Have you ever stumbled upon a cake recipe that doesn’t have a fancy name but somehow becomes a household favorite? That’s exactly what the No Name Cake is all about—a simple, humble cake that delivers incredible flavor and moistness without the fuss.
This cake’s charm lies in its straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re baking for a casual family dessert or a last-minute gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to choice.
The beauty of the No Name Cake is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can dress it up with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee.
It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat that’s stood the test of time. Ready to whip up this delightful cake?
Let’s dive into the details!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This No Name Cake recipe is a treasure for several reasons. First, it uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have, so no urgent grocery trips are needed.
It’s a one-bowl recipe, which means less mess and faster prep time—perfect for busy days or beginner bakers.
What’s more, the cake boasts a tender crumb and a moist texture that keeps well for days. It’s not overly sweet, allowing you to customize toppings or pair it with fruit, whipped cream, or even ice cream.
Plus, it’s a wonderful base to experiment with flavors like lemon zest, vanilla, or almond extract.
If you enjoy easy-to-make desserts, you might also love these recipes: Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes for Decadent Desserts, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Vegan Ice Cream Recipes To Try, and Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange for added flavor
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan (or a similar size)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Toothpick or cake tester
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to cream them together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, the citrus zest to infuse a fresh aroma and flavor into your cake.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For an extra moist cake, substitute half the milk with sour cream or yogurt. It adds richness and enhances the crumb.
You can turn this simple cake into a lemon drizzle cake by mixing lemon juice and powdered sugar to make a glaze and pouring it over the warm cake.
Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the batter for texture and flavor.
If you want a chocolate twist, replace 1/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and fold in chocolate chips.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/10 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
This No Name Cake is wonderfully versatile. Serve it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple treat.
For a more indulgent dessert, top with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries.
You can also frost it with classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a rich chocolate ganache. Pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful contrast between warm cake and cold creaminess.
If you enjoy experimenting with desserts, try pairing this cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon snack. For a healthier twist, serve slices alongside a fresh fruit salad made with seasonal fruits.
Conclusion
The No Name Cake is a testament to the fact that simple recipes can produce spectacular results. Its ease of preparation combined with its delicious, moist texture makes it a must-have recipe for any baker’s collection.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this cake offers reliable, satisfying results every time.
Its flexibility allows you to customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile base for many desserts. Plus, its nostalgic charm and delightful flavor will surely win hearts at any table.
Next time you’re looking for a no-fuss yet scrumptious cake, remember this No Name Cake recipe. It might just become your new favorite go-to dessert.
For more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
📖 Recipe Card: No Name Cake Recipe
Description: A simple and moist vanilla cake perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare with basic ingredients found in most kitchens.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool before removing from pan and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 38g
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