Chocolate Depression Era Cake (Wacky Cake)

completed EASY Chocolate Depression Cake [Wacky Cake] sliced against a white surface

4.95 from 55 votes

Chocolate Depression Era Cake (Wacky Cake)

This chocolate depression cake/Wacky cake is naturally vegan, containing no eggs, butter, or milk, yet still rich, moist, and chocolatey. It’s also mixed directly in the cake pan for the EASIEST vegan chocolate cake ever!

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 251kcal

Author: Jake

Equipment

Ingredients

1 ½ cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup of lukewarm water
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of white or apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of vegetable oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add the water, vinegar, vanilla extract, and oil. Stir until just combined and smooth. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake begins to pull away from the sides and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool before serving. Top with powdered sugar, fruit, or your favorite frosting.

Notes

Ensure the leavening agents are in date: Otherwise, the cake won’t rise properly.
If you want to make cupcakes, mix the batter in a bowl and pour it into a cupcake tin (until about 3/4 full). Bake for between 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
For a layered cake, double the batch and divide evenly into two pans. Allow to cool completely before spreading the filling.
If you want vanilla, I also have a great recipe for vanilla depression era cupcakes.

Nutrition