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Depression-Era Wacky Cake (No Bowl Needed) Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings (based on 9x9-inch pan cut into squares)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Depression-Era Wacky Cake is a simple, no-fuss chocolate cake made without eggs or milk, perfect for tough times or when pantry staples are limited. It requires no mixing bowls and combines all ingredients directly in the baking pan. Moist, tender, and delicious, it's a nostalgic treat representing resourcefulness during hard times.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup canola oil plus more for greasing
  • 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
  2. Grease the pan: Lightly oil an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix dry ingredients in pan: Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the greased baking pan. Whisk them together well while shaking the pan to distribute evenly.
  4. Create wells for wet ingredients: Using a spoon or bottom of a measuring cup, make one large well and two smaller wells in the flour mixture.
  5. Add wet ingredients: Pour canola oil into the large well. In the two smaller wells, add vinegar and vanilla extract separately.
  6. Combine: Pour water over all the ingredients and stir gently just until the batter is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes if using an 8x8-inch pan, or 25-30 minutes for a 9x9-inch pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in its pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This cake contains no eggs or dairy, making it suitable for those with those allergies.
  • Use either white or apple cider vinegar based on preference; it reacts with baking soda for leavening.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense texture.
  • Ensure the pan is well-greased to avoid sticking.
  • Serving size is estimated as one generous slice; adjust yield accordingly for larger servings.
  • You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or frost as desired.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesbylea.com/depression-era-wacky-cake-no-bowl-needed-recipe/