Go Back
A top-down view of the baked cake in the 9x13-inch dish on a white marble countertop. A toothpick is being inserted into the center of the cake to test for doneness. The toothpick comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked and ready to be frosted.

Crazy Cake Recipe

This easy, one-pan chocolate cake, often referred to as "Wacky Cake," is made without eggs or dairy, making it naturally vegan. The result is a moist, rich cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-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 9x13-inch baking dish.
    A top-down view of a 9x13-inch ungreased baking dish on a clean kitchen countertop with a white marble cooktop background. The dish contains 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of white sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt, sifted together to form the base of the cake mixture.
  • Make three wells in the dry mixture:
  • Pour oil into the first well,
  • Vinegar into the second,
  • Vanilla into the third.
    A top-down view of the baking dish with sifted dry ingredients. Three wells are formed in the mixture: one with 3/4 cup of vegetable oil, one with 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, and one with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The scene focuses on the wells filled with their respective liquid ingredients.
  • 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.
    A top-down view of the baking dish placed in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). The cake is baking on the middle rack of the oven. The scene captures the even rise of the cake with the oven timer set for 30-40 minutes.
  • Let the cake cool and frost with your favorite icing.
    A top-down view of the baked cake in the 9x13-inch dish on a white marble countertop. A toothpick is being inserted into the center of the cake to test for doneness. The toothpick comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked and ready to be frosted.