Wacky Cake Recipe
Wacky Cake Recipe
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Wacky Cake Recipe
Discover the best wacky cake recipe a quirky, eggless, dairy-free chocolate cake born during the Great Depression.This vegan friendly dessert comes together in one bowl with pantry staples like vinegar, oil, and cocoa. Perfect for beginners, it’s moist, rich, and ready in 40 minutes. Learn the history, tips, and why this “crazy cake” remains a timeless favorite.
Description
What is Wacky Cake?
Wacky cake (aka “crazy cake” or “Depression cake”) is a beloved vintage dessert that emerged in the 1930s when ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter were scarce. This wacky cake recipe relies on clever substitutions vinegar and baking soda for lift, oil for moisture, and water as the base. The result? A surprisingly fluffy, deeply chocolatey cake that’s accidentally vegan.
Why This Recipe Works
- One Bowl Wonder: No mixer or fancy tools needed just stir and bake.
- Pantry Staples: Uses basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa.
- Allergy-Friendly: Naturally egg free, dairy-free, and easily adaptable to gluten-free.
- Nostalgic Flavor: Rich cocoa flavor with a tender crumb that rivals traditional cakes.
The Story Behind Wacky Cake
During the Great Depression, resourceful home cooks invented this wacky cake recipe to bypass expensive ingredients. Its “wacky” method mixing vinegar directly into the batter was revolutionary. Today, it’s a hit for its simplicity and inclusivity, appealing to vegans, budget bakers, and chocolate lovers alike.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Flour: Al -purpose works best, but swap 1:1 with gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Cocoa Powder: Use natural unsweetened cocoa (not Dutch process) for authentic flavor.
- Vinegar: White or apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda for lift.
- Oil: Neutral oils like vegetable or coconut add moisture without overpowering.
Step by Step Success Tips
- Mix Dry Ingredients Directly in the Pan: For authenticity (and fewer dishes), sift dry ingredients into an ungreased 8×8″ pan.
- Create “Wells” for Wet Ingredients: This ensures even mixing without overworking the batter.
- Bake Immediately: The vinegar baking soda reaction starts right away, so pop it in the oven fast.
Serving Suggestions
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with vegan chocolate ganache, or top with fresh berries. Pair with coffee or a scoop of dairy free ice cream for a decadent treat.
FAQs
- Can I make cupcakes? Yes. Bake 18-20 minutes at 350°F.
- How to store? Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Can I add mix ins? Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips or walnuts for crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup (240ml) water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: To 350°F (175°C). No need to grease the pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In an 8×8″ baking pan, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Create Wells: Make 3 small holes in the dry mix. Pour vinegar into one, vanilla into another, and oil into the third.
- Add Water: Pour water over everything and stir until smooth (no lumps.).
- Bake: 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Storage: Wrap tightly or freeze for longer freshness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour (add ½ tsp xanthan gum if needed).
- Vegan Frosting: Combine powdered sugar, cocoa, and plant based milk for a quick glaze.
Wacky Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 190g all purpose flour
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- ¼ cup 25g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup 80ml vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup 240ml water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: To 350°F (175°C). No need to grease the pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In an 8×8″ baking pan, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Create Wells: Make 3 small holes in the dry mix. Pour vinegar into one, vanilla into another, and oil into the third.
- Add Water: Pour water over everything and stir until smooth (no lumps.).
- Bake: 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Storage: Wrap tightly or freeze for longer freshness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour (add ½ tsp xanthan gum if needed).
- Vegan Frosting: Combine powdered sugar, cocoa, and plant based milk for a quick glaze.
