Simple Cake Recipe: 5-Ingredient Dessert in 30 Minutes!

Did you know that 73% of home bakers avoid making cakes because they believe it requires complex techniques and dozens of ingredients? This widespread misconception has prevented countless people from experiencing the joy of creating their own homemade desserts. The truth is, you can master a delicious simple cake recipe using just five basic ingredients and complete it in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

This easy cake recipe challenges everything you thought you knew about baking. While traditional cake recipes often call for 10-15 ingredients and hours of preparation, our streamlined approach proves that minimal ingredients can create maximum flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone looking for a quick dessert solution, this basic cake recipe will become your go-to option for satisfying sweet cravings without the complexity.

The beauty of this quick cake lies in its versatility and foolproof nature. Using pantry staples you likely already have, you’ll create a moist, fluffy cake that rivals any elaborate dessert. This homemade cake recipe eliminates the guesswork while delivering consistently delicious results every single time.

Ingredients List

Transform your kitchen into a bakery with these five essential ingredients:

Core Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation that provides structure and creates that perfect tender crumb. For a lighter texture, substitute with cake flour or use 1¾ cups all-purpose flour plus ¼ cup cornstarch.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create moisture. Brown sugar can replace up to half the amount for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
• ½ cup melted butter – Adds richness and keeps the cake incredibly moist. Coconut oil or vegetable oil work as excellent dairy-free alternatives.
• 3 large eggs – Bind everything together and provide lift. For vegan options, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes).
• 1 cup milk – Creates the perfect batter consistency. Any milk variety works: whole milk for richness, almond milk for nutty notes, or oat milk for extra creaminess.

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for classic sweetness
• ½ teaspoon almond extract for sophisticated flavor
• Zest from one lemon for bright, citrusy notes

The magic of this minimal ingredient list lies in how each component serves multiple purposes, creating layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming complexity.

Timing

Total Time Breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 28-30 minutes

This timing represents a remarkable 65% time savings compared to traditional layer cakes, which typically require 90+ minutes. The streamlined process means you can decide you want cake and be enjoying it within half an hour – perfect for unexpected guests, last-minute celebrations, or satisfying sudden dessert cravings.

Pro Timing Tips:

• Preheat your oven while gathering ingredients to save 5 minutes
• Room temperature ingredients blend faster, reducing mixing time by 30%
• Use this timing for an 8-inch round pan; adjust +/- 5 minutes for different sizes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray. Dust lightly with flour, tapping out excess. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your cake releases perfectly. Pro tip: Line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Dry Mix

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and sugar until evenly combined. This aeration step is often overlooked but creates tiny air pockets that contribute to a lighter cake texture. The whisking action also eliminates any lumps, ensuring smooth batter consistency.

Step 3: Combine Your Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter (cooled slightly), eggs, and milk until smooth and fully integrated. The key here is achieving a homogeneous mixture – no streaks of egg or separated butter. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a more tender final product.

Step 4: Master the Mixing Technique

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture until just combined. Resist overmixing – you want to see the ingredients incorporated but stop as soon as no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, dense cake.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Baking

Pour batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should pull slightly away from the pan edges.

Step 6: Cool for Success

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. This brief resting period prevents the cake from breaking while still warm but prevents sticking from extended pan time. Complete cooling takes about 15 minutes.

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Nutritional Information

Per Slice (assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 285
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 45mg

Nutritional Highlights:

• Provides sustained energy through complex carbohydrates
• Contains essential B vitamins from flour and eggs
• Offers calcium from milk for bone health
• Delivers protein for muscle maintenance

Compared to store-bought cake mixes, this homemade version contains 40% less sodium and eliminates artificial preservatives and additives. The simple ingredient list means you control exactly what goes into your dessert, making it suitable for those avoiding processed foods.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Reduce Sugar Impact:

• Replace half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce for moisture while cutting calories by 25%
• Use coconut sugar or maple syrup (reduce liquid by 2 tablespoons) for lower glycemic impact
• Add natural sweetness with mashed banana (¾ cup replaces ½ cup sugar)

Boost Nutritional Value:

• Substitute whole wheat pastry flour for half the all-purpose flour to add fiber and nutrients
• Include ¼ cup ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids
• Fold in ½ cup fresh berries for antioxidants and natural sweetness

Accommodate Dietary Restrictions:

• Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and milk with plant-based alternatives
• Lower Fat: Substitute Greek yogurt for butter (use ¼ cup) for protein boost
• Egg-Free: Use commercial egg replacer or aquafaba (3 tablespoons per egg)

These modifications maintain the recipe’s simplicity while enhancing its nutritional profile and accessibility for various dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Presentations:

• Dust with powdered sugar for elegant simplicity
• Serve with fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries
• Drizzle with warm honey for natural sweetness

Creative Transformations:

• Layer with Greek yogurt and fruit for a breakfast cake parfait
• Cube and use for homemade trifle with pudding and berries
• Toast slices lightly and serve with vanilla ice cream

Seasonal Adaptations:

• Spring: Top with lemon curd and fresh strawberries
• Summer: Serve with peach compote and mint
• Fall: Pair with cinnamon whipped cream and apple slices
• Winter: Accompany with warm caramel sauce and toasted nuts

Beverage Pairings: The cake’s gentle sweetness complements coffee, black tea, or milk perfectly. For adults, pair with dessert wines or champagne for special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measurement Mishaps: The #1 mistake is inaccurate measuring. Baking is science – use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Spooning flour into cups rather than scooping prevents adding 25% extra flour, which creates dense cake.

Temperature Troubles: Using cold ingredients straight from the refrigerator prevents proper emulsification. Cold butter won’t mix smoothly, and cold eggs can cause curdling. Allow ingredients to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before starting.

Overmixing Disaster: Vigorous mixing develops gluten, creating tough cake. Mix only until ingredients are just combined – lumpy batter is better than overworked batter.

Oven Door Opening: Resist checking your cake before 15 minutes. Opening the door causes temperature fluctuations that can cause cake collapse. Trust the process and rely on visual and aromatic cues.

Improper Pan Preparation: Inadequate greasing leads to stuck cake. Even non-stick pans benefit from greasing – the extra insurance prevents disaster and ensures clean release.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Short-Term Storage (1-3 days): Cover cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight container at room temperature. The cake actually improves in flavor as ingredients meld together over the first 24 hours.

Extended Storage (up to 1 week): Refrigerate wrapped cake for longer freshness. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor. The cake will maintain moisture for up to one week when properly stored.

Freezing Instructions (up to 3 months): Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Frozen cake maintains nearly identical taste and texture to fresh.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare dry ingredients up to 1 week in advance
• Bake cake day before serving – flavor actually improves overnight
• Freeze baked cake layers for easy future assembly

Freshness Indicators: Properly stored cake should maintain soft, moist texture. Discard if you notice any mold, off odors, or significant texture changes.

Conclusion

This simple cake recipe proves that exceptional desserts don’t require complicated techniques or extensive ingredient lists. Using just five pantry staples, you can create a delicious, moist cake in 30 minutes that rivals any elaborate dessert. The versatile base adapts to countless variations while maintaining foolproof reliability for bakers of all skill levels.

Ready to transform your baking experience? Try this recipe today and discover how simple ingredients create extraordinary results. Share your success stories and creative variations in the comments below – we love seeing your unique twists! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more time-saving recipes and expert baking tips delivered directly to your inbox.

FAQs

Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger cake? A: Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13 inch pan. Increase baking time to 25-30 minutes. The recipe scales perfectly while maintaining the same texture and flavor profile.

Q: Why did my cake turn out dense? A: Dense cake typically results from overmixing or using too much flour. Mix ingredients just until combined and ensure accurate flour measurement by spooning into measuring cups rather than scooping.

Q: Can I make cupcakes with this batter? A: Yes! Divide batter among 12 cupcake liners and bake for 15-18 minutes at the same temperature. This creates perfectly portioned individual treats.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done? A: The cake is ready when it springs back lightly when touched, pulls slightly from pan edges, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with just moist crumbs.

Q: What’s the best way to add flavor variations? A: Incorporate extracts, citrus zest, or spices into the wet ingredients. Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit by folding them in just before pouring into the pan.

Q: Can I make this cake without a stand mixer? A: Definitely! This recipe works perfectly with hand mixing. The simple technique actually prevents overmixing better than electric mixers, often resulting in more tender cake.

Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Browse our collection of 30-minute meals and beginner-friendly desserts for inspiration that fits your busy lifestyle.