Are you a busy baker looking for a quick and delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further! In this article, we’re sharing 20 easy-to-make cake recipes that require just three ingredients. That’s right – only three simple ingredients are needed to whip up a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to impress.
From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to seasonal favorites like pumpkin and lemon, our collection of 3-ingredient cakes has something for everyone. And the best part? Each recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring no special equipment or baking skills beyond mixing and pouring.
In this article, we’ll be sharing all 20 recipes with you, along with step-by-step instructions and photos to help you get started. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, these simple cakes are sure to become new favorites.
3 Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake
This recipe yields a rich and decadent chocolate mug cake using just three ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Perfect for a late-night craving or a pick-me-up during the day.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine cocoa powder and sugar.
2. Add milk to the mug, stirring until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Let the cake stand for 30 seconds before serving.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cake
Moist and flavorful, this 3-ingredient peanut butter cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add peanut butter and mix until well combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Enjoy your delicious and easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cake!
3 Ingredient Banana Cake
This simple recipe yields a moist and flavorful banana cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With just three ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and flour. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter to the banana mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan or muffin tin.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes (loaf) or 20-25 minutes (muffins). The cake is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes (loaf), 20-25 minutes (muffins)
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
This 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake recipe is a game-changer for busy bakers! With just three ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a moist and delicious pumpkin cake in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15.25 oz) package of yellow cake mix
– 1 can of pumpkin puree (15 oz)
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and pumpkin puree. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
3 Ingredient Lemon Drizzle Cake
Moist and flavorful, this 3-ingredient lemon drizzle cake is the perfect treat for any time of day. With just three ingredients, it’s a cinch to whip up and impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
3 Ingredient Vanilla Cake
Looking for a hassle-free cake recipe that still delivers on flavor? Look no further! This 3-ingredient vanilla cake is a game-changer, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort to produce a moist and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
3 Ingredient Coconut Cake
Moist and flavorful, this coconut cake is a breeze to make with just three ingredients! Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the cake mix to the coconut mixture and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Moist and flavorful, this apple cake is perfect for a quick dessert or snack. With only three ingredients, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 ounce) can of crushed pineapple
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 package of yellow cake mix
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the contents of the yellow cake mix package to the pineapple mixture. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
3 Ingredient Coffee Cake
Start your day with a deliciously moist and flavorful coffee cake that requires only three ingredients! This simple recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
• 1 can of refrigerated biscuits (8-count)
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate the dough into individual biscuits.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined.
4. Add the biscuit dough to the bowl and stir until the dough is fully coated in the sugar mixture.
5. Press the dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the coffee cake is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
3 Ingredient Nutella Cake
This simple yet indulgent cake recipe requires only three ingredients: Nutella, eggs, and flour. With minimal effort and no need for a mixer or fancy equipment, you’ll be rewarded with a moist and chocolatey treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) Nutella
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Nutella and eggs until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour to the Nutella mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake
This simple recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake using only three ingredients: yogurt, sugar, and flour. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, and flour until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
3 Ingredient Pineapple Cake
Moist and flavorful, this 3-ingredient pineapple cake is a refreshing twist on traditional desserts.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of crushed pineapple (14 oz)
– 1 package of yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and cake mix. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
3 Ingredient Carrot Cake
Satisfy your carrot cake cravings with this ridiculously easy recipe that requires only three ingredients! With a mix of shredded carrots, cream cheese, and eggs, you’ll have a moist and flavorful cake in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated carrots and softened cream cheese until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
3 Ingredient Strawberry Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy-to-make strawberry cake, requiring only three ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 can of full-fat coconut milk (14 oz)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and coconut milk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Fold in the strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
3 Ingredient Blueberry Cake
Elevate your baking experience with this easy and delicious blueberry cake recipe, requiring only three main ingredients: eggs, sugar, and fresh blueberries. With minimal preparation and no complicated techniques, you’ll be enjoying a moist and flavorful cake in no time.
Ingredients:
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the blueberries.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
3 Ingredient Almond Cake
This 3-Ingredient Almond Cake recipe is a game-changer for those who love simple baking. With just three ingredients, you’ll get a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-inch (15cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour and sugar.
3. Crack in the eggs and mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
3 Ingredient Orange Cake
This 3-Ingredient Orange Cake recipe is a game-changer for busy bakers. With just three ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 ounce) can of mandarin oranges in syrup, drained
– 1 package of yellow cake mix (approximately 15 ounces)
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges and yellow cake mix. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter to the orange-cake mixture and mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
3 Ingredient Honey Cake
A sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion, this 3-ingredient honey cake is a game-changer. With only three ingredients, you can whip up a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup honey
– 4 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and honey until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
3 Ingredient Spice Cake
Moist and flavorful, this 3-ingredient spice cake is a perfect treat for any time of day. With just three main ingredients, you’ll be whipping up a delicious dessert in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and butter. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until well combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
3 Ingredient Red Velvet Mug Cake
Get your red velvet fix with this 3-Ingredient Red Velvet Mug Cake recipe that’s ready in under 5 minutes!
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup red velvet mix (dry)
• 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the flour and red velvet mix.
2. Add the milk to the mug, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix!).
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Let it cool for about 30 seconds before serving.
Tips:
• Use a microwave-safe mug to avoid any accidents!
• If you prefer a stronger red velvet flavor, add another tablespoon of the mix.
• Top with whipped cream or chopped nuts for an extra-special treat!
Summary
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of these 20 easy 3-ingredient cake recipes. From classic vanilla to decadent chocolate, there’s something for every taste bud. Whisk together just three ingredients – flour, sugar, and a surprise third component – to create moist and flavorful cakes. Try the rich Peanut Butter Cake, the fruity Banana Cake, or the indulgent Nutella Cake. Perfect for busy bakers or those looking to impress with minimal effort, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
