This slow cooker 3-ingredient Hugo spritz dump cake is the kind of easy dessert that feels made for summer get-togethers, potlucks, and backyard cookouts. Inspired by the floral, citrusy flavors of a Hugo spritz, it turns a handful of simple ingredients into a warm, spoonable treat with a buttery cake topping and a bright, bubbly fruit filling underneath. It is especially handy when the oven is busy or when you want a fuss-free dessert that can quietly cook while the rest of the meal comes together.
Serve this cozy cake warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a little mascarpone if you want something extra special. Fresh berries, thin lemon slices, or a few mint leaves on top make it feel pretty for guests, and for cookouts or family dinners it pairs nicely with grilled chicken, burgers, or any simple summer supper where a light, fruity dessert is a welcome finish.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Hugo Spritz Dump Cake
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 can lemon pie filling
1 cup Hugo spritz or elderflower sparkling wine cocktail
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the lemon pie filling into the bottom and spread it into an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pie filling, covering the surface without stirring.
3. Slowly pour the Hugo spritz over the cake mix as evenly as you can, moistening most of the dry mix. Do not stir; the layers need to stay stacked for the dump cake texture.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on low for 4 hours, until the top looks set and golden around the edges and the filling is bubbling.
5. Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping and serving warm.
Variations & Tips
For extra citrus flavor: Add a little fresh lemon zest over the top right before serving to brighten the elderflower notes and make the dessert taste even more summery.
For picky eaters: If the floral Hugo spritz flavor is new for your family, use lemon-lime soda in place of the cocktail for a milder, sweeter version that still gives you that soft, cobbler-style topping.
To prevent dry patches: When pouring the liquid over the cake mix, move slowly and cover as much of the surface as possible. A few dry spots are fine, but large patches of dry mix can stay powdery after cooking.
Make it a little fancier: A spoonful of whipped cream and a small sprig of mint on each serving gives this easy dessert a cookout-worthy finish without adding much work.
Check your slow cooker early: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so start checking near the early end of the cooking time. You are looking for bubbling edges and a set top rather than a wet, raw-looking center.