Wacky Cake, also known as “crazy cake” or “depression cake,” is a unique dessert that emerged during the Great Depression. This chocolate cake is notable for its absence of eggs, butter, and milk—ingredients that were scarce during that era. Despite its humble beginnings, Wacky Cake boasts a rich, moist texture and a delightful chocolate flavor, making it a beloved recipe that has stood the test of time. Its simplicity and the convenience of mixing the batter directly in the baking pan have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Ingredients
To prepare a traditional Wacky Cake, gather the following:
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All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups
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Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 3 tablespoons
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Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
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Salt: ½ teaspoon
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Vegetable Oil: 5 tablespoons
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White Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
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Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
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Cold Water: 1 cup
Preparation Steps
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Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In an ungreased 8-inch square baking pan, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a fork or whisk to blend the ingredients evenly.
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Create Wells for Wet Ingredients:
- Make three small wells in the dry mixture.
- Pour the vegetable oil into one well.
- Add the vinegar into the second well.
- Place the vanilla extract into the third well.
- Make three small wells in the dry mixture.
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Add Water and Mix:
- Pour the cold water over all the ingredients in the pan.
- Stir the mixture with a fork or small whisk until it forms a smooth batter, ensuring no lumps remain.
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Bake the Cake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
- The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool Before Serving:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, you can serve it directly from the pan or transfer it to a serving plate.
Serving Suggestions
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Frosting Options: While the original Wacky Cake is often enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, you can enhance its flavor with various frostings. A simple chocolate glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a dusting of cocoa powder can complement the cake’s rich taste.
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Accompaniments: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also provide a delightful contrast.
Variations
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Flavor Enhancements: Substitute the cold water with brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor. Adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients can also achieve this effect.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry mix for a warm, spiced undertone.
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Alternative Flours: For a different texture or to accommodate dietary preferences, experiment with whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Historical Context
The creation of Wacky Cake is a testament to culinary ingenuity during challenging times. During the Great Depression and World War II, home bakers devised this recipe to work around the scarcity of traditional baking ingredients. The use of vinegar reacts with baking soda to provide leavening, allowing the cake to rise without eggs. This resourceful approach resulted in a delicious dessert that could be made with limited resources, and its enduring popularity speaks to its delightful taste and simplicity.
By following this straightforward recipe, you can enjoy a slice of history and savor the rich, chocolatey goodness of a classic Wacky Cake. Its ease of preparation and delightful flavor make it a perfect choice for both novice bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts.