Easy Cake Recipes with Few Ingredients: Perfect for Beginners

Cake is a universally loved dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, cakes are the perfect choice. However, not everyone is a seasoned baker, and the thought of making a cake from scratch can be intimidating. That’s where easy cake recipes with few ingredients come to the rescue!

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of simple and delicious cake recipes that are perfect for beginners. These recipes require minimal ingredients and are a breeze to make. Whether you’re craving a classic vanilla cake, a rich chocolate delight, or a unique cake with an unexpected twist, we’ve got you covered.

1. Easy Cake Recipes for Beginners

Let’s kick things off with some easy cake recipes designed specifically for beginners. These recipes are straightforward and require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for those just starting their baking journey.

Classic Vanilla Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water.
3. Mix until well combined, then divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cakes cool before frosting with your favorite frosting.

3-Ingredient Chocolate Cake

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and sour cream.
3. Mix until smooth and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
6. Easy Cake Recipes with Few Ingredients Using Oil

If you prefer baking with oil instead of butter, you’re in luck! Here are a couple of easy cake recipes that use oil as a key ingredient.

Moist Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt to the egg mixture, and mix until well combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool before serving.

Easy Applesauce Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
7. Simple Cake Recipe

Sometimes, you crave a cake that’s uncomplicated and comforting. Here’s a simple cake recipe that fits the bill.

Easy One-Bowl Yellow Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the same bowl, add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the milk while continuing to mix until the batter is well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool before serving.
7. 3 Ingredient Cake Recipes

When you’re short on ingredients and time, 3-ingredient cake recipes come to the rescue.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy.
5. Gently fold the eggs into the chocolate mixture until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until the cake is set.
7. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
8. Simple Chocolate Cake Recipe

For all the chocolate lovers out there, here’s a simple chocolate cake recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix
• 1 box (3.9 oz) of instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and warm water. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
6. Homemade Cake Recipe

There’s something truly special about baking a cake from scratch. Here’s a homemade cake recipe that will impress your family and friends.

Classic Homemade Yellow Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool before frosting.
8. Easy Cake Recipes for Kids

Getting children involved in baking is a great way to create lasting memories and teach them valuable skills. Here are some easy cake recipes that kids will enjoy making and eating.

Funfetti Cupcakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the rainbow sprinkles.
4. Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with the batter.
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
6. Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting and decorating with additional sprinkles.

Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 12 Oreo cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Place an Oreo cookie at the bottom of each cupcake liner.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
4. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is creamy.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the Oreo cookies in the cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set.
8. Let the mini cheesecakes cool before serving.
9. Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe

Finally, let’s wrap up with an easy vanilla cake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.

Moist Vanilla Sheet Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool before frosting.

Conclusion

In this extensive guide, we’ve explored a wide variety of easy cake recipes with few ingredients that are perfect for beginners. From classic vanilla cakes to rich chocolate delights, homemade masterpieces, and kid-friendly creations, there’s a cake here for every occasion and skill level. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these recipes will help you whip up delicious cakes with ease. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some sweet memories!