10 Simple Cake Recipes with Minimal Ingredients

Cake is a universally loved dessert that brings joy to any occasion. For those who shy away from baking due to the assumption that it requires complex techniques or a long list of ingredients, this article will prove otherwise. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create delicious, moist, and satisfying cakes right in your own kitchen. Here are some simple cake recipes with minimal ingredients, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to whip up a dessert without a fuss.


1. Classic Sponge Cake

This light and airy cake is a staple that pairs well with any topping or filling.

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a round cake pan.
  2. Beat the eggs and sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is key to creating a light sponge.
  3. Gradually sift in the flour and gently fold it into the mixture to maintain its airy texture.
  4. Add vanilla extract if desired.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Why It’s Great: With just three main ingredients (plus optional vanilla), this cake is simple, versatile, and perfect as a base for layers or toppings.


2. Flourless Chocolate Cake

Rich, dense, and perfect for chocolate lovers, this cake is gluten-free and requires minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 200g dark chocolate
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
  3. Whisk in the sugar until fully dissolved.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Why It’s Great: This cake is indulgent yet straightforward, made with just four ingredients that you likely already have on hand.


3. Banana Mug Cake

This single-serving cake is ideal for those looking for a quick dessert fix.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

  1. Mash the banana in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Add the egg and mix well.
  3. Stir in the flour and baking powder until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.

Why It’s Great: It’s quick, uses just four ingredients, and is a great way to use up overripe bananas.


4. Yogurt Cake

Soft, tangy, and incredibly moist, this cake requires no butter or oil.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix yogurt and sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the eggs and stir until well combined.
  4. Fold in the self-rising flour until you get a smooth batter.
  5. Pour into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Why It’s Great: This recipe eliminates the need for butter or oil, making it a healthier option while still delivering a deliciously moist cake.


5. 3-Ingredient Cheesecake

This creamy, decadent dessert is perfect for cheesecake fans who want minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 120g cream cheese
  • 120g white chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a small cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.
  3. Add the cream cheese to the melted chocolate and mix until smooth.
  4. Separate the eggs and whisk the yolks into the chocolate mixture.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the chocolate mixture.
  6. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 150°C (300°F) and bake for another 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside for an additional 15 minutes.

Why It’s Great: With just three ingredients, you can achieve a luscious cheesecake that tastes far more complex than it is.


6. Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

A wholesome option that doubles as breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a small baking dish.
  2. Blend the oats into a fine flour using a food processor.
  3. Mash the banana and mix it with the eggs. Add the oat flour and stir until combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Why It’s Great: This cake is healthy, filling, and made with ingredients you likely already have.


7. Peanut Butter Mug Cake

A nutty and satisfying single-serving treat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a microwave-safe mug until smooth.
  2. Microwave for 1 minute. Check and add 10–15 seconds if needed, depending on your microwave’s power.

Why It’s Great: This cake is quick, rich, and perfect for peanut butter lovers.


8. Condensed Milk Cake

Dense, sweet, and buttery, this cake is perfect for tea time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup condensed milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup self-rising flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix condensed milk and eggs until smooth.
  3. Gradually fold in the self-rising flour.
  4. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.

Why It’s Great: The condensed milk provides sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for extra sugar or butter.


9. Orange Cake

A zesty and fragrant cake made with fresh oranges.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
  2. Mix the orange juice and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Gradually fold in the flour until smooth.
  4. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Why It’s Great: The natural sweetness and flavor of orange make this cake refreshing and delicious with minimal effort.

Cake in 5 Minutes – You Will Make This Cake Every Day! Easy Quick Recipe

When you’re short on time but craving something sweet, this 5-minute cake recipe is a game-changer. Made with simple ingredients and prepared in a matter of minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or unexpected guests. You can mix, cook, and serve this delicious cake all within a few minutes, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.

The recipe starts by combining basic pantry staples such as flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. Mix these ingredients into a smooth batter, ensuring there are no lumps. The batter is then cooked in a microwave-safe dish, taking only 3–4 minutes to transform into a fluffy and moist cake. The process is quick, and there’s no need for complicated equipment or baking skills.

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can customize the cake by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor, vanilla extract for a classic taste, or even fruit pieces for a refreshing twist. Once cooked, it’s ready to be enjoyed as is, or you can add toppings like whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to elevate its presentation.

This 5-minute cake is perfect for those who love easy and quick desserts. It’s so simple that you’ll find yourself making it every day to satisfy your sweet cravings or to treat your loved ones with minimal effort. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade cake in no time!


10. Honey Almond Cake

Nutty, sweet, and perfect for a light dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a small cake pan.
  2. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
  3. Pour into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Why It’s Great: This cake is naturally gluten-free and sweetened with honey, making it a healthier choice.


Tips for Simple Baking

  1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: When recipes have minimal ingredients, quality makes a big difference in flavor.
  2. Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, and even small measurement errors can affect the outcome.
  3. Experiment with Add-Ons: These simple cakes can be enhanced with nuts, fruits, or a drizzle of chocolate to suit your taste.
  4. Prepare Your Tools: Always grease and line your pans to avoid sticking.

These simple cake recipes with minimal ingredients prove that you don’t need to be a professional baker or stockpile fancy items to make a delicious dessert. With just a few staples, you can whip up cakes that are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick mug cake for yourself or a show-stopping cheesecake for guests. Happy baking!

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