5 Easy Cake Recipes with Simple Ingredients

In the enchanting world of baking, there's a magic that's deeply embedded in the art of crafting cakes. From fluffy textures to rich flavors, cakes have an undeniable charm, making them a beloved dessert for all kinds of celebrations or simply as a comforting treat on any given day. Here, we will explore five easy cake recipes, each designed for simplicity with ingredients most would already have in their pantry or can easily find. Let's dive into this delightful journey of baking!

1. Classic Vanilla Sponge Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper or grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
3. Slowly sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding gently to keep the air in the batter.
4. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍰 Note: For an even softer cake, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before starting.

2. Chocolate Mug Cake

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons of milk
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of water

Instructions:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add the milk, oil, and water to the dry mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Microwave on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, adjusting for your microwave's power. Be careful not to overcook it.
4. Let it cool for a minute, then enjoy directly from the mug.

3. Lemon Drizzle Cake

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of self-raising flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (for the drizzle)
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (for the drizzle)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
2. Cream butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well.
3. Fold in the flour and lemon zest. Transfer to the loaf pan.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. While still warm, mix the lemon juice and sugar for the drizzle, poke holes in the cake, and pour over the lemon syrup.

🍋 Note: This cake is best enjoyed a day later as the flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Orange Poppy Seed Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, poppy seeds, and orange zest in a large bowl.
3. Combine orange juice, oil, and eggs in another bowl, then mix into the dry ingredients until just blended.
4. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes.
5. Once baked, let it cool, then you can drizzle with an orange glaze if desired.

5. One-Bowl Banana Cake

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Mash bananas in a large bowl, add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Sift in baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. Stir gently until just combined.
4. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

As we journeyed through these delightful cake recipes, we learned that baking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Each recipe here requires minimal ingredients and steps, proving that homemade cakes can be simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying to make. From the classic comfort of a Vanilla Sponge Cake to the indulgent Chocolate Mug Cake for one, these recipes cater to various tastes and occasions. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned baker, these easy cake recipes ensure everyone can enjoy the joy of baking and the pleasure of eating something truly delicious. Remember, the key to great cakes often lies in the quality of ingredients, the love put into mixing, and the anticipation of sharing or enjoying these treats. So, next time you crave a sweet indulgence, turn to these recipes to bake something marvelous in no time at all.

What if I don’t have self-raising flour?

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You can make self-raising flour at home by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour.

Can I replace eggs in these recipes?

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Yes, you can use substitutes like applesauce, mashed banana, or commercial egg replacers. However, the texture and taste might vary.

How can I ensure my cakes are not dry?

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To avoid dryness, don’t overmix the batter, ensure your oven isn’t too hot, and always use fresh baking powder and soda. Additionally, baking at the right temperature and not overbaking can prevent a dry cake.