3-Ingredient Lemon Cake
Updated
Updated
I absolutely love this ridiculously Easy Lemon Cake. Made with just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, it’s baked until golden around the edges with a delightfully light and airy texture. It’s a perfect citrusy dessert for summer or anytime I’m craving something sweet and simple.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItThis post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
5 STAR REVIEW
Easy 3-Ingredient Lemon Cake Recipe
If you love lemon pound cake or lemon bars and are craving a lemon treat, but lack the time or energy to make them, this easy lemon cake is an absolute gift! I’ve created this recipe so it’s made with just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep—it truly doesn’t get any easier.
Using a simple combination of angel food cake mix, lemon pie filling, plus juice and zest from a lemon, it is baked for a short time until golden in appearance and light and airy in texture. I’ve added a dusting of powdered sugar, which is optional, but a nice way to finish off the dessert.
I like to prepare this lemon dessert for potlucks, brunch, luncheons, holidays, or any occasion when I need a quick dessert using pantry items.
3 Ingredient Lemon Cake
Ingredients
- 16 oz box angel food cake mix, (Just the powder mix. Do not add water, eggs, oil, or anything else—any brand works)
- 21 oz can lemon pie filling
- 1 large lemon, (juiced and zested)
- powdered sugar, ((optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and combine until incorporated and smooth—don't over mix or whip.
- Pour batter into prepared pan in an even layer.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until slightly golden and a tester comes out clean.
- Let cool completely, then lightly dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Did you make this? Leave a rating below!How to Make 3-Ingredient Lemon Cake Step by Step
Prep the oven and baking pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
Combine the ingredients: Add a 16 oz box angel food cake mix (just the powder), 21 oz can lemon pie filling and the juice and zest of one lemon to a mixing bowl and combine until incorporated and smooth. Make sure not to over mix or whip.
Transfer to pan: Pour batter into prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for about 30 minutes or until slightly golden and a tester comes out clean.
Cool and enjoy: Let cool completely, then lightly dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Do not use lemon Jello pudding: Jello pudding and lemon pie filling are not interchangeable. Lemon pudding will change the consistency.
- Use lemon curd: The lemon pie filling can be replaced with an equal amount of lemon curd, either store bought or our quick and easy homemade lemon curd for best flavor.
- Add in blueberries: Lemon and blueberries love one another! Feel free to toss in up to 1/3 cup of fresh blueberries.
How to Store Leftovers
This lemon cake is best eaten the day it’s made, but leftovers will keep for a bit longer. Store leftovers in individual portions in the refrigerator in an airtight container with wax paper or cling wrap in between. They will keep for 3 to 4 days.
You can also freeze either the whole cake or cut it into portions. Wrap tightly, then transfer to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or set out on the counter at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
I usually dust the baked, cooled cake with powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon icing. This is completely optional and not needed for the cake to turn out, but it does add an extra level of deliciousness and visual appeal.
When snack time hits, I like to grab a slice of cake and relax with a cup of cool boba tea, a luscious Starbucks caramel frappe or a refreshing and fruity strawberries and cream agua fresca.
“This cake is so easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious.” -Connie