Description

Wacky Cakes, also known as depression cakes, are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate cake recipes. They are egg-free and dairy-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Originating during the Great Depression, these cakes offer a moist and delicious option using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Granulated Sugar
⅓ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Salt
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
⅓ cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In an 8×8-inch baking pan or mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Create Wells for Wet Ingredients: Make three small wells in the dry mixture; pour vinegar in one, vanilla in another, and vegetable oil in the last.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour water over the mixture and stir until the batter is smooth.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing.

Notes

Common mistakes to avoid include inaccurate measurements, overmixing the batter, and opening the oven door too soon. For variations, consider using gluten-free flour or coconut oil.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 150-200 kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Wacky Cake, Egg-Free Cake, Dairy-Free Cake, Chocolate Cake