Easy Single Layer Cakes without Frosting

These single layer cakes are easy to make while still looking impressive. The from scratch cakes are perfect for entertaining or a celebrating a weeknight birthday. And they are all made without frosting.

As a busy mama and home baker, single layer cakes are easy to love! No stacking of layers or decorating skills needed. Several of the recipes mix in one bowl without a mixer. Less dishes for the win!

And since we are going for simple, all these cake recipes are frosting free. Baked in 8-inch or 9-inch pans or an 8x8 baking pan.

I have included six single layer cakes that deliver flavor without the hassle of frosting or decorating. Happy baking!

🍰 six simple one layer cakes

Moist Chocolate Chip Snack Cake

Moist and tender, you will love this single layer cake that mixes in one bowl without a mixer.

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Italian Almond Cake

A dense and tender almond cake with a thin and crunchy almond topping.

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Strawberry Vanilla Cake

The vanilla cake bakes with strawberries on top, giving a sweet jammy topping. The cake is tender and soft and mixes in one bowl without a mixer.

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Easy Churro Cake

Cinnamon and sugar swirled into a fluffy vanilla cake and a cinnamon sugar coated top.

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Easy One Layer Sprinkle Cake

This one layer yellow cake is loaded with sprinkles and topped with a buttery crumb topping.

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Blackberry Coffee Cake

This blackberry cake uses sour cream, which gives it a super soft and tender crumb. Blackberries and streusel fill the middle, with more streusel on the top. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

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👩🏻‍🍳 tips for the best from scratch cakes

• Use a scale to measure your ingredients for the best results. If you do not have a kitchen scale, be sure to use the spoon and level method. (Fluff the flour in the container, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife). I use this OXO kitchen scale, if you need a more economical option, this Escali scale is also fantastic.
• Follow each individual cake recipe instructions for the proper temperature of the ingredients used.
• Don't over mix the cake batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients mix until everything is just combined.
• Use parchment paper to line your cake pans for easy removal once baked.
• Once the batter is in the prepared pan, drop the pan on the counter a time or two to help remove any air bubbles in the batter.
• For the best, moist and tender cake, don't over bake it. Remember your oven is different than mine and baking times may vary a little. These easy single layer cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

🥣 best pans for baking single layer cakes

Fat Daddio's makes great cake pans! I like their 8-inch round pan and 9-inch round pan.

USA Pans are my favorite for an 8x8 baking pan. The pans are lighter in color, which makes them perfect for snack cakes (like cookies and cream cake) and birthday cake blondie bars.

Fat Daddio's also makes an amazing springform pan, I use their 9-inch springform.

Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make any of these Easy Single Layer Cakes without Frosting. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

If you make any of these single layer cake recipes from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!