Almost Nothing Cake — Egg-Free & Dairy-Free
Desserts

Almost Nothing Cake — Egg-Free & Dairy-Free

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated September 29, 2026

A surprisingly soft cake made with just 5 pantry staples — no eggs, no milk needed. Perfect for last-minute baking, tight budgets, or anyone looking for a lighter, allergy-friendly everyday treat.

Prep⏱️ 45 min
Servings👥 16 servings
Difficulty📊 Very Easy
↓ Jump to Recipe Pin it
Pinterest WhatsApp Facebook

🛒 Ingredients

16 servings

16
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) caster sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (10 g) baking powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) dairy-free margarine

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 450 °F (230 °C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted sugar and baking powder until fully combined and lump-free.

  3. 3

    Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring gently. The batter will be thick and heavy — this is normal as the baking powder starts to activate.

  4. 4

    Add the margarine and mix until fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth.

  5. 5

    Leave the batter uncovered to rest for 5 minutes. Do not cover it — trapped moisture would weaken the rise.

  6. 6

    Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before unmolding.

💡 Chef's Tip

Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, fresh lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to add character to this humble batter. Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes, as ovens vary.