens and dozens of times and I am very happy with the changes. The recipe is the same meaning, it still calls for a lemon cake mix, lemon instant pudding, and then a few mix-ins to make the boxed cake mix taste homemade, but there are some slight changes. I will post the original recipe in the notes of the recipe below because I know a lot of you have great success with the original recipe even with the different sized cake mix. 

    There are some slight changes I made to the original recipe.

    1. I reduced the oil and eggs to accommodate the smaller cake mix size. The original recipe used 1 cup of oil + 4 large eggs. It was just too much moisture in the cake which caused the cake to bake properly and instead sink in the middle. 
    2. I took out the vanilla extract. This was a hard one form me. Again, the original recipe had too much moisture in it and when you added the vanilla it made the cake not as fresh and lemon tasting as it tasted without the vanilla in it. I tested the recipe so many times without the vanilla and it was much better. The texture and flavor. Of course, you can add in the vanilla extract if that's what you prefer or even use some lemon extract. I will make notes of all of that in the recipe below. 

    Lemon Cake recipe made easy with a cake mix and whipped pudding frosting.

    HOW TO MAKE AN EASY & MOIST LEMON LAYERED CAKE

    Lemon Cake Mix - Do not prepare this according to package instructions. You are just going to be using the dry cake mix powder inside the box. 

    Lemon Instant Pudding Mix - Do not prepare this according to package instructions. All you want to do is dump the pudding powder into the bowl. 

    Sour Cream - Full-fat sour cream tastes the best so please use it. You are making cake after all, not diet food, so if you want it to have the best texture and rich taste then use full fat sour cream. 

    Canola or Vegetable Oil

    Whole Milk

    Large Eggs

    How to make easy lemon cake with step-by-step picture instructions.

    How to make whipped lemon pudding frosting that is so light and fluffy.

    MY TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS FOR MAKING LEMON CAKE

    • Can I make this lemon cake recipe in a 9x13 pan?

      • I tested this recipe several times using a 9x13 pan and while it worked I did not love the results. It tastes better as a layered cake. You can bake it in a 9x13 baking dish but watch the center closely because it does not rise up high like the edges, so use a toothpick inserted into the middle to check for doneness. You want the toothpick coming out with moist crumbs not wet batter. Follow the instructions on the back of the cake for cooking times if making a 9x13 cake. 
    • Can I make this lemon cake recipe in a cupcake pan?

      • If you want to make cupcakes be sure you don't overfill each one. You want each cupcake to be filled slightly less than half full. Follow the instruction on the back of the cake mix for cooking time if making cupcakes. 
    • What is Dream Whip? Can I substitute with something else?

      • Dream Whip is a powdered whipped topping. Think of powdered milk compared to milk. Dream Whip is the powered, shelf-stable version of heavy whipping cream. I don't use Dream Whip a lot, actually only in this lemon cake recipe, but it's really good! Promise. You can find it in the baking aisle at the grocery store and it comes in a box with 2 packets inside of it. You will need 1 of those packets for the frosting, unless you want more frosting, then you will need 2 packets to double the frosting recipe. 
      • If you don't want to use the Dream Whip then feel free to use 2 cups heavy whipping cream in it's place. Depending on sweet preference you may have to add some powdered sugar as well to the frosting mix before you start beating it. 
    • Can I make lemon cake ahead of time?

      • Yes you can! In fact I love to make the cake the day before. I bake it and let it cool completely. Then I cover the cake pans with Saran Wrap and let the cake refrigerate overnight. The next day I make the frosting and frost the cake before serving it. I think it's much easier to frost a cold cake. 

    Three layers of easy lemon cake with lemon pudding frosting.

    YOU WILL LOVE THESE OTHER LEMON RECIPES

    Lemon Blueberry Banana Bread - Fresh lemon flavor, juicy blueberries combined with banana in the best quick bread recipe with no yeast. 

    No Bake Lemon Pudding Pie - A triple layer lemon pie made easy with a graham cracker crust, lemon pudding mix, and freshly whipped cream.

    Lemon Zucchini Bread - Probably my favorite zucchini recipe ever. So bright, fresh, and full of fresh lemon juice, fresh lemon zest, and shredded zucchini. 

    Lemon Yogurt Fruit Salad - Fresh fruit combined with a lemon yogurt honey dressing. 

    Lemon Parmesan Chicken - Crispy oven baked chicken breasts dipped in lemon juice and butter and then topped with breadcrumbs. The crispy coating actually stays on this chicken thanks to the egg. 

    Lemon Chicken & Potatoes - A sheet pan dinner recipe with chicken breasts and potatoes coated in seasonings and fresh lemon juice. 

    Lemon Crumb Bars - An oatmeal & brown sugar base and topping with a creamy and fresh lemon filling in the middle. 

     

     

    Recipe for lemon cake made with a cake mix and instant pudding mix.

    Easy Lemon Cake with Lemon Pudding Frosting

    Together As Family
    Easy Lemon Cake starts with a cake mix and lemon instant pudding! This lemon layered cake is so easy to make with a doctored up cake mix and it's topped with the fluffiest whipped lemon pudding frosting.
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 18 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 slices
    Calories 398 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Lemon Cake

    • 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
    • 1 box (3.4 oz) lemon instant pudding
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 3 large eggs

    Whipped Lemon Pudding Frosting

    • 1 packet Dream Whip
    • 1 box (3.4 oz) lemon instant pudding
    • 1â…“ cups half & half milk or whole milk

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oven to 350°. Prepare three 9-inch cake pans by spraying with cooking spray. Set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, or you can use the bowl of a stand mixer, add the dry cake mix, instant pudding, sour cream, oil, milk, whole milk, and eggs.
      Beat on low speed, increasing speed as needed, until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thick and that's ok.
    • Divide cake batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. The layers will be thin but don't worry cause as they cook they will bake up higher.
    • Cook for 18-20 miutes.
      Use a toothpick inserted into the middle to ensure it's cooked all the way. You want the toothpick coming out with moist crumbs NOT wet batter.
    • Let the cake cool in the pan (at room temperature) until it's completely cooled.
    • At this point you can either frost the cake once it's cooled OR tightly cover the cake pans with saran wrap or tin foil and refrigerate overnight or for several hours before frosting it.
      I always make the cake the night before I need it. I bake and cool it the day before and then tightly wrap the cake pans up and refrigerate overnight. The next day I make the frosting and frost the cake.

    Lemon Pudding Frosting

    • Combine all frosting ingredients into a bowl, or use the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on low speed, increasing speed as needed, until it's thick and fluffy and stiff peaks form. This will take several minutes.
      The recipe pictures show a double recipe of the frosting. If you like the more even layers of frosting and cake then you will want to double the frosting recipe for a layered cake.

    Notes

    Dream Whip : Dream Whip is a powdered whipped topping. Think of powdered milk compared to milk. Dream Whip is the powdered, shelf-stable version of heavy whipping cream. I don't use Dream Whip a lot, actually only in this lemon cake recipe, but it's really good! Promise. You can find it in the baking aisle at the grocery store and it comes in a box with 2 packets inside of it. You will need 1 of those packets for the frosting, unless you want more frosting, then you will need 2 packets to double the frosting recipe. If you don't want to use the Dream Whip then feel free to use 2 cups heavy whipping cream in it's place. Depending on sweet preference you may have to add some powdered sugar as well to the frosting mix before you start beating it, if you use heavy whipping cream instead of Dream Whip.
    Sour Cream : Full-fat sour cream tastes the best so please use it. You are making cake after all, not diet food, so if you want it to have the best texture and rich taste then use full fat sour cream.
    Can I make a 9x13 cake? I tested this recipe several times using a 9x13 pan and while it worked I did not love the results. It tastes better as a layered cake. You can bake it in a 9x13 baking dish but watch the center closely because it does not rise up high like the edges, so use a toothpick inserted into the middle to check for doneness. You want the toothpick coming out with moist crumbs not wet batter. Follow the instructions on the back of the cake for cooking times if making a 9x13 cake. 
    Can I make this ahead of time? Yes you can! In fact I love to make the cake the day before. I bake it and let it cool completely. Then I cover the cake pans with Saran Wrap and let the cake refrigerate overnight. The next day I make the frosting and frost the cake before serving it. I think it's much easier to frost a cold cake. 
    This recipe is different than the original (slightly). If you loved the original recipe here it is : 
    15.25 oz lemon cake mix
    3.4 oz lemon instant pudding
    1 cup sour cream
    1 cup canola or vegetable oil
    ½ cup whole milk
    4 large eggs
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Frosting recipe is the same as before. No changes. Read the post above for reasons to the changes and notes on the changes made. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 348mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 377IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 142mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword easy lemon cake, easy lemon cake with lemon pudding and cake mix, lemon layered cake
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @togetherasfamilyblog on Instagram

    Here are the older pictures of this easy lemon lovers layered cake. This recipe has been updated with more helpful tips, better pictures, and improved recipe in March 2021. 

    This easy lemon layered cake is for true lemon lovers! 3 layers of moist, sweet, lemon cake frosted with fluffy, light, lemon pudding frosting! Jazz up a boxed cake mix for the ultimate layered cake dessert that is easy and bursting with lemon flavor.

    This easy lemon layered cake is for true lemon lovers! 3 layers of moist, sweet, lemon cake frosted with fluffy, light, lemon pudding frosting! Jazz up a boxed cake mix for the ultimate layered cake dessert that is easy and bursting with lemon flavor.

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    Comments

    1. denise

      July 07, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Where on earth do you still find Dream Whip ? That has been off the shelves for decades now !! What else could I use ?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 07, 2017 at 5:23 pm

        I grocery shop at 3 different grocery stores and they all carry it. You can find it by the instant pudding mixes in the baking aisle. There really is no substitute. You could just make a cake frosting and add lemon zest and juice, but it would be an entirely different recipe than this one I posted.

        Reply
        • Juliet

          July 17, 2022 at 9:14 pm

          5 stars
          It was great. I found all ingredients at Walmart.

          Reply
      • LORRAINE MEEKER

        July 08, 2017 at 8:06 am

        Dream Whip can be found at Stop & Shop

        Reply
        • LORRAINE

          July 08, 2017 at 8:10 am

          Dream whip buy at Stop and Shop

          Reply
        • Together As Family

          July 08, 2017 at 8:23 am

          I also find it at Martins, Weis, Walmart, and Shop n Save. Not sure what grocery stores you have where you live but it should be there. Comes in a small box with 2 packets inside. You will only use 1 of the packets for the frosting.

          Reply
      • Kathy

        September 05, 2017 at 2:51 pm

        In my area Kroger, Hyvee, Schnuck's, Walmart and Target all carry it.

        Reply
      • Kate

        June 21, 2022 at 8:37 pm

        Made this tonight and it was ahhmazing!!!!!!

        Reply
      • Marta

        September 20, 2022 at 3:55 am

        check all the way at the bottom of the shelves .. I kept missing it, but I was way at the bottom

        Reply
    2. Katie

      July 07, 2017 at 3:54 pm

      Question about #6. How does doubling the recipe make a thicker frosting???

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 07, 2017 at 5:28 pm

        Double recipe makes double the frosting so you'll have a thicker layer of frosting for between each layer and on top/sides. I don't think it needs a double frosting recipe. The cake is so moist that I don't mind the thinner layer of frosting. I just mentioned it for those that LOVE their frosting.

        Reply
    3. Joan

      July 07, 2017 at 4:56 pm

      Can't wait to make ths.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 07, 2017 at 5:25 pm

        Hope you love it!

        Reply
    4. Joan in VA

      July 07, 2017 at 5:14 pm

      I can't find Dream Whip at my grocery store. Would Cool Whip be a reasonable substitute ... without the milk?

      This just might be dessert for my stitch group next week. It sounds delicious and easy.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 07, 2017 at 5:25 pm

        Cool whip I don't think would work. You would get those dry bits of the pudding mix. There really is no substitute for the dream whip. That's what makes the frosting so light & fluffy. I find dream whip in the baking aisle by the instant pudding mixes and Jello.

        Reply
        • Dolly Pratt

          July 09, 2017 at 6:58 pm

          I bought it at Wal-Mart they have it by the jello and pudding mixes

          Reply
    5. Elizabeth pedersen

      July 07, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      Yum, I will make this over the weekend!

      Do you have a chocolate cake recepie that you love? Please share.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 08, 2017 at 11:21 pm

        I actually use the same doctored up cake mix recipe as this lemon one. I use a chocolate cake mix + chocolate instant pudding instead of the lemon ones. Super moist and rich chocolate flavor.

        Reply
    6. Karen

      July 07, 2017 at 10:23 pm

      I find Dream Whip in all the grocery stores in my area. I cannot wait to make this with double frosting!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 08, 2017 at 8:24 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    7. J

      July 07, 2017 at 10:51 pm

      There's no reason why you can't replace dream whip with cool whip. Mix the pudding with a cup of milk to dissolve it, then combined pudding mixture & the cool whip.

      Reply
    8. Yoly

      July 08, 2017 at 11:33 am

      If you use a cake mix with pudding in it. Do you still add a pudding mix to the cake mix batter? I can't wait to try this. Love anything lemon!

      Also, I have made frosting with cool whip. Like others have said just use 1 cup of milk to the pudding, mix well and add. No problems because you are using only 1 cup of milk and it will still be thick.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 08, 2017 at 1:10 pm

        Yes, still use the pudding mix ? Great tip about the cool whip. Thank you! That would still yield a fluffy frosting which is the best part about this cake.

        Reply
    9. Debbie

      July 08, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      I make frosting by mixing a box of jello and a box of pudding. Mix both with a cup of milk. The flavor is much better.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 08, 2017 at 11:22 pm

        Yum! I'll have to try that. Never made it that way before.

        Reply
      • Maria

        March 30, 2021 at 9:16 pm

        So it’s one box of yellow jello mix and one box of lemon pudding??

        Reply
        • Together As Family

          April 01, 2021 at 9:52 pm

          It is one box of lemon cake mix + one box of lemon instant pudding mix (not the cook n' serve kind).

          Reply
    10. Vicki

      July 10, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      Can this be made in a 13x9 pan instead of the 3 rounds?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 10, 2017 at 5:01 pm

        Yes it could. Just be sure you don't overfill the pan because I'm thinking you won't need all of the cake batter. I could be wrong as I've never done the cake pan before. You only want it filled about halfway maybe slightly more. It will rise and we don't want it to over flow. I've done that before ?

        Reply
    11. Kathy Banks

      August 12, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      Is it really a cup of oil?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 12, 2017 at 5:58 pm

        Yes. Seems like a lot I know, but it's a doctored up cake mix that produces the softest, moistest cake ever! If you would rather you can just make the cake per the instruction on the box. Then make the frosting and layer it all.

        Reply
    12. Terri

      August 29, 2017 at 11:42 am

      Are the eggs, oil and water ingredients supposed to go into the mix plus the 4 eggs in the recipe

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 29, 2017 at 4:00 pm

        Just as the recipe states, you DO NOT add the cake ingredients called for on the box. Just add the dry cake mix in the box plus the other ingredients listed in the recipe above. Hope that helps 🙂

        Reply
    13. Terri Bolt

      August 29, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      I made the cake without using the oil. It cooked up nicely. I tasted a little on each layer. The cake is spongy but still taste alright. Should I try again or leave it as is?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 29, 2017 at 3:59 pm

        Hey Teri. Well, I can't say for sure because you did not use oil so I don't know how it should taste without that. I do know that the recipe as is, is very very moist and almost dense (but in a good way dense). Not so much sponge-like.

        Reply
    14. Soñia

      September 07, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      Ahhhh I followed this recipe to the T and my cake came out flat...

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        September 08, 2017 at 9:33 pm

        What do you mean by flat? If you used the 3 round cake pans then the cake should be somewhat flat so that you can make a layered cake.

        Reply
      • Linda Leone

        December 02, 2017 at 6:55 am

        I would venture to say you did NOT follow recipe to a T. .. read the instructions again and figure out what you did wrong ... this is not the fault of the recipe ... check your oven as well

        Reply
        • Jackie Wooten

          May 26, 2019 at 6:49 pm

          What brand of cake mix you use?

          Reply
      • Lynn

        September 27, 2019 at 1:20 pm

        Me too! So disappointed was for birthday party tomorrow. Back to store.....

        Reply
    15. Regina

      December 20, 2017 at 2:22 pm

      what if you have a box of lemon cake that has pudding already in it. Do you omit the pudding , but keep the sour cream?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        December 22, 2017 at 1:40 pm

        Nope. Just follow the recipe as is ? Enjoy!

        Reply
    16. Shirkey

      January 12, 2018 at 12:06 am

      Can I substitute something else for sour cream

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        January 14, 2018 at 12:13 pm

        Greek yogurt or regular yogurt would work just fine.

        Reply
    17. Jwoodtome

      January 28, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      Got this recipe from my daughter’s coworker. OMG! I get so many compliments on this cake. It is so refreshing eaten ice cold. Double the frosting. One batch was too thin. Wonderful, keeper recipe

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        January 29, 2018 at 4:42 pm

        That makes me so happy to hear! Yes, for thicker frosting definitely doubling the recipe is the way to go. I too love it ice cold ?

        Reply
    18. Karen

      February 19, 2018 at 11:16 am

      Have you ever tried using regular lemon frosting for this cake?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        February 19, 2018 at 3:57 pm

        I have not but it would be delicious I am guessing! Really any frosting you love would work on this cake 🙂

        Reply
    19. Miranda

      February 22, 2018 at 1:28 pm

      Made this cake for a co-workers birthday and it was delicious! Very moist and refreshing!
      I had the pack of Dream Whip with 2 envelopes so, I made the frosting as instructed than made up the other pack of Dream Whip separate with 1/2 cup of milk. I spread the plain dream whip between the layers of cake and saved the lemon frosting for the outside of the cake!
      So good!!!

      Reply
    20. Ashley E

      March 23, 2018 at 10:08 am

      Do you think this would come out okay if I made it fully and refrigerated for the next day? Or would it be better to bake cakes ahead of time and assemble with frosting the day of?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        March 27, 2018 at 11:38 pm

        Yes, for sure make it the day before. I actually think this cake, and most cakes, taste better when they've had time to refrigerate.

        Reply
    21. Britt13

      May 13, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      Can I omit the sour cream? I’m all out and don’t feel like running to the store.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        May 16, 2018 at 9:57 pm

        I have never not used the sour cream so I cant say for sure what would happen. You could always try it.

        Reply
    22. Sharon

      October 02, 2018 at 5:45 pm

      Loved the lemon cake! If I changed to chocolate do you think it would work? I have a chocolate loving son!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        October 04, 2018 at 1:39 pm

        I think it would work just fine. And what a great idea! I would keep things the same just change out the lemon ingredients for chocolate ones.

        Reply
    23. Sheri

      November 19, 2018 at 2:24 pm

      Can you use a lemon pound cake?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        November 20, 2018 at 3:24 pm

        I’ve never tried that. Maybe it’s the same ounce size as s cake mix it would be ok. Not too sure?

        Reply
    24. Kathleen Russell

      December 15, 2018 at 8:02 am

      I made it last night and mine looks flat. It is in 9 inch pans, and maybe I over beat it. How thick shouldn't the layers be?

      Reply
    25. Isabel Palmer

      April 25, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      Can the lemon cake mix already have pudding in it?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        May 03, 2019 at 11:36 am

        I've made this recipe using both kinds (with pudding and without) and it does not seem to make a difference.

        Reply
    26. Anita

      May 17, 2019 at 3:34 pm

      I want to make this cake as cupcakes for church this weekend. Just to get it straight following the recipe to the letter, except for cupcakes ADD 2 tablespoons of flour to insure they don't cave in the middle. Right?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        May 20, 2019 at 2:10 pm

        I make the recipe as is and don't have the caving in trouble. But yes go ahead and add the little bit of additional flour to make sure that it won't cave in. Normally if a cake is caving in after baking it's either not baked enough or way too little flour. This recipe works for me as written so I am thinking maybe that person did not bake it long enough. Hopefully that helps.

        Reply
    27. Jessica

      May 24, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      Hi! Thinking about trying this recipe for my daughter’s birthday on Monday. Curious to know how well it stands up being frosted/decorated? I’ll be using a lemon Swiss merengue on the outside and creating a sprinkle geode effect on one side. Just wondering if it will be too moist and soft? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        May 31, 2019 at 10:22 pm

        I've only made this cake as is, with the whipped pudding frosting. It does just fine with that and I think it will do fine with a swiss meringue. I find it so much easier to frost and decorate a cake if it's really cold. So maybe refrigerate the cake overnight or longer, and then decorate and frost it.

        Reply
    28. Jackie Wooten

      May 28, 2019 at 10:39 pm

      Made this cake and got good feedback. Can I use 3 8x2 cake pans.

      Reply
    29. Jackie Wooten

      May 30, 2019 at 8:26 am

      Can I use 3 8x2 cake pans instead of 3 9 inch pans?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        May 31, 2019 at 10:14 pm

        Yes I think that would be fine. Maybe cook it for a couple minutes longer but it should turn out great!

        Reply
    30. Toni

      July 12, 2019 at 11:41 am

      My son loves lemon cake...well we all do. However, I only have 2- 9 inch pans. Will this work with only 2 layers?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        July 16, 2019 at 9:17 am

        I think there will be too much batter for just two round pans. You could not use all the batter or maybe try a 9x13 baking pan? I can't say for sure cause I only ever make this with the 3 round cake pans.

        Reply
      • Jane

        August 07, 2022 at 6:56 am

        Make cake as recipe called for it was delicious. I used 2 cake mixes but prepared them separate. I had 4 layers only made 2 layers from each cake mix. In between each layer I put lemon pudding used (Lucky Leaf lemon pudding) used icing recipe as called for the icing was soooo creamy, made this for a birthday party. Everyone just raved about the cake, will make again. Oh yes for the icing I only made 1 batch an it iced the cake real good, did not put icing between layers. Thanks for the great recipe.

        Reply
    31. Cyndi

      August 28, 2019 at 12:46 pm

      I did not realize that the 15.25 oz. Red velvet cake mix i have has pudding already in the mix, so my question is how would i doctor this up, what instructions would you advise for this?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        September 08, 2019 at 11:26 pm

        I actually did this same experiment (using regular cake mix vs pudding cake mix) and updated the recipe here to this new one that seems to work better. I would highly suggest using the cake mix without the added pudding inside the mix. Refer to this post https://togetherasfamily.com/cake-mix-recipe/

        Reply
    32. Marilyn West

      October 05, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      Look de!icious! Can't wait to try tnis! Are you aware that you have a recipe for frosting using Cool Whip? Check out your Healthy Chocolate cake. You say to mix 1 pkg of pudding with 1 cup milk to make the pudding. Then fold in the 8 oz. container of Cool Whip. Great! Love this blog!

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        October 09, 2019 at 10:50 am

        Yes, I love that frosting recipe. It can easily be used on this lemon cake too! Thanks so much for commenting and being here.

        Reply
    33. Lynne Krempley

      November 11, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      Can't wait to try this. Can the frosting be piped?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        November 12, 2019 at 11:34 am

        Yes it could! That would be so pretty.

        Reply
    34. Nikki

      November 26, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      What if the cake mix already has pudding in it? I have the Betty Crocker Super Moist Lemon cake mix that says there’s pudding in the mix. Should I nix the pudding and only do the sour cream then?

      Reply
      • Nikki

        November 26, 2019 at 3:21 pm

        Nevermind. Just read in the comments that you have a new link to a new recipe for that.

        Reply
    35. Latacia

      April 24, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      Hello, does this recipe work well with cupcakes?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        May 06, 2020 at 5:26 pm

        I have no tried this recipe as cupcakes so I can't say for sure.

        Reply
    36. Andrea Kulka

      May 07, 2020 at 12:34 pm

      I am so glad I stumbled upon this recipe! My mother's favorite dessert flavor is lemon so i decided to make this layer cake for her birthday as a surprise. It came out delicious and everyone LOVED it, especially my mother. I will definitely be using this recipe again! The only thing I will do differently next time is to make double the whipped frosting OR use a different filling so that I have all of the frosting for the outside. Using one batch just fell a little short of filling and covering the cake. Other than that, 5 stars!!!

      Reply
    37. Evelyn

      May 27, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      This recipe sounds great, but I only want to make a 10 × 15 sheet cake. Is there a way to cut back on the additives to the mix?

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 20, 2020 at 2:04 pm

        I would look for a different lemon recipe if you don't want to add the boxed mixes. There are lots on Pinterest that are made from scratch. Hope that helps and thanks for being here 🙂

        Reply
    38. Betsy

      June 29, 2020 at 11:43 am

      This was delish- but I would like it more tart. Ideas?

      Reply
    39. Christine

      March 23, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of our favorite cakes, my husband requested it for desert tonight. I got freaked out when I wanted to print a fresh copy and the recipe was different. I didn't read through that you posted both recipes. I made it the old way using two 9x9 cake pans and it came out perfect, just like always. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        March 27, 2021 at 11:00 am

        I included the original recipe at the bottom of the recipe card in the notes area. I know the original worked well for some but there were lots of problems with it mainly because the original recipe was intended for the larger sized cake mixes which used to be 18 oz. But for sure, if that original recipe worked for you that's awesome. So glad you love the cake and thank you for your rating and comment.

        Reply
    40. Rhonda Newman

      March 31, 2021 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      The easiest and most tasty cake I've made. Got tons of raves over it.

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        April 01, 2021 at 9:49 pm

        Yay! I love hearing this. Thank you so much for letting me know and for rating the recipe.

        Reply
    41. Mary

      April 20, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Can this be made in a springform pan and sliced in 3 layers??

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        April 21, 2021 at 11:48 am

        I don't think it would cook well in a springform pan at all. There would be too much batter and it would not cook properly is my concern.

        Reply
    42. Adeleh

      May 02, 2022 at 6:47 am

      5 stars
      Sounds fantastic

      Reply
    43. Nicole

      July 19, 2022 at 3:00 pm

      Found this recipe on Pinterest and let me tell you, it is the only recipe for cakes my family will now allow. I do all different variations of flavors and will sometimes add a fruit compote or ganache if I contrast flavors. Regardless it is always a hit and gets rave reviews. Thank you so much!

      Reply
    44. Dana Clements

      August 05, 2022 at 7:25 am

      5 stars
      I’ve been baking for a lot of years. This is a Eureka type cake recipe. Perfectly moist and stays that way for days. Thank you thank you! This can easily be recreated with different flavored puddings. I’ll use this recipe forever 😀

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 16, 2022 at 9:49 pm

        You're welcome! So glad to hear it's a favorite. And yes, the pudding flavors are endless when it comes to this cake.

        Reply
    45. Becky Chamberlin

      August 09, 2022 at 9:36 am

      I made this and used 2 cake mixes separately.
      I baked two 13 x 9 in square cakes n cooled them completely than added lemon filling in between the two layers followed by a light cream cheese frosting! Excellent

      Reply
      • Together As Family

        August 16, 2022 at 9:39 pm

        That sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing your feedback. I appreciate it.

        Reply

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    I am so glad that you are here. I love sharing recipes and I am very passionate about families sitting together at the table for dinner. Even if it's takeout or a homecooked meal, eat together! I hope I can help you find some delicious recipes that your family will love just as much as mine does.

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