EASY Chocolate Depression Cake [Wacky Cake]
User Reviews
5
EASY Chocolate Depression Cake [Wacky Cake]
Description
The EASY Chocolate Depression Cake combines all dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and powder, salt—then adds vanilla, vinegar, oil, and lukewarm water in separate wells within the pan. Stirring the batter in the pan avoids using extra bowls. The cake bakes for about 30 minutes at 350°F until it shrinks slightly from the edges. Its texture is moist and soft with a mild chocolate taste derived mostly from cocoa powder.
This cake requires minimal ingredients found in most kitchens, making it practical when eggs or dairy are unavailable. It has a delicate balance of acidity from vinegar that reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise without eggs, preserving a tender crumb. It is best served room temperature with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh fruit to complement the chocolate flavor.
Tips include accurate flour measuring to avoid heaviness, not over-mixing to prevent toughness, and optionally lining the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Using fresh baking soda and powder ensures proper rise.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 cup water lukewarm
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Sift all the dry ingredients into an ungreased 8" cake pan and spread.
- Use your finger to make three holes in the dry ingredients. Put the vanilla in one hole, the vinegar in the second hole and vegetable oil in the third hole. Pour the water over everything and stir until the batter is smooth. Make sure to get the corners of the pan!
- Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until the cake starts to shrink in from the sides.
- Top it with whatever you’d like, but I like powdered sugar and fruit.
Notes
- Measure flour by fluffing, spooning into the cup, and leveling with a knife for accuracy.
- Mix batter just until smooth to avoid a dense or rubbery cake.
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easier cake removal without greasing.
- Check that baking soda and baking powder are fresh to ensure proper rising of the cake.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 269 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 269kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Sodium | 265mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 58mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Calcium | 37mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
