Classic Wacky Chocolate Cake
Discover the delightful experience of baking this Classic Wacky Chocolate Cake, a whimsical dessert that comes together with simple ingredients and requires no eggs or dairy. Originating during the Great Depression, this easy recipe has stood the test of time for its rich, chocolatey flavor and unique preparation method. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its moist texture and deep chocolate taste. Serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite frosting for an added treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (measured)
sugar
1 cup (measured)
cocoa powder
3 tablespoons (measured)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
white vinegar
1 teaspoon (measured)
vegetable oil
5 tablespoons (measured)
cold water
1 cup (cold)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unbleached all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until all dry ingredients are blended.
3
Using the back of a measuring cup or a spoon, create three wells in the dry mixture.
4
In the first well, pour in the vanilla extract; in the second well, add the vinegar; and in the third well, place the vegetable oil.
5
Pour 1 cup of cold water over the entire mixture.
6
Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
7
Transfer the batter into an ungreased 8 x 8-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
9
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Once cool, enjoy the cake as is, or decorate with powdered sugar or your favorite frosting.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Wacky Chocolate Cake?
Classic Wacky Chocolate Cake is a whimsical dessert originating from the Great Depression that uses simple ingredients and requires no eggs or dairy.
Is this cake suitable for vegans?
Yes, since it contains no eggs or dairy products, it is naturally vegan-friendly.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
How much cocoa powder is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
What is the unique mixing method for Wacky Cake?
The method involves creating three wells in the dry ingredients to hold the liquid ingredients before adding water and mixing.
What goes into the first well?
The first well should contain 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What goes into the second well?
The second well should contain 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.
What goes into the third well?
The third well should contain 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Do I use hot or cold water?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of cold water.
Should I grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions state to transfer the batter into an ungreased 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
What is the texture of Wacky Cake?
The cake has a moist texture and a deep chocolate taste.
Is it okay if the batter has lumps?
Yes, a few lumps are okay; you should stir gently until just combined and avoid overmixing.
How should I cool the cake?
Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sugar.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda, which reacts with the vinegar.
Can I add toppings to this cake?
Yes, you can serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with your favorite frosting.
What size pan should I use?
An 8 x 8-inch baking pan is the recommended size.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla, vinegar, oil, and water.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
You need 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What is the history of this recipe?
It originated during the Great Depression when ingredients like eggs and butter were scarce or expensive.
Is this a difficult recipe to bake?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that uses simple pantry staples.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, you can stir the batter gently with a spatula or whisk.
How much salt is in the cake?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I serve this cake for special occasions?
Yes, it is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress family and friends.
Is the batter poured over the water or the water over the batter?
The 1 cup of cold water is poured over the entire mixture after the other ingredients are in the bowl.