3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Lemon Spoon Cake
If you love easy slow cooker desserts, this 3-ingredient lemon spoon cake is about to become a favorite. Made with pantry staples and cooked gently in the Crock Pot, this old-fashioned style lemon pudding cake magically creates its own silky lemon sauce as it cooks. The result is a bright, citrusy dessert that’s soft, custardy, and perfect for scooping straight from the slow cooker with a spoon.
Inspired by classic country pudding cakes, this slow cooker lemon dessert delivers homemade flavor with almost no effort. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting dessert without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Spoon Cake:
Just 3 ingredients no eggs, butter, or complicated steps
Self-saucing texture tender cake on top, luscious lemon pudding underneath
Slow cooker friendly no oven needed, perfect for warm days
Make-ahead dessert stays warm on LOW or WARM for easy serving
Crowd-pleasing flavor sweet, tangy, and nostalgic
This is one of those dump-and-stir desserts that tastes like you spent hours baking.
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2½–3½ hours
Method: Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
Ingredients:
1 (15.25-ounce) box lemon cake mix
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant lemon pudding mix
2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
Directions:
Lightly grease a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry lemon cake mix and dry lemon pudding mix until evenly combined.
Add the milk and stir until smooth. The batter will be thicker than traditional cake batter this is what creates the pudding-like sauce.
Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker and spread evenly.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ to 3½ hours, until the edges are set and the center is soft and spoonable.
Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve:
Scoop the warm lemon spoon cake into bowls and enjoy it:
Plain (it’s already saucy!)
With whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Topped with fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries
This dessert pairs beautifully with light meals, making it a perfect easy weeknight dessert or a simple finish to a big Sunday dinner.
Variations & Tips:
Add 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest for extra brightness
Use half-and-half for a richer, creamier texture
Swirl in lemon curd for an extra punch of citrus flavor
Substitute vanilla pudding mix for a milder lemon taste
Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the batter for a sweet twist
You can also halve the recipe for smaller households or keep it warm in the slow cooker when serving guests.
