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Homemade Wacky Cake (Depression Cake) recipe photo

Wacky Cake (Depression Cake)

This Wacky Cake is SO EASY! A simple, eggless, dairy-free chocolate cake that’s moist, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Cooling rack
  • Small saucepan

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 5 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional, for extra chocolatey bursts

For the Frosting:

  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp milk optional, for frosting consistency
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting

Instructions
 

Cake Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined and aerated.
  • Make three wells in the dry mixture. Pour 1 tsp white vinegar into one, 5 Tbsp vegetable oil into another, and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the third. Pour 1 cup water over everything. Mix thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips if using.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Preparation

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  • Gradually whisk in 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1 Tbsp milk if frosting is too thick to reach desired consistency.
  • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
  • Substitute vegetable oil with light olive oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
  • Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version.
  • Measure flour correctly to avoid a dense cake.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to prevent a gummy texture.
Keyword Chocolate, Dairy-Free, Easy, Eggless, Quick, Vegan