Grandma’s 15-Minute Quick Cake is a simple yet scrumptious cake with a light, tender crumb, a hint of vanilla, and a soft, moist texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for when you need a dessert in a hurry, this cake is easy to make and always hits the spot. Whether it’s a last-minute snack or a spontaneous treat for guests, this cake is sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quick cake is incredibly easy to make and delivers perfect results every time. It’s light, fluffy, and moist, all without needing to spend hours in the kitchen. With only a few ingredients, you’ll have a warm, homemade dessert in just 15 minutes. This is the kind of cake you can make even when you’re short on time or energy, but still craving something sweet!
Ingredients
(Tip: The full list of ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra flavor)
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a small 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Bring it Together
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Don’t overmix; lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate syrup, or top with fresh fruit or whipped cream before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes (including cooling)
Variations
You can personalize this cake in many ways:
Chocolate Lovers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips before baking.
Fruit Lovers: Add fresh berries or chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
Nut Lovers: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top of the batter before baking for a little crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy it again, let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds to warm them up.
FAQs
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake will be golden brown on top and should spring back when touched lightly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter works great for this recipe and will give the cake an even richer flavor.
Can I use almond milk or another milk alternative?
Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can all be used in place of regular milk without affecting the taste.
How can I make the cake fluffier?
Be sure to not overmix the batter. Lumps are fine, and they actually help the cake maintain its light texture.
Can I make this in a mug instead of a pan?
Yes! You can turn this into a microwave mug cake by placing the batter into a microwave-safe mug and microwaving for about 1 minute, checking the cake’s doneness and microwaving in 10-second intervals if needed.
Conclusion
Grandma’s 15-Minute Quick Cake is a fantastic, versatile dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in no time. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your baking collection. With just a few ingredients, you can create a moist, tender cake that will impress everyone—even if you’re short on time. Enjoy!
