Wacky Chocolate Cake Recipe
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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!
© 2017 MomsTreasureChest
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.