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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

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.