The Ultimate No-Fuss Cake Recipe for Lazy Bakers
Image: David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

The Ultimate No-Fuss Cake Recipe for Lazy Bakers

FusePop swoosh logo

Delicious Dessert with Minimal Effort

AI Summary generated by Patrick Diola @ FusePop
3/8/2025

Lazy People, This Easy Cake Recipe Is for You

Let's face it: not everyone has the time or patience for elaborate baking projects. For those who crave something sweet but dread complex recipes, this foolproof cake is your culinary salvation.

The secret to this recipe is its simplicity. With just five ingredients and three basic steps, even the most kitchen-challenged individuals can create a delectable dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

What You'll Need:

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • Optional: Frosting or powdered sugar for topping

Super Simple Instructions:

  1. Dump all ingredients into a mixing bowl
  2. Stir until smooth (about 2 minutes)
  3. Pour into greased pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes

Pro tip: Use parchment paper in your baking pan for even easier cleanup. This recipe transforms baking from a chore into a quick, enjoyable experience.

Whether you're a college student, busy professional, or simply someone who prefers minimal kitchen effort, this cake recipe proves that delicious desserts don't require culinary expertise.

Related Articles on FusePop

Steak au Poivre: A Romantic Culinary Adventure
Dining & Wine

Steak au Poivre: A Romantic Culinary Adventure

Solo Dining: Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Self-Care
Dining & Wine

Solo Dining: Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Self-Care

Delicious Solo Dining: Quick and Satisfying Meals for One
Dining & Wine

Delicious Solo Dining: Quick and Satisfying Meals for One

Plant-Based Beef Battle: NYC Restaurant vs. Texas Rancher
Dining & Wine

Plant-Based Beef Battle: NYC Restaurant vs. Texas Rancher

Roasted Broccoli: From Boring to Brilliant
Dining & Wine

Roasted Broccoli: From Boring to Brilliant

Your Burning Restaurant Questions, Answered!
Dining & Wine

Your Burning Restaurant Questions, Answered!

Why Hainan Chicken Rice Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Dining & Wine

Why Hainan Chicken Rice Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Spice Up Your Super Bowl: The Ultimate Jalapeño-Corn Dip
Dining & Wine

Spice Up Your Super Bowl: The Ultimate Jalapeño-Corn Dip

Pikliz: The Fiery Haitian Meatball Tradition That Ignites Flavor
Dining & Wine

Pikliz: The Fiery Haitian Meatball Tradition That Ignites Flavor

Crab Rangoon: From Classic Appetizer to Culinary Inspiration
Dining & Wine

Crab Rangoon: From Classic Appetizer to Culinary Inspiration

Dining Out Defies Economic Odds: Restaurants Thrive Despite Inflation
Dining & Wine

Dining Out Defies Economic Odds: Restaurants Thrive Despite Inflation

Protein Power: Delicious Low-Carb Meals Made Simple
Dining & Wine

Protein Power: Delicious Low-Carb Meals Made Simple

Chasing the Perfect Bowl: My Beef Noodle Soup Journey
Dining & Wine

Chasing the Perfect Bowl: My Beef Noodle Soup Journey

Quick & Delicious: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey and Lime
Dining & Wine

Quick & Delicious: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Hot Honey and Lime

The Rise of Peruvian Cuisine: From Local Delicacy to Global Sensation
Dining & Wine

The Rise of Peruvian Cuisine: From Local Delicacy to Global Sensation

Lemony Chicken-Feta Meatball Soup: A Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort Dish
Dining & Wine

Lemony Chicken-Feta Meatball Soup: A Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort Dish

5 Delicious Fish Recipes Anyone Can Master
Dining & Wine

5 Delicious Fish Recipes Anyone Can Master

Morning Buns: Breakfast Salvation for the Perpetually Sleepy
Dining & Wine

Morning Buns: Breakfast Salvation for the Perpetually Sleepy

The Lentil Salad That Changes Minds
Dining & Wine

The Lentil Salad That Changes Minds

15-Minute Pan-Seared Fish: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Dining & Wine

15-Minute Pan-Seared Fish: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

Royal Recipes: Meghan Markle's Delightful Spring Culinary Creations
Dining & Wine

Royal Recipes: Meghan Markle's Delightful Spring Culinary Creations

Royal Recipes: Inside Meghan Markle's Culinary World
Dining & Wine

Royal Recipes: Inside Meghan Markle's Culinary World

Veggie Delights: Elevating Your Thanksgiving Feast in 2024
Dining & Wine

Veggie Delights: Elevating Your Thanksgiving Feast in 2024

Friday Night Feast: BBQ Pepper Shrimp Elevates Weekend Dining
Dining & Wine

Friday Night Feast: BBQ Pepper Shrimp Elevates Weekend Dining

What's on the Menu? These Restaurants Aren't Telling
Dining & Wine

What's on the Menu? These Restaurants Aren't Telling

Truly Just Divine Weeknight Tantanmen
Dining & Wine

Truly Just Divine Weeknight Tantanmen

Steak Fries: Deservedly Reviled or Underappreciated Edible Spoons?
Dining & Wine

Steak Fries: Deservedly Reviled or Underappreciated Edible Spoons?

Carrot Magic: 5 Delicious Recipes That Will Transform Your Meals
Dining & Wine

Carrot Magic: 5 Delicious Recipes That Will Transform Your Meals

The Tricky Quest for Tasty Nonalcoholic Wine
Dining & Wine

The Tricky Quest for Tasty Nonalcoholic Wine

Momofuku Ando: The Unsung Hero of Global Cuisine
Dining & Wine

Momofuku Ando: The Unsung Hero of Global Cuisine

Elevate Your Chicken Game: Butter-Basted Perfection
Dining & Wine

Elevate Your Chicken Game: Butter-Basted Perfection

Chile Crisp Tofu: A Spicy Culinary Revolution
Dining & Wine

Chile Crisp Tofu: A Spicy Culinary Revolution

A Sweet Diwali, New York Style
Dining & Wine

A Sweet Diwali, New York Style

Slurp & Savor: The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans' Oyster Scene
Dining & Wine

Slurp & Savor: The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans' Oyster Scene

Time is a Flat Portobello Cap: Reimagining Temporal Perception
Dining & Wine

Time is a Flat Portobello Cap: Reimagining Temporal Perception

Lunch Revolution: Save Money and Boost Health with Smart Packing
Dining & Wine

Lunch Revolution: Save Money and Boost Health with Smart Packing

Chicken Satay: A Culinary Journey of Flavor and Tradition
Dining & Wine

Chicken Satay: A Culinary Journey of Flavor and Tradition

NYC's Must-Try Pizza Spots: A Slice of Heaven
Dining & Wine

NYC's Must-Try Pizza Spots: A Slice of Heaven

Le Veau d'Or: A Timeless French Bistro Haven in Manhattan
Dining & Wine

Le Veau d'Or: A Timeless French Bistro Haven in Manhattan

Celebrating Lunar New Year with a Comforting Chicken Curry
Dining & Wine

Celebrating Lunar New Year with a Comforting Chicken Curry

Asheville Restaurants Rebuild After Hurricane Helene's Devastation
Dining & Wine

Asheville Restaurants Rebuild After Hurricane Helene's Devastation

Weeknight Bolognese: A Deliciously Simplified Classic
Dining & Wine

Weeknight Bolognese: A Deliciously Simplified Classic

From Small Restaurant to Fast Food Empire: The Origins of Panda Express
Dining & Wine

From Small Restaurant to Fast Food Empire: The Origins of Panda Express

Celebrate Nowruz with Andy Baraghani's Vibrant Kuku Sabzi
Dining & Wine

Celebrate Nowruz with Andy Baraghani's Vibrant Kuku Sabzi

Beautiful Badam Burfi Bark: A Modern Twist on a Diwali Classic
Dining & Wine

Beautiful Badam Burfi Bark: A Modern Twist on a Diwali Classic

Chicken Cobbler: The Comfort Food Shortcut You Need
Dining & Wine

Chicken Cobbler: The Comfort Food Shortcut You Need

5 Delicious Ways to Transform Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Dining & Wine

5 Delicious Ways to Transform Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

The Yellow Bittern: London's Most Provocative Dining Experience
Dining & Wine

The Yellow Bittern: London's Most Provocative Dining Experience

Help Yourself to Pancakes
Dining & Wine

Help Yourself to Pancakes

The Art of Perfect Instant Ramen
Dining & Wine

The Art of Perfect Instant Ramen

5-Ingredient Meals: Culinary Magic Made Simple
Dining & Wine

5-Ingredient Meals: Culinary Magic Made Simple

Celebrating Nowruz: Andy Baraghani's Culinary Journey
Dining & Wine

Celebrating Nowruz: Andy Baraghani's Culinary Journey

A Tale of Four Carbones: My Coast-to-Coast Italian Fine Dining Journey
Dining & Wine

A Tale of Four Carbones: My Coast-to-Coast Italian Fine Dining Journey

Transforming Hospital Meals: A Chef's Mission to Revolutionize Patient Dining
Dining & Wine

Transforming Hospital Meals: A Chef's Mission to Revolutionize Patient Dining

The Egg Aisle Mystery: Why Prices and Availability Keep Changing
Dining & Wine

The Egg Aisle Mystery: Why Prices and Availability Keep Changing

Cookbook Throws: A Tasty New Mardi Gras Tradition
Dining & Wine

Cookbook Throws: A Tasty New Mardi Gras Tradition

The Quinoa Salad That's Winning Hearts and Palates
Dining & Wine

The Quinoa Salad That's Winning Hearts and Palates

Fresh Spring Veggie Pasta: 5 Delightful Meatless Recipes
Dining & Wine

Fresh Spring Veggie Pasta: 5 Delightful Meatless Recipes

Baking Without Eggs: Simple Swaps for Your Favorite Recipes
Dining & Wine

Baking Without Eggs: Simple Swaps for Your Favorite Recipes

Sheet-Pan Magic: Ottolenghi's Vibrant Twist on Weeknight Chicken
Dining & Wine

Sheet-Pan Magic: Ottolenghi's Vibrant Twist on Weeknight Chicken

Quick & Delicious: Shrimp Fried Rice That Transforms Weeknight Dinners
Dining & Wine

Quick & Delicious: Shrimp Fried Rice That Transforms Weeknight Dinners

Better Wings Without Deep Frying
Dining & Wine

Better Wings Without Deep Frying

Transform Your Plate: Easy Meal Garnishing Secrets
Dining & Wine

Transform Your Plate: Easy Meal Garnishing Secrets

Tennessee Onions: The Viral Side Dish Taking Dinner by Storm
Dining & Wine

Tennessee Onions: The Viral Side Dish Taking Dinner by Storm

Plant-Powered Party: A Vegetarian Feast That Impresses
Dining & Wine

Plant-Powered Party: A Vegetarian Feast That Impresses

One-Pan Salmon: Your Foolproof Easter Centerpiece
Dining & Wine

One-Pan Salmon: Your Foolproof Easter Centerpiece

Delicious Dumplings: 5 Lunar New Year Recipes to Celebrate
Dining & Wine

Delicious Dumplings: 5 Lunar New Year Recipes to Celebrate

Spice Up Your Dinner: Chile-Crisp Shrimp That Sizzles
Dining & Wine

Spice Up Your Dinner: Chile-Crisp Shrimp That Sizzles

Culinary Crescendo: A Rising Star in NYC's Dining Scene
Dining & Wine

Culinary Crescendo: A Rising Star in NYC's Dining Scene

Easy Apple Recipes for Low-Energy Days
Dining & Wine

Easy Apple Recipes for Low-Energy Days

From Bar to Culinary Haven: A Queens Gem Redefines Mexican American Cuisine
Dining & Wine

From Bar to Culinary Haven: A Queens Gem Redefines Mexican American Cuisine

Easy Baked Fish and Chips: A Healthier Comfort Food Solution
Dining & Wine

Easy Baked Fish and Chips: A Healthier Comfort Food Solution

Milk's Remarkable Transformation: A 2025 Revolution
Dining & Wine

Milk's Remarkable Transformation: A 2025 Revolution

This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is Still Going Strong
Dining & Wine

This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is Still Going Strong

Cranberry Shrimp Cocktail: A Thanksgiving Twist on a Classic Appetizer
Dining & Wine

Cranberry Shrimp Cocktail: A Thanksgiving Twist on a Classic Appetizer

Smart Ways to Transform Leftovers into Delicious New Meals
Dining & Wine

Smart Ways to Transform Leftovers into Delicious New Meals

Sunshine in a Bowl: The Ultimate Comfort Soup
Dining & Wine

Sunshine in a Bowl: The Ultimate Comfort Soup

Fluffy Perfection: The Ultimate Pancake Secrets Revealed
Dining & Wine

Fluffy Perfection: The Ultimate Pancake Secrets Revealed

Fun and Easy Recipes Kids Can Make Themselves
Dining & Wine

Fun and Easy Recipes Kids Can Make Themselves

From Exotic Spice to American Gold: The Rise of Saffron Farming
Dining & Wine

From Exotic Spice to American Gold: The Rise of Saffron Farming

Garlic: The Flavor-Packed Superfood That Transforms Chicken Dishes
Dining & Wine

Garlic: The Flavor-Packed Superfood That Transforms Chicken Dishes

Bagel Mods: The Underground World of Extreme Bagel Customization
Dining & Wine

Bagel Mods: The Underground World of Extreme Bagel Customization

The Perfect Marriage: Peanut Butter Meets Chocolate Cookie Bar
Dining & Wine

The Perfect Marriage: Peanut Butter Meets Chocolate Cookie Bar

Fresh Spring Pasta: 5 Light and Vibrant Recipes
Dining & Wine

Fresh Spring Pasta: 5 Light and Vibrant Recipes

Wolfgang Zwiener: The Waiter Who Transformed Steakhouse Dining
Dining & Wine

Wolfgang Zwiener: The Waiter Who Transformed Steakhouse Dining

Four Twenty Five: A Culinary Gem in Manhattan's Fine Dining Scene
Dining & Wine

Four Twenty Five: A Culinary Gem in Manhattan's Fine Dining Scene

Delicious Vegetarian Dishes for Spring Holidays
Dining & Wine

Delicious Vegetarian Dishes for Spring Holidays

Dimes Square: The Party's Last Call?
Dining & Wine

Dimes Square: The Party's Last Call?

Mouthwatering Cheese Enchiladas: A Culinary Delight
Dining & Wine

Mouthwatering Cheese Enchiladas: A Culinary Delight

Time and Tide Makes Waves in NoMad Dining Scene
Dining & Wine

Time and Tide Makes Waves in NoMad Dining Scene

Borgo: A Taste of Authentic Italian Elegance in Manhattan
Dining & Wine

Borgo: A Taste of Authentic Italian Elegance in Manhattan

These Sheet-Pan Noodles Have Very Little Cleanup
Dining & Wine

These Sheet-Pan Noodles Have Very Little Cleanup

Pasta Perfection: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Hack
Dining & Wine

Pasta Perfection: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Hack

Croissant Lovers, Rejoice: 3 Bakeries Elevating Pastry Perfection
Dining & Wine

Croissant Lovers, Rejoice: 3 Bakeries Elevating Pastry Perfection

Tuna Revolution: How Canned Fish Is Getting a Gourmet Makeover
Dining & Wine

Tuna Revolution: How Canned Fish Is Getting a Gourmet Makeover

The Magic Sauce That Saves Weeknight Dinners
Dining & Wine

The Magic Sauce That Saves Weeknight Dinners

Dining Lifesavers: 3 Restaurants That Always Have a Table
Dining & Wine

Dining Lifesavers: 3 Restaurants That Always Have a Table

Sweet Traditions: How Doughnuts Became an Unexpected Eid Celebration Favorite
Dining & Wine

Sweet Traditions: How Doughnuts Became an Unexpected Eid Celebration Favorite

From Dubai to Global: The Chocolate Bar That Changed Everything
Dining & Wine

From Dubai to Global: The Chocolate Bar That Changed Everything

Crispy Rice: The Culinary Trend Taking Kitchens by Storm
Dining & Wine

Crispy Rice: The Culinary Trend Taking Kitchens by Storm