Five Cup Cake: A Classic Recipe That Never Fails

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Five Cup Cake is one of those timeless recipes that proves great baking does not require complicated techniques or long ingredient lists. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity: five basic ingredients, each measured by the cup, come together to create a soft, tender cake with a delicate crumb. I remember baking this cake for the first time when I wanted something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen, and the result exceeded my expectations.

This cake is perfect for beginner bakers, busy households, or anyone who appreciates old-fashioned comfort desserts. It works just as well for a casual afternoon treat as it does for a simple celebration. Because the base recipe is so versatile, it can easily be adapted with different flavors or toppings. Once you try it, Five Cup Cake becomes one of those dependable recipes you return to whenever you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure for this cake. It creates a balanced crumb that is neither too dense nor too light, making the cake sturdy enough to slice while remaining tender.

Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a soft texture. It also contributes to the light golden color of the finished cake.

Milk
Milk adds moisture and helps blend the dry ingredients smoothly. It also gives the cake a mild, creamy flavor that complements the sweetness.

Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist for days. Unlike butter, it ensures the crumb stays soft even after refrigeration.

Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure. They also help the cake rise evenly and develop a smooth, cohesive texture.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and lightly flour a standard bundt pan or round cake pan. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and sugar and stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can affect the cake’s texture.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 slices.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store Five Cup Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It can also be refrigerated for up to five days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Variations and Customizations

One of the reasons Five Cup Cake has remained popular for generations is how easy it is to customize. For a classic twist, add vanilla extract to the batter for extra aroma. I have also tried adding lemon zest, which gives the cake a bright, refreshing flavor without changing its simplicity.

If you enjoy a richer cake, replace a portion of the milk with yogurt or sour cream. For a chocolate variation, substitute a small amount of flour with cocoa powder. You can also fold in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture.

Toppings are another easy way to customize this cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar keeps it simple, while a basic glaze or fresh fruit elevates it for special occasions.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	290
Protein (g)	5
Carbs (g)	38
Fat (g)	13
Saturated Fat (g)	2.5
Fiber (g)	1
Sugar (g)	22
Sodium (mg)	180

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
Do not overmix to keep the crumb tender.
Grease the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Allow the cake to cool before slicing for clean cuts.

FAQs

Why is it called Five Cup Cake?

The name comes from using five main ingredients, each measured by the cup.

Can I use a different pan?

Yes, loaf pans or square pans work well with adjusted baking time.

Can I add baking powder?

This traditional recipe relies on eggs for structure, but a small amount of baking powder can be added if desired.

Is this cake very sweet?

It is moderately sweet and pairs well with tea or coffee.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Store it properly and avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

Five Cup Cake is a perfect example of how simplicity can deliver outstanding results. With basic ingredients and minimal effort, this classic cake offers reliable flavor and texture every time. Whether served plain or dressed up with toppings, it is a recipe worth keeping in your collection.

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