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Vanilla Wacky Cake
4.7 from 252 votes

Vanilla Wacky Cake

Vanilla Wacky Cake is a simple, oil-based cake that skips eggs and dairy in the batter, relying on vinegar and baking soda for leavening. The cake has a moist, tender crumb and mild vanilla flavor, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting that adds a creamy contrast. It’s baked in a single 9×9 pan for ease and convenience, making it a practical choice for home bakers looking for a straightforward, enjoyable vanilla cake.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 9 slices
Calories: 476 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Cake
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, add in the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until combined.
  3. Make 3 wells in the dry ingredients.
  4. Pour the vanilla in one of the wells, oil in another, and vinegar in the remaining well.
  5. Pour the water over all ingredients and whisk until combined
  6. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Place in the oven and bake for 35 minutes or until done. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake and if it comes out clean or with moist crumbs, it’s done. Bake longer if it still has batter on it.
  8. Once done, allow to cool completely
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, add in the cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until smooth.
  2. Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar. Continue to beat until the powdered sugar is worked into the frosting and the frosting is creamy.
  3. Spread with an offset spatula onto the cooled cake.

Nutrition Information

Calories 476kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 79g (26%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 28mg (9%) Sodium 464mg (19%) Potassium 57mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 62g (124%) Vitamin A 338IU (7%) Calcium 28mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 9 slices

Amount Per Serving

Calories 476

% Daily Value*

Calories 476kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 79g 26%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 28mg 9%
Sodium 464mg 19%
Potassium 57mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 62g 124%
Vitamin A 338IU 7%
Calcium 28mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.