Chocolate Depression Cake, also known as Wacky Cake or Crazy Cake, is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that originated during the Great Depression. What makes this cake unique is that it doesn’t require eggs, butter, or milk. Here’s a recipe to prepare a Chocolate Depression Cake:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Create three wells or indentations in the dry mixture. Pour the vinegar into one well, the vanilla extract into another, and the vegetable oil into the third.
- Pour the water over the entire mixture in the bowl. Use a whisk or a spoon to stir everything together until the batter is smooth and well mixed. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to incorporate all the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once the cake has cooled, you can serve it as is or frost it with your favorite frosting. Options like chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar work well with this cake.
- Cut the cake into slices and enjoy!
This Chocolate Depression Cake is a moist and flavorful treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings. It’s a classic recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
