If you’re looking for a go-to treat that works for every occasion and requires zero baking stress, The Easiest Cake to Make is sure to become your new favorite. With just a handful of pantry basics and a super quick prep, this fluffy yellow cake wins points for dependability and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or craving something sweet after dinner, you can pull this off start to finish in just over half an hour — and the results are always delightfully soft, moist, and oh-so-satisfying.

The Easiest Cake to Make Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of The Easiest Cake to Make: every ingredient plays a major role in making the final dessert irresistible, while keeping effort to a minimum. There’s not a single complicated step, and it’s proof that sometimes, simple truly is best.

Yellow cake mix: The backbone of The Easiest Cake to Make, this shortcut brings instant flavor, perfect texture, and dependable results every single time.
Large eggs: These boost the cake’s richness and help bind everything together for a moist, tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Adds extra moisture to keep your cake soft, never dry, with a classic homemade feel.
Water: Brings all the ingredients together while ensuring the cake bakes up light and fluffy.
Nonstick spray or butter: A quick swipe in your pan prevents sticking and guarantees every slice is picture-perfect — no broken edges here!
Optional powdered sugar or store-bought frosting: Finish your cake with a dusting of sugar or a swipe of ready-made frosting for a dose of sweetness and sparkle on top.

How to Make The Easiest Cake to Make

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Before you even peek at the cake mix, get your oven warming up to 350°F. While that’s happening, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it well with nonstick spray or a layer of butter. This little bit of prep makes all the difference when it comes time to turn out perfectly sliced pieces—no sticky disasters in sight!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

This is where the “easy” in The Easiest Cake to Make really shines. In a big mixing bowl, pour in the yellow cake mix, crack in the eggs, add the oil, and finish with water. If you’ve got an electric mixer, set it to medium and blend everything for 2 full minutes until silky and smooth. No mixer? Stir enthusiastically by hand — the key is to beat out those lumps. The transformation from powder to smooth batter takes just moments and smells like pure nostalgia.

Step 3: Pour and Smooth

Once your batter is lump-free and creamy, just pour it straight into your greased pan. Give it a little shake or an extra pass with a spatula to even everything out. This guarantees each bite is equally soft and perfectly baked.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and let the magic happen for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden color and a toothpick inserted right in the middle comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too early — let that gentle heat do all the work so your cake rises beautifully.

Step 5: Cool and Top

Patience pays off once the cake is baked! Allow it to cool completely right in the pan. Once cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a quick finish or slather with your favorite store-bought frosting. Or, if you’re a cake purist, just dig in as-is — it’s honestly delicious every which way.

How to Serve The Easiest Cake to Make

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar never goes out of style and lets the vanilla warmth of The Easiest Cake to Make shine through. If you’re feeling a little extra, spread on some chocolate or vanilla frosting, then scatter with colorful sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a grating of citrus zest for a bright pop.

Side Dishes

Turn your cake into a show-stopping dessert plate by serving each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Fresh berries are a dreamy complement—their tartness balances out the sweet, buttery cake for a dessert that satisfies every craving.

Creative Ways to Present

This is where you can have some real fun! Try baking The Easiest Cake to Make in cupcake tins for grab-and-go treats, or layer it with pudding and fruit in a trifle dish. Another great twist: cut the cooled cake into cubes and skewer with fruit for party-ready dessert kabobs. The options are truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Easiest Cake to Make keeps surprisingly well. Just cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to three days. The cake stays soft and tasty, making it a great option for busy weeks or packed lunches.

Freezing

If you’ve got extra cake or want to bake ahead for a special event, The Easiest Cake to Make freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual pieces or the whole pan in plastic and foil. Stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight on the counter for best results.

Reheating

For a just-baked taste, warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back the cake’s fluffy texture and makes frosted pieces extra melty and luscious. You can also pop an entire (unfrosted) cake, loosely covered with foil, into a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh it for serving.

FAQs

Can I make The Easiest Cake to Make with a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with chocolate, white, or even funfetti cake mixes. Just swap the yellow cake mix for your flavor of choice and follow the same steps.

What’s the best way to tell if my cake is done baking?

The toothpick test is the easiest and most reliable way. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I add mix-ins to The Easiest Cake to Make?

Definitely! Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little twist on the original. Just be sure not to overload the batter so the cake retains its classic texture.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

You bet! Use a dairy-free boxed cake mix and check the label to be sure. The other ingredients (eggs, oil, and water) are naturally dairy-free, so the swap is easy.

Can I bake The Easiest Cake to Make in a different pan size?

Yes, you can! The recipe works in a bundt pan, two rounds for a layer cake, or even cupcake tins. Just remember to adjust the baking time — smaller or deeper pans may require a few minutes more or less in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that everyone loves, takes almost no time to make, and delivers every single time, The Easiest Cake to Make can’t be beat. Give it a try and I have a feeling it’ll become your standby treat anytime life calls for something sweet and simple. Happy baking!

The Easiest Cake to Make Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe for The Easiest Cake to Make is perfect for beginner bakers or when you’re short on time but still want a delicious dessert. Using a simple yellow cake mix, this cake comes together quickly and easily.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water

Additional:

Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the pan
Optional powdered sugar or store-bought frosting for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or stir by hand until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Top with powdered sugar, store-bought frosting, or enjoy plain.

Notes

For added flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest.
You can also bake this in two round pans for a layer cake or use a bundt pan for a fancier look—just adjust the bake time accordingly.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American