Wacky Chocolate Cake Recipe

Author:: MomsTreasureChest

I like to share creative ideas for moms, DIY, family fun, crafts, travel, recipes, party planning, shopping, discounts, gifts, and more.

Why Is it called Wacky Cake?

Why is this chocolate cake called a "wacky cake"? Probably because of the ingredients. The batter doesn't have any eggs, butter, or milk, and some people probably thought that's wacky for a cake recipe.

Wacky cakes were initially made during the Great Depression since butter, milk, and eggs were scarce because they were either rationed or too expensive.

This is a great chocolate cake for convenience since the ingredients are usually pantry staples. It's also a good recipe for anyone that prefers dairy-free recipes or is on a vegan diet. It's also a good cake recipe for anyone who has an egg allergy.

Wacky Cake Ingredients

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups water

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Mix well by hand with a spoon or whisk until thoroughly combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the bowl: vinegar, vanilla, oil, and water. Mix by hand or with mixer on low speed until everything is well combined, but don't over-mix.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Try not to overbake; the lure of this cake is how moist it is!
Let cake cool, sprinkle top with confectioner's sugar, serve, and enjoy!

Comments

MomsTreasureChest (author) on January 28, 2018:

Thanks Audrey, they also called this depression cake a Crazy Cake. No matter what you call it, it's certainly an easy one bowl delicious chocolate cake from scratch!

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on January 27, 2018:

I've never heard the term "wacky". I enjoy the history of making cake without eggs, butter and milk during the depression.

Your photos are inviting and I intend to try my first Wacky Cake using your recipe. Thanks

emmyali on November 18, 2017:

Thanks, it is very good my children will love it.

MomsTreasureChest (author) on October 31, 2017:

Hi Nancy, thanks for stopping by. It seems that the reaction of the baking soda and vinegar are what cause the cake to rise.

MomsTreasureChest (author) on October 31, 2017:

Thanks for taking the time to visit, I hope you enjoy the Wacky Cake if you decide to try this recipe.

Nancy Owens from USA on October 23, 2017:

Okay. So. What makes it rise?

Rachel Alba on October 23, 2017:

Hi Mom's Treasure Chest, this recipe sounds so good. Most of my family loves chocolate cake. I pinned it and will try it for sure.

Blessings to you.

Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on October 17, 2017:

I've never heard of Wacky Cake either, but this sounds delicious. One for me to try!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on October 14, 2017:

I've never heard of wacky cake before. I love the name. I also love the fact that your cake is a chocolate one and that it's so moist. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

Susan Zutautas from Ontario, Canada on October 14, 2017:

Looks delicious. I'll have to give your recipe a try.