kirbiecravings.com
 
Simple and Delicious: 5 Easy Cake Recipes
User avatar
Curated by
mranleec
4 min read
2,359
2
Baking a delicious cake doesn't always require a long list of ingredients or complex techniques. There are numerous easy cake recipes that use just a handful of common pantry staples, making it possible for anyone to whip up a sweet treat with minimal fuss. Here are five of them:

 

Classic 3-Ingredient Sponge Cake

kitchencookbook.net
kitchencookbook.net
Ingredients:
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 10-15 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume. The batter should form a ribbon when the beater is lifted
    1
    3
    .
  3. Sift the flour over the egg mixture in three additions, gently folding it in with a spatula after each addition. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the batter
    2
    .
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
    3
    .
  5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
    2
    .
This simple sponge cake has a light, airy crumb and can be served plain or used as a base for layered cakes. For added flavor, you can incorporate vanilla extract or lemon zest into the egg mixture before baking
2
.
The cake's versatility allows for various serving options, from a simple dusting of powdered sugar to pairing with fresh berries or whipped cream
1
3
.
inthekitchenwithmatt.com favicon
aseasyasapplepie.com favicon
letthebakingbegin.com favicon
5 sources

Quick Chocolate Mug Cake

californiaprunes.org
californiaprunes.org
Ingredients:
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
  1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt with a fork.
  2. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture with a spatula until smooth, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
  3. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if desired.
  4. Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds. Cooking time may vary depending on microwave wattage, so start with 60 seconds and add time as needed. The cake is done when it has risen and is mostly set but still slightly moist on top.
  5. Let the mug cake cool for one minute before enjoying.
This single-serving chocolate mug cake offers a quick solution for chocolate cravings, ready in just a few minutes
1
2
.
The cake has a moist crumb and rich chocolate flavor. For variations, you can add a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella before microwaving, or top with berries or ice cream after cooking
3
5
.
This recipe is easily customizable and perfect for satisfying late-night dessert cravings without the need for an oven or extensive baking equipment
4
.
chocolatecoveredkatie.com favicon
tastesbetterfromscratch.com favicon
bromabakery.com favicon
5 sources

Easy Pineapple Cherry Cake

mybakingaddiction.com
mybakingaddiction.co...
Ingredients:
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
  • 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and thinly sliced
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Spread the crushed pineapple with its juice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Pour the cherry pie filling over the pineapple and spread it gently with a spatula to create an even layer.
  4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Arrange the thin slices of cold butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
  6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling around the edges.
  7. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
This 4-ingredient pineapple cherry cake, also known as a "dump cake," is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation
1
2
.
The fruit base creates a moist, flavorful crumb, while the cake mix and butter form a crispy, golden top
4
.
It's perfect for potlucks or last-minute desserts, and can be served warm or at room temperature
1
2
.
For variations, you can experiment with different fruit fillings or cake mix flavors to create your own unique combinations.
peartreekitchen.com favicon
gonnawantseconds.com favicon
bakemesomesugar.com favicon
5 sources

Zesty Lemon Biscuit Dessert

kirbiecravings.com
kirbiecravings.com
Ingredients:
  • 200g plain biscuits (Rich Tea, Maria, or Digestives)
  • 200g condensed milk
  • 110g butter
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 85g desiccated coconut
  • 225g icing sugar
  • Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Line an 8-inch (20cm) square tin with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides.
  2. Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, lemon zest, and desiccated coconut. Mix well with a spatula.
  4. In a small saucepan, gently heat the butter and condensed milk until the butter melts. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin, creating an even layer. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set.
  6. For the lemon icing, mix the icing sugar with about 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to create a thick, spreadable consistency.
  7. Once the base has set, spread the lemon icing evenly over the top. Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set the icing.
  8. Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the cake out of the tin. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh berries if desired.
This no-bake lemon biscuit cake offers a refreshing, zesty flavor perfect for summer
1
4
.
The combination of crushed biscuits and coconut creates a delightful crumb texture, while the condensed milk adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients
1
.
The lemon icing provides a tangy contrast to the sweet base, resulting in a balanced and delicious dessert that requires no baking
3
.
This easy-to-make cake is ideal for those hot days when you don't want to turn on the oven, and it can be prepared ahead of time for convenience
4
.
traybakesandmore.com favicon
youtube.com favicon
kirbiecravings.com favicon
5 sources

Moist Vegan Banana Cake

rainbownourishments.com
rainbownourishments....
Ingredients:
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 2/3 cup plant-based milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
This vegan banana cake is moist, fluffy, and packed with banana flavor
1
3
.
It's dairy-free and egg-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The cake can be enjoyed as is or topped with vegan frosting for added indulgence
4
.
For a variation, you can add chopped walnuts or vegan chocolate chips to the batter before baking
5
.
thespruceeats.com favicon
lowlyfood.com favicon
noracooks.com favicon
5 sources

 

Closing Thoughts on Easy Cake Recipes

Baking delicious cakes doesn't always require a culinary degree or a pantry full of exotic ingredients. As we've explored in this article, simple recipes using common items like sugar, flour, eggs, and vegetable oil can yield impressive results. Whether you're whipping up a classic sponge cake, a vegan banana treat, or a quick chocolate mug cake, the key is understanding how ingredients interact and following the mixing instructions carefully. From creaming butter and sugar to folding in flour, each step contributes to the final texture and crumb of your cake. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors by adding extracts, cocoa, or fresh berries. Tools like parchment paper, mixers, and spatulas can make the process easier, while ingredients like salt and dairy alternatives can be adjusted to suit your taste. Whether you're baking in an oven or microwaving in a mug, these recipes prove that with a little creativity and the right technique, anyone can create a delightful cake in minutes. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these accessible and versatile cake recipes.
1
2
3
4
5
sugar.org favicon
rosalindmillercakes.com favicon
cooking.stackexchange.com favicon
5 sources
Related
How does the type of sugar used affect the texture of a cake
What are the benefits of using vegetable oil instead of butter in baking
How does the Maillard reaction influence the flavor of baked goods
What role does salt play in the overall flavor of a cake
How can I ensure my cake has a tender crumb