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19 easy cakes with few ingredients

Whether you’re a baking beginner or a pro at patisserie, we’ve got plenty of easy cake recipes with few ingredients for you. Make them your go-to when you’re craving something sweet or need to whip up a hassle-free yet impressive bake for guests. From fuss-free chocolate cakes to easy afternoon treats, there’s something tasty for everyone. Check out our cake recipes and baking ideas for every skill and occasion.

  1. Quick and easy chocolate cakes

    If you’re a chocoholic, you’ll love these easy chocolate cake recipes with few ingredients. Our simple chocolate loaf cake is made in one bowl – a gift for novice bakers and washing-up haters! Or if you’re after a decadent-to-the-max chocolate cake, this easy recipe is just the answer. With only 3 ingredients, it’s hassle-free yet guaranteed to wow guests.

    Looking for a celebration cake? Our easiest-ever chocolate cake is covered in a velvety ganache – and the best part is that it takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Simple, yet super impressive.

    Quick and easy chocolate cakes
  2. Cupcake recipes with few ingredients

    Cupcakes are ideal when you want a speedy sweet treat. Master the basics with these easy vanilla cupcakes, which are decorated with a simple buttercream. For a fun and easy baking activity, kids will love helping you make these luscious lemon cupcakes. Want to take things up a notch? Our low-effort mini carrot cakes are great for when carrot cake is calling, but you only want a small slice. And if you have no time to bake, these chocolate rice crispy cakes are made with just 4 ingredients and are the perfect treat for all ages!

    Cupcake recipes with few ingredients
  3. Easy sponge cake recipes

    If you’re feeling nostalgic, our easy school cake recipe will transport you back to your childhood. The fluffy, custard-flavoured sponge is easily made in a tray and topped with deliciously simple icing. We’ve also made a chocolatey version for extra indulgence points, with only 7 ingredients. Whip up the batter in 10 minutes, then let the oven do the work. Plus, it’s made with ready-made custard for extra ease.

    Easy sponge cake recipes
  4. Classic cakes you can’t resist

    Madeira, lemon drizzle, Victoria sponge... they’re classics for a reason! And our low-effort versions will make you fall in love with them all over again. This easy Madeira cake is all made in one bowl, while our lemon drizzle cake is a great way to use up those lemons in the fridge. The timeless Victoria sponge is the perfect bake for beginners and always goes down a treat. You can make it ever simpler with our mini versions, made with only a handful of ingredients.

    Classic cakes you can’t resist
  5. Easy banana cake recipes with few ingredients

    You can’t go wrong with good old banana bread. Keep it simple with this easy loaf, which uses mostly storecupboard ingredients (7 to be exact!) and saves your overripe bananas. Or this easy vegan number uses oil instead of butter for a super-moist sponge. Want to keep things even simpler? This low-effort version of Samoan banana cake uses a premade loaf and can be put together in just 10 minutes.

    Find more brilliant banana bread recipes here.

    Easy banana cake recipes with few ingredients
  6. Easy no-bake cake recipes

    No time on your hands? Try one of our shop-bought cake hacks. Turn a readymade cake into a showstopper that you can pass off as your own (no one needs to know!). Sandwich readymade coconut sponges with blackcurrant jam to make this gorgeous berry and coconut cake. If you like tropical flavours, our easy piña colada cake is for you – all you need to do is decorate it. Or if an espresso martini is more your bag, don’t miss this indulgent cake. Simply whip up some boozy buttercream and add to readymade coffee cakes for a speedy bake without even turning on the oven.

    And if you end up with any cake leftovers (this does happen sometimes), here’s 6 ways to use up cake.

    Easy no-bake cake recipes