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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

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

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
  5. 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.
  6. Combine and Pour:
  7. Stir everything together until smooth and no lumps remain. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake:
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool and Serve:
  11. 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.
  12. Prep Time:
  13. 10 minutes
  14. Cook Time:
  15. 30-35 minutes
  16. Total Time:
  17. 40-45 minutes
  18. Nutrition (per serving, based on 9 servings):
  19. Calories: 200
  20. Total Fat: 8g
  21. Saturated Fat: 1g
  22. Cholesterol: 0mg
  23. Sodium: 160mg
  24. Total Carbohydrate: 32g
  25. Dietary Fiber: 1g
  26. Sugars: 19g
  27. Protein: 2g
  28. 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!