Wacky Cake
User Reviews
5
Wacky Cake
Description
Wacky Cake combines all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, white vinegar, vegetable oil, and hot water to create a chocolate cake batter. The vinegar reacts with baking soda to provide lift without traditional leaveners like eggs. The batter is stirred until just combined, then poured into a greased 8x8-inch pan and baked at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean. Cooling in the pan helps maintain moisture.
The final cake has a tender crumb with gentle chocolate notes from the Dutch-process cocoa powder. Its soft texture comes from the oil and liquid balance, allowing it to stay moist without eggs or butter. It can be served plain or frosted for added richness.
This cake can be an option for those avoiding eggs or dairy ingredients. Variations in oil type and cocoa powder are possible without major changes. The cake is easy to prepare in a single bowl and pan, reducing cleanup.
Using hot tap water is sufficient—no need to heat beyond that. The vinegar should be added directly to the batter for proper chemical reaction. The cake pairs well with chocolate buttercream or similar frostings for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup water not boiling, hot
Instructions
- Preheat 350 degrees F.
- Place the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt) in a bowl.
- Make 3 small holes in the mixture.
- Pour the vanilla in one hole, the vinegar in another and vegetable oil in another.
- Pour water over the top, and whisk to combine.
- Pour into a lightly greased 8x8-inch metal baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan.
Notes
- Use Dutch process cocoa powder or equal substitution with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- You may substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or other neutral oils.
- Hot tap water is enough to activate the leavening components; no need to boil.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream for added flavor if desired.
- Nutrition values provided with recipe are only estimates.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 251 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 251kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Sodium | 253mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 64mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Calcium | 7mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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