Baking doesn’t always have to be complicated. With just three basic ingredients, you can make a soft, sweet, satisfying cake in less time than it takes to preheat your oven.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a 3-ingredient cake, the science behind it, and fun variations to customize it without making it complex.
Why Make a 3-Ingredient Cake?
- Perfect for beginners
- No long shopping lists
- Minimal cleanup
- Quick prep and baking
- Surprisingly tasty!
The Basic Formula
There are many 3-ingredient cake variations. Here’s one of the most reliable and delicious versions:
3-Ingredient Chocolate Cake (Using Eggs, Chocolate, and Butter)
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 6 oz (170g) chocolate (dark or semi-sweet)
- 3 tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 6-inch round pan.
- Melt chocolate and butter together (microwave or stovetop). Stir until smooth.
- Separate eggs. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Mix egg yolks into the cooled chocolate mixture.
- Gently fold whipped egg whites into chocolate mixture in batches.
- Pour into pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until set.
Result: A rich, fluffy, flourless chocolate cake with a soft center.
Other 3-Ingredient Cake Ideas
Banana Egg Pancake Cake
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional for extra lift)
Mash bananas, mix with eggs, bake in a small dish at 350°F for 20 mins.
Condensed Milk Cake
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 2 eggs
Mix all and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Sweet, buttery, and soft.
Coffee Mug Cake
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp milk
Mix in a mug, microwave for 60–90 seconds. Instant cake joy.
Flavor Add-Ins (Optional)
Though the base recipe only uses 3 ingredients, here are easy extras you can toss in:
- Vanilla or almond extract
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
- Lemon zest
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips or fruit pieces
Serving Ideas
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Top with berries
- Spoon on yogurt or whipped cream
- Drizzle with honey or chocolate
- Serve warm with ice cream
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature eggs for better texture
- Fold carefully—keep the air in the batter
- Use high-quality chocolate for bold flavor
- For banana or condensed milk versions, don’t overbake
- Small pans or ramekins work best
Storage
- Room temp: 1–2 days
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Freeze: up to 1 month
Wrap tightly and warm slices before serving if desired.
Cake in Its Simplest Form
A 3-ingredient cake proves that less really can be more. With just eggs, chocolate, and a little fat—or a can of condensed milk and some flour—you can make something tender, rich, and 100% satisfying. No frills, just flavor. Fast. Foolproof. Fantastic.
