$3 Dream Chocolate Cake – No Oven Required!

Hey budget foodies! I've perfected this mini chocolate cake that tastes like it's from a fancy bakery but costs less than $3 to make. Perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings without breaking the bank! The video is on my channel from link in bio if you wanna show some love ❤️😋

Ingredients

For the cake:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp coffee powder dissolved
– 1 tablespoon oil or melted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)

For the frosting:
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon butter or oil
– 1 tablespoon cornflour (for thickening)

For sugar syrup:
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 3 tablespoons water
– Few drops of vanilla or coffee (optional)

Optional layers:
– Crushed biscuits (Parle-G, Marie, or whatever's in your pantry)
– A spoon of malai or fresh cream (if available)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake batter
   Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, combine milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Mix wet and dry ingredients until smooth without lumps.

2. Cook the cake

   • Option 1: Air fryer – Grease a small steel bowl or ramekin, pour batter up to 2/3 full. Air fry at 160°C for 10-12 minutes.
   • Option 2: Steam in a pan or pressure cooker (without whistle) for 20-25 minutes.
   • Test with a toothpick – it should come out clean when done.

3. Make the sugar syrup
   Heat sugar and water in a small pan until sugar dissolves completely. Add vanilla or coffee for extra flavor if desired. Let cool.

4. Make the frosting
   Mix cocoa, sugar, milk, and cornflour in a small pan. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until thick and smooth. Turn off heat, stir in butter, and let cool.

5. Assemble the mini dream cake
   Lightly soak the cake with sugar syrup. In a small glass or bowl, layer cake, frosting, and biscuit crumbs. Repeat layers. Top with extra ganache or cream. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Money-saving tips

• Coffee in the cake batter and syrup gives a richer flavor without expensive ingredients
• No need for eggs or butter in the cake itself
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Crushed biscuits give texture and volume without expensive nuts
• Stores in the fridge for up to 2 days (though it never lasts that long in my house!)

I'd love to hear if anyone tries this or has their own budget-friendly dessert hacks!