5 Cup Cake Recipe: The Easiest One-Bowl Wonder That Never Fails
Why You’ll Love This 5 Cup Cake Recipe
Running out of time but need a delicious dessert? This 5 cup cake is your new best friend! With just five simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe creates a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro looking for something quick, this foolproof recipe delivers every single time.
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can dress it up with frosting for birthdays, serve it plain with coffee, or transform it into a dozen different flavors with simple additions.
Quick Info
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 45 mins | 55 mins | 8-10 | Easy |
What You’ll Need
The 5 Essential Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Can substitute with cake flour for lighter texture |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Brown sugar works too for richer flavor |
| Butter (melted) | 1 cup | Or vegetable oil for dairy-free option |
| Eggs | 1 cup (about 4-5 large eggs) | Room temperature works best |
| Milk | 1 cup | Any type: whole, 2%, or even buttermilk |
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra lift)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Pro Tip: Line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In your large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Finally, pour in the milk and vanilla (if using) and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour to your wet mixture, whisking gently as you go. Don’t overmix—just stir until you no longer see streaks of flour. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.
Important: Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, chewy cake instead of the tender crumb we’re after.
4. Pour and Smooth
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles and level the surface.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40-45 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 25-30 minutes for round pans. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, and the edges start to pull slightly away from the sides.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms and makes cutting much easier.
How to Serve
This versatile cake shines in many ways:
Simple and Classic: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Dressed Up: Top with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Coffee Shop Style: Cut into squares and serve alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Party Ready: Layer with jam and whipped cream for an impromptu trifle, or cube it up for strawberry shortcake.
Expert Tips for Success
Storage and Freshness
Store your finished cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. If frosted, keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Version: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder
- Lemon Delight: Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Spice Cake: Mix in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Coconut Dream: Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and add 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Texture Tweaks
For an even more tender crumb, separate your eggs and whip the whites to soft peaks, then fold them in last. This creates an incredibly light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Altitude Adjustments
If you’re baking at high altitude (over 3,000 feet), reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons and increase the flour by 1-2 tablespoons. You may also need to increase the oven temperature by 15-25°F and reduce baking time slightly.
Common Questions
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
What if I don’t have enough milk?
You can substitute with water, but the cake will be less rich. Better alternatives include buttermilk, yogurt thinned with water, or even coffee for a mocha flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Use two 9×13 pans or make a large sheet cake. Just watch the baking time—it may take an extra 5-10 minutes.
Why did my cake turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Check your cake 5 minutes before the suggested time, and remember that it continues cooking slightly even after removing from the oven.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes! Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. This recipe makes about 18-20 cupcakes.
Final Thoughts
This 5 cup cake recipe proves that sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying. With equal parts of five basic ingredients, you’ll never struggle to remember the proportions, making it perfect for those moments when you need dessert fast. The beauty lies not just in its simplicity, but in its reliability—this cake works every single time.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, need a last-minute dessert, or want to get kids involved in the kitchen, this recipe delivers. So grab those measuring cups, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest, most delicious cakes you’ll ever make. Trust us—once you try this 5 cup wonder, it’ll become your go-to recipe for years to come!
