3-Ingredient Skillet Cake: The Ultimate Easy Dessert

This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks, beginner bakers, and anyone who loves quick treats. You don’t need fancy equipment or baking experience—just a skillet, a mixing bowl, and a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a snack, or an after-dinner treat, this cake is a game-changer.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ How to make the perfect 3-ingredient skillet cake step by step
✅ The best substitutions for dietary preferences
✅ Expert tips to avoid common mistakes
✅ Fun variations to customize your cake

Let’s get started!

What You Need: Ingredients for a 3-Ingredient Skillet Cake

Unlike traditional cake recipes that require eggs, butter, baking powder, and multiple dry ingredients, this version keeps it incredibly simple. You’ll need just three core ingredients—all of which you probably already have in your pantry.

The Only 3 Ingredients You’ll Need

• Flour – Self-rising flour is ideal because it already contains leavening agents, making the cake light and fluffy. If you only have all-purpose flour, don’t worry—we’ll show you how to adjust.
• Sweetener – Sugar is the most common option, but you can also use honey, maple syrup, or even brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Liquid Binder – Milk, yogurt, or even eggs work to create the right batter consistency and help the cake hold its shape.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• No self-rising flour? Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour + 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder.
• Want a dairy-free version? Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
• Prefer a richer flavor? Swap milk for Greek yogurt for a denser, tangy cake.
• Looking for a healthier option? Use coconut sugar or mashed bananas as a sweetener alternative.

Ingredient Table

Pro Tip: Using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar? Reduce the liquid binder slightly to prevent an overly thin batter.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a 3-Ingredient Skillet Cake

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s go through the easy process of making this cake.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sweetener, and liquid binder.
2. Stir the mixture until smooth. If using honey or syrup, make sure it’s evenly blended.
3. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable—if it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

1. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.
3. Pour the batter into the skillet, ensuring it spreads evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Cake

1. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cake cook for 10-12 minutes on low heat.
2. Check for doneness—the edges should be firm, and the center should be slightly set.
3. If needed, flip the cake and cook for another 2-3 minutes to brown the other side.

Pro Tip: Using a glass lid lets you check on the cake without lifting it, helping it cook evenly.

FAQs:

3-Ingredient Skillet Cake: The Ultimate Easy Dessert

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• Author: Achraf Selmouni
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 people

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Description

Make a 3-ingredient skillet cake in just minutes! This foolproof recipe is simple, fast, and irresistibly tasty. Try it now!

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Ingredients

• Self-rising flour – 1 cup (or substitute with 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder)
• Sweetener – ½ cup (sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
• Liquid binder – ¾ cup (milk, yogurt, or eggs)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sweetener, and liquid binder until smooth.
• If using honey or syrup, reduce the liquid slightly to maintain the right consistency.
• The batter should be thick but pourable—adjust by adding a splash of milk if needed.

2️⃣ Prepare the Skillet

• Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
• Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
• Pour the batter into the skillet, ensuring an even spread.

3️⃣ Cook the Cake

• Cover with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes on low heat.
• Check for doneness—the edges should be firm, and the center should be slightly set.
• If needed, carefully flip the cake and cook for another 2-3 minutes to brown the other side.

4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

• Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before slicing.
• Serve as-is or top with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of syrup.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
• For a richer flavor: Swap milk for Greek yogurt for a tangy, denser cake.
• For extra sweetness: Drizzle with honey, chocolate sauce, or fruit jam.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g

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For more simple, minimal-ingredient recipes, try making 3-Ingredient Yogurt Flatbread. perfect as a side dish or base for toppings.