Wacky Cake Recipe
A simple and affordable cake hailing from the Depression Era, this classic dessert is not only rich in chocolate flavor but also naturally vegan. Made with pantry staples and requiring minimal effort, it's perfect for a quick and satisfying treat.
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Ingredients
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup chocolate frosting vegan (optional)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and either line an 8×8-inch baking dish or coat it lightly with non-stick spray. Combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt directly in the baking dish, mixing thoroughly until well incorporated. Create two wells in the dry mixture—add olive oil to one and pour the apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract into the other. Pour the water across the surface of the ingredients, then gently stir everything together until a smooth batter forms. Bake in the preheated oven for about 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Let the cake cool completely before applying frosting, if using. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
For frosting, you may choose a store-bought vegan option or prepare your own. Consider enhancing the presentation with toppings such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit. If substituting olive oil, opt for another minimally processed oil like avocado or coconut oil, though any plant-based oil will suffice. Brown sugar may be replaced with coconut sugar for a comparable texture and sweetness. For a gluten-free version, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend; if it lacks xanthan gum, include a small pinch during the mixing of dry ingredients.