A light, fluffy, and tangy dessert made with just three simple ingredients! This lemon cake is the perfect guilt-free treat that fits seamlessly into your healthy lifestyle.
📋 Recipe Card
3-Ingredient Lemon Cake
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Servings: 9–12 squares
- Dietary Info: Low-Fat | Guilt-Free
✅ Ingredients
- Lemon cake mix (1 standard box, about 15 oz)
- Lemon sparkling water (or diet lemon soda)
- 2 eggs
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8 or 9×13 baking pan.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine lemon cake mix, sparkling water, and eggs. Stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & serve: Allow to cool before slicing into squares. Optional: dust lightly with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries.
💡 Recipe Notes
- Using sparkling water keeps the cake light and airy.
- You can skip the eggs if you prefer an even lighter, vegan-friendly version (texture will be softer).
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well.
✨ Introduction
This 3-Ingredient Lemon Cake is the ultimate fuss-free dessert — perfect when you want something sweet, light, and citrusy without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a cake mix, sparkling water, and eggs, you’ll have a fluffy, tangy treat that’s both easy and satisfying.
📝 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Prep
Grease your baking pan and preheat the oven. This ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly.
Step 2 – Mix Batter
Combine cake mix, sparkling water, and eggs. Whisk until smooth — the bubbles from the water make the batter airy.
Tip: Don’t overmix; stop once everything is combined.
Step 3 – Bake
Pour into pan and bake until golden.
Tip: Check doneness at 25 minutes — ovens vary.
Step 4 – Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool before slicing for neat squares. Add toppings if desired.
🥄 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cake Mix: Use lemon for classic flavor, but white or yellow cake mix also works.
- Sparkling Water: Diet lemon-lime soda, orange soda, or even plain sparkling water with lemon juice can be used.
- Eggs: Omit for a lighter, vegan-friendly cake, or replace with ¼ cup applesauce per egg.
🍴 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Berry Bliss: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking.
- Frosted Finish: Top with fat-free whipped topping or Greek yogurt glaze.
- Coconut Lemon Cake: Sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut over the batter before baking.
- Mini Muffins: Bake in muffin tins for portion-controlled snacks.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
📊 Nutrition (per serving, est. for 12 slices)
Calories: 125 | Carbs: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this without eggs?
A: Yes! Skip them entirely or replace with applesauce for a vegan option.
Q: What if I don’t have sparkling water?
A: Diet soda (like Sprite Zero or Diet 7UP) works perfectly as a swap.
Q: Can I add more lemon flavor?
A: Absolutely — add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp zest to the batter.
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes! Try orange, vanilla, or even strawberry for fun variations.
❤️ Final Notes
This 3-Ingredient Lemon Cake is proof that simple recipes can still be full of flavor and joy. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect quick bake for busy days or healthier celebrations.
👉 If you love this recipe, don’t forget to say something nice in the comments 💬 — your encouragement keeps these recipes coming!
