Sunshine in a Pot: Just 3 ingredients. This is my go-to when I need a bright, zesty dessert that basically cooks itself while I relax.

This 3-ingredient slow cooker lemon cake is my little bit of sunshine in a pot. On busy days when I’m running kids to practice or just worn out from work, I love that I can toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a bright, zesty dessert that basically cooks itself. Using a lemon cake mix keeps it simple and budget-friendly, while lemon pudding and soda make it extra moist and fluffy, almost like a warm, steamy lemon sponge. It’s the kind of cozy, no-fuss recipe that feels special without demanding much from you—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or those gray Midwestern days when we all need a little extra brightness.

Serve this warm lemon cake straight from the slow cooker, scooped into bowls like a pudding cake. It’s lovely on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream really makes that bright, tangy lemon pop. If you’re serving a family dinner, it pairs nicely after simple comfort-food mains like roast chicken, meatloaf, or pasta. For a little extra flair, sprinkle the top with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Keep the slow cooker on warm during gatherings so folks can come by for seconds of that soft, steamy, sunshine-yellow cake.

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