Easy Cake Recipes with Few Ingredients: Simple, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly

Have you ever craved a homemade cake but felt overwhelmed by complicated recipes and long ingredient lists? The good news is that you don't need a pantry full of fancy items to create a delicious dessert. Making easy cake recipes with few ingredients at home is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. With just a handful of basic pantry staples, you can whip up a moist, fluffy cake that rivals any bakery version. Whether you're a beginner baker or simply looking to save time, these simple desserts with minimal ingredients prove that less is truly more when it comes to home baking.

Ingredients List

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1½ cups granulated sugar
    • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

    • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
    • Optional: Fresh berries or whipped cream
    • Optional: Chocolate chips for added richness

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

This recipe is faster than most bakery runs and perfect for last-minute celebrations or weekend treats. You'll have a warm, homemade cake ready in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour, or line with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter. This is one of those easy cake recipes with few ingredients where proper mixing makes all the difference.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Create the Batter Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula until just combined—don't overmix, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be smooth but slightly thick.

Step 5: Bake Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Cool and Serve Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar or add your favorite toppings. These simple desserts with minimal ingredients taste amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 8):

    • Calories: 340
    • Protein: 6g
    • Carbohydrates: 52g
    • Fat: 12g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 2% DV
    • Iron: 8% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest for a citrus twist, or swap vanilla for almond extract for a sophisticated flavor. Mix in cinnamon or cocoa powder for variety.

Dietary Swaps: Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option.

Texture Tips: For an extra moist cake, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly, creating a fluffier texture.

Serving Suggestions: This versatile cake works beautifully as a base for strawberry shortcake, tiramisu-style desserts, or simple afternoon tea cakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: Stirring too vigorously develops gluten, resulting in a tough, chewy cake. Mix until ingredients are just combined.

Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always use an oven thermometer. An oven that's too hot causes the cake to brown too quickly while remaining raw inside.

Opening the Oven Too Soon: Resist peeking for the first 25 minutes. Temperature fluctuations can cause the cake to collapse.

Skipping Greasing: Even non-stick pans need proper greasing. Use butter and flour or parchment paper to guarantee easy release.

Not Testing for Doneness: Visual cues can be deceiving. Always use the toothpick test to ensure the center is fully baked.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake actually becomes more moist on day two as flavors meld together. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness. These easy cake recipes with few ingredients are perfect for meal prep—bake once and enjoy all week. Frozen slices thaw at room temperature in about 30 minutes, making simple desserts with minimal ingredients convenient for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.