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Quick Two-Servings One-Pan Cake

Prep 10 min Cook 20 min Difficulty 1/5

Easy two-serving one-pan cake with optional cocoa—ready in under 30 minutes, minimal cleanup.

Why this recipe works

This quick, single-pan cake makes a light, vanilla-chocolatey treat in about half an hour. It’s ideal for a small bake-for-two, a spontaneous dessert, or when you want simple cleaning up.

Search intent: Find a quick, small-batch cake recipe
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Key takeaways

Requires only one pan and basic ingredients
Whips up quickly with a straightforward whisk-and-pour method
Customizable with optional cocoa or add-ins

Recipe guide

This quick, single-pan cake makes a light, vanilla-chocolatey treat in about half an hour. It’s ideal for a small bake-for-two, a spontaneous dessert, or when you want simple cleaning up.

A simple, no-fuss cake you bake in one pan.

  • Requires only one pan and basic ingredients
  • Whips up quickly with a straightforward whisk-and-pour method
  • Customizable with optional cocoa or add-ins

Overview

A 2-serving cake baked in a single ovenproof pan. Uses common pantry items and an optional cocoa twist.

Method

Whisk dry ingredients, mix with melted butter, combine with wet ingredients, bake in a small pan, then cool briefly before slicing.

Tips

Grease or line the pan, don’t overmix, and check with a toothpick. Optional cocoa adds a chocolate note.

Ingredients

  • 100 g all-purpose flour
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 50 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 60 ml milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Grease a small ovenproof pan or line with parchment paper (about 12–15 cm/5–6 in).
  3. In a bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder if using.
  4. Stir melted butter into the dry mix until crumbly.
  5. In a separate bowl beat the egg with milk and vanilla.
  6. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let cake cool in pan 10 minutes, then loosen edges and transfer to a rack to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

FAQs

Can I make this in a mug or small ramekin? Yes—use a small, heatproof dish and adjust bake time to about 12–15 minutes.
How can I store leftovers? Cover and keep at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the batter? Best baked as a fresh cake; freezing batter isn’t recommended.