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Wacky Cake

A delicious chocolate cake with minimal ingredients that just so happens to be dairy free, egg free and vegan! Wacky Cake is just as easy as using a boxed mix and so tasty that it might become your new go-to chocolate cake recipe.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 243 kcal
Course: Cake
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Cake:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
For the Frosting (OPTIONAL)
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.  Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with shortening and flour (or baking spray).
  2. In the pan, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
  3. Make 3 wells in the dry mix and add the vanilla, white vinegar, and vegetable oil (2 small wells for the vanilla and vinegar and 1 large for the oil).  
  4. Pour the water on top and whisk all ingredients until combined.  You may use a spoon or spatula to get into the corners of the pan.
  5. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool completely.
  6. Sprinkle cooled cake with powdered sugar or top it with buttercream frosting.
  7. To make the frosting, place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chips are completely melted and are a smooth consistency.  Cool completely to room temperature.
  8. While chocolate chips are cooling, place butter into a medium mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.  
  9. Add ½ cup of powdered sugar.  Beat until smooth. Add the rest of the powdered sugar.  Using a spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl. Continue beating about a minute until all the powdered sugar is incorporated.
  10. Add the melted chocolate and vanilla.  Beat for 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy and has a smooth texture.
  11. Frost cooled cake and enjoy.

Notes

  • Wacky cake is also commonly called Depression Cake. The Cake itself has no butter, eggs, or milk.
  • I paired my cake with a buttercream frosting, but to keep it simple you could also sprinkle with powdered sugar.
  • Cake is best eaten in 3 days. Can be stored at room temperature.
  • MIX the cake in the baking pan (not a bowl).

Nutrition Information

Calories 243kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 6g Cholesterol 15mg (5%) Sodium 147mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 22g (44%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 243

% Daily Value*

Calories 243kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g 35%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 147mg 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 22g 44%

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