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Wacky Cake Recipe a Chocolate Depression Cake

This wacky cake is a chocolate cake from the depression era. This traditional cake recipe holds a special place in many kitchens because it reminds us of simpler times. The fact that it uses common ingredients, and no eggs or dairy is a testament to the creativity of home bakers during the Great Depression era. It’s truly a great recipe that has stood the test of time.

I first made this cake when I was in school way back in 6th grade. It was one of the first cakes that I learned how to make.

Whether you’re making it for a nostalgic treat, a birthday cake, or simply because you’re craving an easy chocolate cake, this old-fashioned recipe won’t disappoint.

Wacky Cake Recipe a Chocolate Depression Cake

Why You’ll Love This Wacky Cake Recipe

Uses only simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.

No need for extra bowls or complicated steps—mix it all in the cake pan!

It’s vegan-friendly, making it a great vegan chocolate cake option.

Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Chocolate Depression Cake

Old-Fashioned Wacky Cake Recipe: A Simple Chocolate Cake with Two Frosting Options

This delicious cake skips traditional ingredients like eggs and butter, relying instead on pantry staples. It’s incredibly moist, versatile, and perfect for special occasions or an everyday sweet treat.

Top it with either a creamy vanilla frosting or a rich chocolate buttercream frosting. The vanilla frosting adds a sweet contrast to the cake’s deep chocolate flavor, creating a light and classic pairing. On the other hand, the chocolate buttercream frosting doubles down on the indulgence, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Both options are easy to whip up with simple ingredients and can be customized with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra-special touch.

Wacky Cake Recipe a Chocolate Depression Cake
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Wacky Cake Recipe a Chocolate Depression Cake

This wacky cake is a chocolate cake from the depression era. This traditional cake recipe holds a special place in many kitchens because it reminds us of simpler times. The fact that it uses common ingredients, and no eggs or dairy is a testament to the creativity of home bakers during the Great Depression era. It’s truly a great recipe that has stood the test of time.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: budget recipe, cake recipe, dessert recipe, holiday dessert, summer dessert, sweet snack, Valentine’s Dessert
Servings: 9 servings, 8 x 8 Cake Pan
Calories: 168kcal

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup White Sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Tablespoons White Vinegar
  • 5 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil or canola oil
  • 1 Cup Water room temperature
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Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a fork to combine them evenly.
    1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 Cup White Sugar, 4 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder, 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda, ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • Make three wells in the dry flour mixture: a larger hole for the vegetable oil, and two smaller ones for the vanilla extract and white vinegar.
    1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1 Tablespoons White Vinegar, 5 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil, 1 Cup Water
  • Pour water over the entire mixture and stir until smooth, creating a uniform cake batter.
  • Pour the cake mixture in a prepared baking pan.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cooked cake cool completely before adding frosting.

Your Own Private Notes

Notes

Vanilla Frosting
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp softened butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp milk or non-dairy alternative (room temperature)
Using a handheld mixer, mix the ingredients together in a separate bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over the top of the cake for a sweet contrast to the chocolate.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat all ingredients together until fluffy. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle chocolate chips over the even layer of frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 253mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

Chocolate Wacky Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Tips for Perfect Wacky Cake

Use room temperature water for a very moist cake.

Make sure to properly measure wet and dry ingredients.

For a richer chocolate flavor, add a little bit of brown sugar to the batter.

This recipe doubles well for a 9 x 13 cake pan, sheet cake or can a bundt pan.

Pair cake slices with ice cream, fresh fruit, or even peanut butter frosting for variety.

Storing and Serving

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for longer storage, but bring it back to room temperature before serving to maintain its soft texture.

Wacky Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Other Names for the Wacky Cake

Did you know this dessert goes by many names? While most of us call it wacky cake, it’s also known as crazy cake, war cake, or even chocolate depression cake.

These names reflect its roots in the Great Depression era and World War II, when home bakers had to get creative with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and vegetable oil instead of butter and eggs.

Some even call it poor man’s cake because it uses affordable, pantry staples that are easy to find. Today, it’s also popular as a vegan chocolate cake, loved for its simplicity and versatility.

AboutVictoria

You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.

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