This remarkable cake, also known as Wacky Cake or Depression Cake, dates back to the Great Depression when ingredients were scarce, and bakers needed to create a delicious cake without dairy or eggs.
The result is a wonderfully moist and chocolatey cake that’s both simple and satisfying, proving that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something truly delightful.
I first baked this cake out of curiosity about its historical roots, and I was pleasantly surprised by how decadent and satisfying it turned out. The recipe is well known for being vegan and so are my Vegan Strawberry Shortcakes or Vegan Brownies if you are on a hunt.
This Crazy Cake isn’t just a throwback to simpler times; it’s a testament to how creativity in the kitchen can lead to fantastic results.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Enjoy a cake with a story, made with ingredients that were once hard to come by.
- No eggs or dairy is needed, making it a great option for various dietary needs.
- With minimal ingredients, you get a rich, moist cake that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Give this classic recipe a try and let me know how you enjoy it with your favorite vegan treats.
Crazy Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish (ungreased)
- Fork (for mixing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cold water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt directly into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make three wells in the dry mixture:
- Pour oil into the first well,
- Vinegar into the second,
- Vanilla into the third.
- Pour the cold water over everything and mix thoroughly with a fork until smooth.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool and frost with your favorite icing.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Let’s Try Some Crazy Variations with This Crazy Cake!
- Add Nuts: Stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- Use Different Extracts: Replace the vanilla extract with almond or coffee extract for a different flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for added sweetness and a chocolatey boost.
- Include Fruit: Fold in 1 cup of chopped fruit like berries or bananas for a fruity twist.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier cake.
- Try Different kinds of vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar instead of distilled white vinegar for a subtle flavor change.
- Add Spices: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a hint of spice.