My mother found this retro recipe in a dusty cookbook and it blew us away.

This slow cooker 4-ingredient key lime cake is exactly the kind of retro treasure my mother would pull from a dusty old church cookbook and insist we all try. It’s crazy simple—just a cake mix, pudding mix, a splash of oil, and plenty of bright key lime flavor from soda—yet it bakes up into the most refreshing, pale green summer dessert with a tender, moist crumb.

Everything happens right in the slow cooker, so you don’t heat up the kitchen, and a quick two-ingredient glaze makes it taste like a cross between key lime pie and snack cake. It’s perfect for potlucks, family cookouts, or those nights when you want something special without a lot of fuss.

Serve this key lime cake slightly warm or fully cooled, sliced into squares or wedges on simple white plates so the pale green color really pops. A drizzle of extra glaze over each slice makes it feel bakery-fancy, and a little whipped cream on the side is lovely if you have it.

Fresh berries—especially strawberries or raspberries—pair beautifully with the tangy lime flavor and add a bit of color. For adults, this cake is wonderful with hot coffee or iced tea, and for kids, a cold glass of milk or lemonade turns it into a fun summer treat after a day outside.

Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Key Lime Cake
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients
1 (15.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant key lime or lime-flavored pudding mix
1 cup key lime or lemon-lime soda (not diet)
1/3 cup neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
1 cup powdered sugar (for simple glaze, optional but recommended)
2-3 tablespoons key lime or lemon-lime soda (for simple glaze, optional but recommended)
Directions