Deliciously Easy Simple Cake In A Cup Recipe Everyone Will Love
An easy and festive dessert featuring layers of soft, fluffy cake and creamy vanilla frosting in individual cups. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or an effortless sweet treat everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 10–12 dessert cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Layering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (optional)
- For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Optional Toppings:
- Extra rainbow sprinkles
- Mini candies or cookies
- Colorful whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth. Fold in sprinkles if using.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the pan and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and milk or cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: Cut the cooled cake into cubes or rounds. Layer cake and frosting alternately in 4–6 oz cups or jars. Finish with a swirl of frosting and decorate with sprinkles or candies.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and blend the flavors.
Notes
- Use chocolate, lemon, or red velvet cake for flavor variations.
- Tint frosting with food coloring to match any party theme.
- For cleaner layers, pipe frosting using a piping bag.
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 4 days before serving.
- Freeze cake and frosting separately for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dessert cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
