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EASY Chocolate Depression Cake [Wacky Cake]
5 from 162 votes

EASY Chocolate Depression Cake [Wacky Cake]

Easy Chocolate Depression Cake is a simple, egg-free chocolate cake made without dairy or eggs, relying on vinegar and baking soda for leavening. The batter is mixed directly in the pan by making wells for wet ingredients, creating a moist and tender crumb with cocoa powder providing chocolate flavor. It's topped traditionally with powdered sugar and fruit but works well with various toppings.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 269 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Sift all the dry ingredients into an ungreased 8" cake pan and spread.
  3. 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!
  4. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until the cake starts to shrink in from the sides.
  5. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 269

% 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.