Chocolate Depression Cake, also known as Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake, is a simple and delicious cake recipe that originated during the Great Depression. It’s called “depression cake” because it was made without eggs, milk, or butter, which were scarce and expensive during that time. Despite its humble ingredients, this cake is moist, chocolaty, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s a recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 and 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
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Make three wells (or indentations) in the dry ingredients mixture. Pour the vinegar into one well, the vanilla extract into another well, and the vegetable oil into the third well.
- Pour the water over the entire mixture in the bowl.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but do not overmix. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or frost it with your favorite frosting, if desired.
- Slice and serve the Chocolate Depression Cake and enjoy its rich, chocolaty flavor!
This cake is perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings without requiring a lot of ingredients or effort. It’s a classic recipe that has stood the test of time and is sure to become a favorite in your household.