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Home » Recipes » Dessert

5-Ingredient Crockpot Lemon Dump Cake Recipe

Modified: Aug 11, 2025 by Kori Butler

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This crockpot lemon dump cake is the ultimate warm and gooey citrus dessert that practically makes itself. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this lemon dump cake transforms into a soft, fluffy cake on top and a rich, saucy pudding underneath. It's a bright and cozy treat you'll want to scoop up straight from the crock pot and serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

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Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • It's a must make.
  • What you'll need.
  • Customize it your own way.
  • How to make lemon pie filling dump cake.
  • How to serve it.
  • Kori's tips.
  • FAQ's
  • 📖 The recipe.
  • Keep the slow cooked eats coming.
  • 💬 What readers are saying.

The backstory.

I had one of those days where I was seriously craving something lemony and sweet-like a warm, gooey lemon cake with all that bright citrus flavor. But the thought of turning on my oven in the middle of a warm day? Absolutely not. I wanted dessert without the heat and hassle. That's when I remembered I could let my slow cooker do the work. This easy lemon pudding dump cake hit the spot-super simple to throw together, no baking required, and it totally satisfied my lemon craving.

It's a must make.

There's something magical about a dessert that practically cooks itself-and this one delivers every time:

  • It's super easy - Dump it all in the slow cooker and let it bake itself into a luscious pudding cake.
  • Perfect for entertaining - It stays warm and saucy in the crock pot, ready whenever your guests are.
  • Customizable - Add fruit, curd, or zest to make it your own without changing the base recipe.

What you'll need.

Ingredients needed for making crockpot lemon dump cake on a white wooden board.

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this slow cooker lemon pudding cake:

  • Lemon cake mix: the secret to making this cake the perfect taste and texture.
  • Canned lemon pie filling: brings it together into an easy batter; you can use any milk you desire.
  • Instant lemon pudding mix: make sure it's instant.
  • Milk: to make the pudding.
  • Melted butter: best melted so it mixes all together and decadent flavor.
  • Optional nuts: pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
  • Optional garnish: top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or lemon zest for a finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

Customize it your own way.

This slow cooker lemon pudding cake is flexible and fun to make your own:

  • Add a few fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity burst.
  • Add a little vanilla extract for a mellow twist.
  • Add lemon curd swirled into the cake mix for indulgent pockets of tangy sauce.
  • Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) to make it dairy-free.
  • Reduce the sugar by using a sugar-free instant pudding mix.
  • Add poppy seeds to give it lemon poppy seed cake vibes.
  • Add crushed shortbread cookies on top after cooking for a buttery crunch.
  • Add lavender buds (sparingly!) for a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon.

How to make lemon pie filling dump cake.

Dessert doesn't get easier than this-just dump, mix, and let the cooker do the work:

This is intended as an overview only. For detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below. Enjoy!

Mixing lemon pudding in a small bowl.

1. In a bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk and chill until set.

Layering the lemon dump cake ingredients in a crockpot.

2. Spread pudding in greased slow cooker, dollop with pie filling, sprinkle cake mix over the top, drizzle with butter, and top with nuts if using. DO NOT STIR.

Placing a towel over the crockpot then the lid for cooking.

3. Cover with a towel under the lid and cook on HIGH for 2½-3 hours until edges are set.

Serving the crockpot lemon dump cake on a white plate then with whipped cream.

4. Scoop warm cake into bowls and top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or lemon zest.

How to serve it.

A white oval crockpot with lemon dump cake.Pin

Warm and cozy, here are some ideas on how to serve this masterpiece:

  • Fresh from the crock pot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream-the contrast of warm and cold is irresistible.
  • Topped with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish.
  • Dusted with powdered sugar and served in ramekins for an elegant dinner-party feel.
  • Layered in a glass with berries and cream for a trifle-style presentation
  • Served with a drizzle of raspberry or strawberry sauce for added tart-sweet contrast.
  • Add sliced strawberries and mint leaves on top for a refreshing twist.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Pinterest pin with the words easy slow cooker lemon dump cake, 5-ingredient, best flavor.Pin

Kori's tips.

  • Keep the lid covered with a towel to prevent moisture from dripping onto the cake.
  • Don't stir after layering-this helps create that soft, saucy pudding layer on the bottom.

FAQ's

What is the best way to store it?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly.

What's the best way to reheat it?

Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get easy delicious crockpot recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

A white plate with a scoop of crockpot lemon dump cake.

Crockpot Lemon Dump Cake

This Slow Cooker Lemon Pudding Dump Cake is sweet, tangy, and wonderfully gooey with barely any effort. Made with boxed cake mix, lemon pie filling, and instant pudding, it bakes into a warm, custard-like lemon dessert that's perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you're craving something bright and easy.
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Author Kori
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Course Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 481 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant lemon pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box lemon cake mix
  • 1 (21-ounce) can lemon cream pie filling
  • ½ cup 1 stick melted butter
  • Optional ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • Optional for serving: powdered sugar, whipped cream, or lemon zest for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk together. Place in the fridge until set.
  • Spread the pudding on the bottom of a greased 6-quart slow cooker. The top with large dollops of the pie filling spaced even on top.
  • Sprinkle the dry lemon cake mix evenly over the pudding and pie filling.
  • Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top-do not stir. Top with nuts (if using).
  • To prevent moisture dripping onto the cake place a clean towel over the crockpot then place the lid to secure the towel in place.
  • Cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the edges are set and the center is soft and gooey.
  • Scoop into bowls and serve warm with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar and with some lemon slices.

Video

Notes

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.

TIPS

Use cold milk for the pudding so it sets up properly. Keep the lid covered with a towel to prevent moisture from dripping onto the cake. Don't stir after layering-this helps create that soft, saucy pudding layer on the bottom.

VARIATIONS

Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pudding mixture to boost the tartness if desired. Swap lemon pudding for vanilla or white chocolate pudding if you want a more mellow citrus flavor. You can also use a yellow cake mix instead of lemon for a lighter lemon taste. Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries between the pudding and cake mix for a fruity twist.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve warm straight from the slow cooker with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh lemon zest. It’s also delicious chilled and eaten the next day—almost like a lemon custard bar.

Nutrition

Calories: 481kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 753mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 1gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 453IUCalcium: 193mgIron: 1mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @slowcookedeatsofficial or tag #slowcookedeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more slow cooked goodness straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Slow Cooked Eats

Keep the slow cooked eats coming.

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Image of Kori Butler Slow Cooked Eats founder.

Hi, I'm Kori! I'm a culinary school–trained chef and a former CFO. Back when I had an hour commute each way and three boys to feed, the crockpot is literally how my family ate. These are the recipes that got us through.

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