Imagine a chocolate cake so incredibly easy to make that it defies all baking logic - no eggs, no milk, just pure deliciousness! This legendary "Wacky Cake" has been turning ordinary home bakers into dessert heroes for generations. Born during times of ingredient scarcity, this recipe proves that sometimes the most unexpected culinary creations become timeless classics. Get ready to discover a cake that's not just a treat, but a slice of nostalgic American baking history that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen shine!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients until they are well combined and free of lumps.
- Create three wells in the dry ingredient mixture. In one well, pour the vegetable oil. In another well, add the white vinegar. In the third well, add the vanilla extract.
- Slowly pour the water over the entire mixture. Using a whisk or spatula, mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some small lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar, frost with chocolate frosting, or serve as is. Slice into 8 equal servings and enjoy!
Tips
- • Always sift your dry ingredients to prevent lumpy batter • Use room temperature water for more even mixing • Don't overmix the batter - a few small lumps are your friend • For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to enhance the chocolate flavor • Check your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures can vary • Let the cake cool completely before adding any frosting or powdered sugar • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days • This cake is naturally vegan, making it perfect for diverse dietary needs
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
