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Old-Fashioned Crazy Cake

Old-Fashioned Crazy Cake Recipe: Easy Depression-Era Dessert

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A moist, rich, and chocolatey cake made without eggs, milk, or butter. This vintage Depression-era dessert, also known as Wacky Cake or War Cake, is simple to make using pantry staples and is naturally vegan and dairy-free.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In an ungreased 8×8-inch baking pan, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Make three wells in the dry mixture. Pour vanilla extract into one, vinegar into the second, and vegetable oil into the third.
  4. Pour cold water over everything and mix with a fork until smooth.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For a deeper chocolate flavor, substitute cold water with brewed coffee.
  • Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
  • Top with chocolate frosting or dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
  • Author: Catherine Robinson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 203mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg