Wacky Cake

Wacky Cake is moist, chocolatey, and easy to make! This vintage cake was popular in the Depression era, so is sometimes called Depression Cake, and contains no butter, milk, or eggs.

You are in the right spot if you love a great cake recipe. This Wacky Cake is made with simple ingredients and is easy to assemble. Packed full of chocolate flavor, this cake recipe has stood the test of time. It is moist and rich and can be topped with anything you desire. 

The best part? Wacky Cake doesn’t contain some of the key ingredients other cakes tend to need. Free of milk, eggs, and butter, this cake is great for dairy-free and vegetarians. Take it to your next potluck or gathering, or enjoy it as a sweet treat at the end of a family meal. No matter what you choose, it is the best chocolate cake. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This delicious cake is incredibly easy to make. The instructions are simple, the ingredients are limited, and the time it takes to make it is minimal. You can quickly whip up this wacky cake recipe without too much fuss. 
• Simple Ingredients: Wacky Cake uses basic pantry staples that are usually readily available in most kitchens, such as flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil. You can probably make this cake without having to go to the store for ingredients. 
• No Eggs or Dairy: This cake is ideal for those with dietary restrictions or allergies to eggs or dairy. It’s also a great option when you run out of these ingredients and still want to enjoy a homemade cake.
• Nostalgia Factor: Wacky Cake, also known as Crazy Cake or Depression Cake, has a historical element. It originated when certain ingredients were scarce, and people had to get creative with what they had. This is a very nostalgic recipe to make. 
• Budget-Friendly: Wacky Cake is cost-effective and doesn’t require expensive ingredients. It’s a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy a homemade dessert without breaking the bank.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Vegetable oil
• White vinegar
• Cold water – Not necessarily ice cold, but definitely the coldest your faucet can get.

How to Make Wacky Cake

Follow along to learn how to make wacky cake – it is super delicious!

• Step One: Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Step Two: Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl. Stir to combine. Make three wells in the mixture.

• Step Three: Add vanilla, oil, and vinegar to each well. Pour in cold water and beat until no lumps are left.

• Step Four: Pour the batter into an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before cutting.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve this easy chocolate cake with your favorite dessert sides. 

• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Butterscotch Sauce
• Strawberry Sauce
• Stabilized Whipped Cream
• Hot Fudge Sauce

Variations and Substitutions 

• Oil Options: Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil, melted butter, or a neutral oil like canola. If you use the same ratios, the cake should turn out fine. 
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This will add an extra layer of flavor to this simple chocolate cake recipe.
• Frosting or Toppings: While the cake is delicious, you can top it with your favorite frosting, glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. The option is entirely yours. 

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers of this wacky chocolate cake, you can store them rather easily. Wait for your cake to cool; once it is cooled, place it in an airtight container. It can be stored on the top of your counter for up to 3 days. 

Can I Freeze?

Yes. This simple cake can also be stored in the freezer. Ensure it has completely cooled, then wrap it in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together before adding them to the wet ingredients can help remove lumps. You want to ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients, so make sure to sift. 
• Mix well, but don’t overmix: After adding the wet ingredients, mix the batter until it is combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so stop once you no longer see dry flour.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to check for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Just make sure there is no wet batter on the toothpick. 
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting it to serve. This helps the texture set, making the slices easier to cut without crumbling.

Can I Use Coffee Instead of Water?

Yes, you can substitute coffee for water in your Wacky Cake recipe. Using coffee can add depth and richness to the cake’s chocolate flavor, giving it a unique and delicious twist. Before adding it to the batter, please ensure the coffee is cooled.

Other Names

• Crazy Cake
• Depression Cake
• War Cake
• Poor Man’s Cake
• Milkless, Eggless, Butterless Cake
• Sweetheart Cake
• Mix-in-the-Pan Cake
• No-Bowl Cake
• One-Pan Chocolate Cake

Frosting Ideas

• Classic Chocolate Frosting
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Vanilla Buttercream
• Mocha Frosting
• Peanut Butter Frosting
• Coconut Cream Frosting
• Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
• Raspberry Buttercream
• Maple Glaze
• Caramel Frosting

Can I Make it Into Cupcakes?

Yes. You can make wacky cakes into cupcakes. The recipe’s simplicity allows for several different versions. 

• Step One: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Step Two: Prepare your cupcake pan with liners.
• Step Three: Fill each cupcake liner with the Wacky Cake batter, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
• Step Four: Bake in the preheated oven. Start checking for doneness around 15-20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. They’re done if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Step Five: Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Step Six: Frost and decorate the cupcakes as desired.

What Makes it Wacky?

Wacky Cake earns its whimsical name due to its unconventional cake-making approach. This recipe excludes traditional ingredients like eggs, butter, and dairy, relying instead on a one-bowl method, where the batter is mixed directly in the baking pan.

Why Do You Add Vinegar?

The baking soda and vinegar react during baking to create carbon dioxide, allowing the cake to rise!

Can You Taste the Vinegar?

No. The flavor of the vinegar will not be detectable within your chocolate cake. It is only there to work as a leavening agent. 

Vintage Recipes

• Radio Pudding 
• Coconut Pie
• Impossible Pie 
• Earthquake Cake
• Mocha Cake
• Pineapple Cake
• Oatmeal Cake
• Fruit Cocktail Cake
• Shoofly Pie
• Cracker Pudding

Try this Chocolate Rum Cake.