Chocolate Depression Cake
Chocolate Depression Cake, also known as “Wacky Cake,” is a rich and moist chocolate cake that harks back to the era of the Great Depression. With no eggs, milk, or butter, this cake was created out of necessity when ingredients were scarce. Yet, it’s anything but plain—this cake is surprisingly decadent and full of deep chocolate flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious, this Chocolate Depression Cake is sure to impress. You won’t believe how easy it is to make, and with just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Make three small wells in the dry ingredients. In one well, pour the vanilla extract, in another, the vinegar, and in the last, the vegetable oil. Pour the water over the entire mixture.
- Combine and Pour:
- Stir everything together until smooth and no lumps remain. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30-35 minutes
Total Time:
40-45 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, based on 9 servings):
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 2g
This Chocolate Depression Cake is a testament to the ingenuity of those who lived through hard times, transforming basic ingredients into a delightful treat. It’s a simple, yet satisfying dessert that you’ll want to make again and again!
Chocolate Depression Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Make three small wells in the dry ingredients. In one well, pour the vanilla extract, in another, the vinegar, and in the last, the vegetable oil. Pour the water over the entire mixture.
- Combine and Pour:
- Stir everything together until smooth and no lumps remain. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream.
- Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 30-35 minutes
- Total Time:
- 40-45 minutes
- Nutrition (per serving, based on 9 servings):
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 2g
- This Chocolate Depression Cake is a testament to the ingenuity of those who lived through hard times, transforming basic ingredients into a delightful treat. It’s a simple, yet satisfying dessert that you’ll want to make again and again!
