Easy 3-Ingredient Cake

Introduction

The Easy 3-Ingredient Cake is the perfect solution when you’re craving something sweet, simple, and satisfying — without a long ingredient list or complicated steps. Whether you’re a baking beginner or just short on time, this cake comes together with pantry staples and delivers moist, fluffy, and crowd-pleasing results. It’s incredibly versatile too, so you can dress it up or enjoy it just as it is.

Ingredients

Option 1: Cake Mix Method (most common)

• 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
• 1 cup water or milk
• 3 large eggs

Option 2: Banana Method (flourless/gluten-free)

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup almond flour or oats (blended fine)

Instructions

Cake Mix Method:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Mix Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and water or milk. Mix until smooth (about 2 minutes with a hand mixer or whisk).
3. Bake:
   Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool & Serve:
   Let cool before slicing. Frost if desired, or enjoy plain.

Banana Method (flourless):

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan or small cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, mash bananas. Add eggs and almond flour/oats. Mix until combined.
3. Bake:
   Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until set and golden on top.
4. Cool & Slice:
   Let cool before slicing. Serve as-is or with a drizzle of maple syrup or nut butter.

Description

This Easy 3-Ingredient Cake is the ultimate fuss-free dessert. The cake mix version delivers a light, airy crumb perfect for frosting or layering, while the banana version is naturally sweet, dense, and moist — great for a healthy snack or breakfast-style treat. Whichever version you choose, you’re only a few minutes away from a warm, homemade cake!

Tips

• Add Flavor: Enhance with a splash of vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon zest for extra depth.
• Use Ripe Bananas: For the banana version, the riper the better — they bring more sweetness and moisture.
• Make It Moist: Substitute oil or butter for some of the liquid if using cake mix for a richer texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid a dense cake.

Variations

• Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
• Frosting Ideas: Top with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or even just powdered sugar.
• Mini Cakes or Muffins: Pour batter into muffin tins for quick mini versions — reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan cake mix and swap eggs for applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed mixture.

Correction

• Too Dense? Avoid overmixing and make sure your leavening (like baking powder in cake mix) is not expired.
• Too Wet? Ensure bananas are measured properly, or reduce liquid slightly next time.
• Not Rising? Check your oven temperature and confirm your baking powder (or cake mix) is fresh.

Enjoy

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just because, this Easy 3-Ingredient Cake delivers warm, homemade comfort with almost zero effort. Enjoy it as-is, dress it up with toppings, or slice and snack — simple never tasted so good!