Chocolate Wacky Cake

hassan October 10, 2024October 10, 2024

0 Loves

881 Views

Chocolate Wacky Cake, also known as Depression Cake, is a simple, moist, and delicious chocolate cake that doesn’t require eggs, butter, or milk. Originating during the Great Depression, this cake was created to use readily available ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible. Despite its humble ingredients, it is rich, chocolaty, and surprisingly fluffy. The best part? It all comes together in one bowl with no electric mixer required. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients
Instructions
Cook’s Notes and Tips
Variations
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

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 white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In the baking pan or a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well blended.
Make Wells: Make three small wells in the dry mixture. Pour the vinegar in one well, vanilla extract in the second well, and vegetable oil in the third well.
Add Water: Pour the water over all the ingredients and mix until fully combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve as is or with your favorite frosting.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

Mixing in the Pan: One of the charming features of this cake is that you can mix it directly in the baking pan, which means fewer dishes to clean. Just be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid dry spots.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
Toppings: A dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze works perfectly if you don’t want to make a full frosting.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Wacky Cake: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips before baking for extra chocolatey goodness.
Spiced Wacky Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm and slightly spicy twist.
Coconut Wacky Cake: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the batter and top with a coconut glaze.
Vegan Frosting: Top with a vegan chocolate frosting made from cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and almond milk.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

To make a keto-friendly and low-carb version of this Chocolate Wacky Cake:

Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour.
Sugar Substitute: Use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
Adjust Liquid: You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the flour substitutes used. The batter should be pourable but not too thin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Is It Called Wacky Cake?

The name “Wacky Cake” comes from the unconventional way the ingredients are mixed and the fact that it doesn’t require eggs, butter, or milk—a bit wacky for a traditional cake recipe.

Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking and contains xanthan gum for structure.

Can I Use Another Type of Vinegar?

White vinegar works best, but you can also use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand. The acidity is needed to react with the baking soda and help the cake rise.

How Should I Store Wacky Cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

Chocolate Wacky Cake is a delightful, simple cake that shows how creativity in the kitchen can result in something truly delicious. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, especially when you’re short on ingredients or want to avoid dairy and eggs. This one-bowl wonder comes together quickly and brings the rich, chocolaty flavor everyone loves. So, give it a try and enjoy this nostalgic favorite with your family and friends.

Happy Baking!

6 Comments