My cousin asks for this bright and zesty treat every single spring holiday. It is perfectly sweet and tart and takes just 4 ingredients to prep.

This slow cooker 4-ingredient lemon cobbler is the kind of bright, zesty dessert my family now expects at every spring holiday. It leans into that classic Midwestern love of easy bakes and pantry shortcuts, but with a citrusy twist that tastes far fresher than the effort involved. You get a bubbling, tangy lemon filling underneath a buttery, golden crust that practically spoons itself onto the plate. With just four ingredients and a hands-off cooking method, it’s ideal when you’re juggling a big holiday menu but still want something sweet, tart, and a little bit special to finish the meal.

Serve this lemon cobbler warm, scooped straight from the slow cooker or transferred to shallow dessert bowls or plates so the bright yellow filling can pool around the crust. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream helps balance the tartness and adds a cool, creamy contrast to the soft, saucy texture. For a lighter finish, pair it with fresh berries or sliced strawberries and a cup of hot tea or coffee. It also holds up nicely at room temperature on a dessert table, where guests can help themselves throughout the afternoon.

Servings: 6-8

1 box (about 15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix

Lightly coat the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to help prevent sticking.

Spoon the lemon pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the freshly grated lemon zest evenly over the filling to boost the bright, citrusy flavor.

In a medium bowl, add the dry yellow cake mix. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix and use a fork to stir and toss until the mixture forms soft, clumpy crumbs. You’re looking for a damp, sandy texture with some larger buttery clumps; do not add any eggs or liquid beyond the butter.

Sprinkle the buttery cake mix crumbs evenly over the lemon filling, covering it from edge to edge. It’s fine if some small gaps remain; they allow steam to escape and help create a textured, golden crust.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the lemon filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is mostly set and lightly golden. The crust will be soft and spoonable rather than firm like an oven-baked cobbler.

Turn off the slow cooker and let the cobbler rest, covered, for about 15 minutes. This brief rest helps the filling thicken slightly while keeping the dessert warm and saucy.

Spoon the warm lemon cobbler into shallow bowls or onto dessert plates, making sure to scoop down so each serving gets plenty of bright yellow filling and buttery crust. Serve as is, or top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

For a slightly more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of finely grated zest to the cake mix crumbs before you stir in the butter. If you prefer a sweeter, less tart cobbler, you can stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar into the dry cake mix before adding the butter. To introduce a bit of texture, scatter 1/3 cup of shredded sweetened coconut or sliced almonds over the cake mix layer before cooking; just note this adds an extra ingredient beyond the core four. A white cake mix can be swapped in for the yellow cake mix if that’s what you have on hand, resulting in a slightly lighter, more delicate crust. For easier serving at a potluck, line the slow cooker insert with a wide strip of parchment paper that comes up the sides; once cooled slightly, you can lift the cobbler out and transfer it to a platter. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat individual portions in the microwave until just warm, and the filling will become soft and saucy again.