One-Bowl Quick Cake – Ready in 5 Minutes
Not all cakes need hours of preparation or complicated steps.
Some of the most delightful desserts are the ones you can pull
together in minutes, using just a handful of ingredients and a
single bowl. This one-bowl cake recipe is exactly that—quick,
simple, and irresistibly delicious. With no fancy equipment or
special skills required, you can have the batter mixed and ready
for the oven in just five minutes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll
come back to again and again because it’s easy enough for weekdays
yet tasty enough to serve on special occasions.
Why This Cake Works
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By combining
oil, eggs, two types of sugar, and a touch of vanilla, you get
a batter that’s perfectly balanced in sweetness and moisture.
The addition of flour ties everything together, giving you a cake
that bakes up tender and golden every single time. There’s no need
to cream butter and sugar or separate wet and dry ingredients—everything
goes into one bowl, making cleanup effortless. The result is a cake
that tastes homemade but requires only a fraction of the effort.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (185 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Bowl: Grab a large mixing bowl.
No need for multiple bowls—this recipe keeps it simple. -
Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil,
eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture
is smooth and slightly frothy. -
Add the Sugars: Stir in the light brown sugar
and granulated sugar. Mix well until both are fully incorporated
and the batter looks glossy. -
Fold in the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing
gently until you no longer see dry streaks. Do not overmix, as
this can make the cake dense. -
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased
9×13-inch pan or a round cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for
25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center
comes out clean. -
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool slightly
before slicing. Serve warm for maximum comfort.
Serving Ideas
While this cake tastes amazing on its own, you can dress it up in
countless ways. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a simple finish,
or drizzle it with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Fresh berries and whipped cream turn it into an elegant dessert,
while a scoop of ice cream makes it the perfect weeknight treat.
The flavor is neutral enough to pair beautifully with almost any
topping, from fruit preserves to nuts.
Tips and Variations
-
Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa
powder to the flour for a quick chocolate version. -
Citrus Zest: Grate in some lemon or orange zest
to brighten the flavor. -
Nutty Delight: Fold in a handful of chopped
walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch. -
Spiced Version: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon
or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
Storage Tips
This cake stays fresh and moist for up to three days when stored
in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to
extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze
individual slices for up to two months. Simply thaw before serving
for a cake that tastes as good as the day it was baked.
Why You’ll Make It Again and Again
Recipes that combine speed, simplicity, and great taste are rare,
but this one has it all. You don’t need to be a skilled baker to
achieve perfect results—just mix everything in one bowl, and you’re done.
That’s why so many people find themselves baking this cake multiple times
a week. It’s budget-friendly, versatile, and above all, delicious.
Whether you’re preparing a quick dessert for family or need a last-minute
sweet to share with guests, this one-bowl cake never disappoints.
Quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and endlessly adaptable—this
is the kind of recipe that belongs in every kitchen. One try, and
it will become part of your weekly routine.