3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Lemon Cake Recipe

Introduction

This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Lemon Cake is a delightfully easy and tangy dessert perfect for any occasion. With its bright lemon flavor and soft, spongy texture, it’s a refreshing treat that requires minimal effort and no oven.

Ingredients

• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
• 1 can (12 oz) lemon-lime soda or lemon soda, room temperature

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly coat the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix and instant lemon pudding mix until evenly combined and no streaks remain.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in the lemon-lime or lemon soda. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until the batter is smooth and no dry pockets remain. Avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it into an even layer for uniform cooking.
5. Step 5: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. For extra moisture, place a clean kitchen towel or paper towels under the lid to catch condensation, making sure it doesn’t touch the batter.
6. Step 6: Cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the cake is set in the center. The top should be bright yellow and spongy. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
7. Step 7: Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake rest uncovered for about 10 minutes to finish setting.
8. Step 8: Serve warm directly from the slow cooker. Enjoy as is, or top with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Use lemon soda for a stronger lemon flavor, or lemon-lime soda if you prefer a milder citrus taste.
• Adding a towel under the lid prevents too much condensation from dripping onto the cake, keeping it from becoming soggy.
• Try stirring in fresh lemon zest to boost the lemon aroma.
• For a dairy-free version, confirm the pudding mix is dairy-free or use a suitable substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the slow cooker or transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or return to the slow cooker on the WARM setting until heated through. This cake is best enjoyed warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular cake mix instead of lemon?

Yes, you can substitute a different cake mix and a matching flavored instant pudding mix for a similar result, but the signature lemon flavor will be different.

Is it necessary to use the slow cooker, or can I bake this in an oven?

The recipe is designed specifically for slow cooking to achieve a moist, sponge-like texture. Baking times and results will vary if made in the oven, so adjustments would be needed.

3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Lemon Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 126 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes (using HIGH setting)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Lemon Cake is a simple, zesty dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Using just lemon cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, and lemon-lime soda, this recipe yields a moist, fluffy cake with bright lemon flavor. Made entirely in the slow cooker, it’s fuss-free and convenient, creating a soft, sponge-like texture with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix

Wet Ingredient

• 1 can (12 oz) lemon-lime soda or lemon soda, room temperature

Additional

• Nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter (for greasing slow cooker)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the inside of your 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent the cake from sticking during cooking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon cake mix and instant lemon pudding mix until fully combined and no powder streaks remain.
3. Add Lemon-Lime Soda: Slowly pour in the lemon-lime soda while gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the batter is smooth and the dry ingredients are fully moistened—avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
4. Transfer Batter to Slow Cooker: Pour the lemon batter evenly into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it out into a uniform layer to ensure consistent cooking and a soft sponge-like texture.
5. Cover with Lid and Towel: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. For extra moisture retention and to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cake, place a clean kitchen towel or layer of paper towels stretched across the top before putting on the lid, ensuring it doesn’t touch the batter.
6. Cook the Cake: Cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. The cake is done when it is bright yellow, springy to touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
7. Rest the Cake: Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This allows it to finish setting while staying moist and tender.
8. Serve: Spoon the warm lemon cake directly from the slow cooker into bowls. Enjoy it as-is for a simple lemony dessert or add whipped cream or ice cream as a delicious topping. Keep the slow cooker on WARM setting if guests want seconds.

Notes

• Using room temperature lemon-lime soda ensures better mixing and reaction with the dry ingredients.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
• If desired, adding a kitchen towel under the lid helps retain moisture and prevents dripping condensation.
• The cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
• For variation, try topping with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Ensure slow cooker size is appropriate (4- to 6-quart) for even cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 2 1/2 hours on HIGH or 3 1/2 to 4 hours on LOW
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon cake, slow cooker cake, lemon dessert, easy cake recipe, 3 ingredient cake, slow cooker dessert, lemon pudding cake