Also known as “Cup Cake” (not to be confused with cupcakes!), Cuppa Cuppa Cake is a beloved vintage baking hack that uses a simple ratio—1 cup of each main ingredient—to create a light, moist, and versatile cake with zero measuring cups needed… just a standard teacup or coffee mug!
Born in an era when kitchen scales were rare and convenience was key, this recipe is the ultimate pantry-to-oven wonder: equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a splash of milk or buttermilk. It’s the kind of cake your grandmother might’ve whipped up for unexpected guests—and it still holds up today.
Why You’ll Love Cuppa Cuppa Cake
- 🥄 No scale, no measuring cups—just one mug!
- 🥣 One bowl, minimal cleanup
- ⏱️ Ready in under an hour
- 🌾 Endlessly adaptable—chocolate, lemon, spice, or plain
- 💛 Light, tender crumb—never dry or dense
Perfect for birthdays, last-minute desserts, or when you just need cake now.
The Classic Ratio (The “Cuppa” Method)
Use the same cup for every ingredient—traditionally a standard teacup (~½ cup) or coffee mug (~1 cup). For a standard 9-inch layer cake, use a 1-cup measure:

