Chocolate Depression Cake (Wacky Cake)

The Depression Cake (aka Wacky Cake) is not only a simple dessert to make but an ingenious one as well. It’s from the Depression Era when fresh ingredients weren’t always easy to come by.

As a result, this super scrumptious treat doesn’t use any eggs, butter or milk!

But don’t let any of that fool you into not making it. The Depression Cake is still super moist and rich and oh-so-chocolatey!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour. Without it, we wouldn’t even have a cake! All kidding aside, flour gives our cake the structure it needs and holds it together.

Granulated Sugar. Sugar sweetens the mix and also makes the cake soft and gives it a golden hue.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Aside from flour, cocoa powder is the most important ingredient in the dessert. It’s what gives the cake (and icing) the rich chocolate flavor you want.

Baking Soda. Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise. Baking soda reacts with vinegar and will ensure that the cake is nice and fluffy.

Kosher Salt. Salt is crucial to help balance out the sweetness of the cake and also to enhance the chocolate flavor.

White Vinegar. Acts with the baking soda from earlier. Vinegar helps the cake rise and gives it a tender crumb.

Vanilla Extract. Helps to deepen the flavor of the cake by imparting a complement to the chocolate. It also adds a nice aromatic touch to the icing.

Vegetable Oil. Adding vegetable oil is what gives the cake its moist texture and tender crumb.

Warm Water. Blends all the ingredients together and also helps to add to the cake’s moistness.

Powdered Sugar. After it’s blended in, powdered sugar is what makes the icing silky smooth and sweet.

Ground Cinnamon. Adds a touch of warmth and spice to the icing – just a pinch is all you need!

Ingredient	Description
All-Purpose Flour	Provides structure and holds the cake together.
Granulated Sugar	Sweetens, softens, and gives a golden hue to the cake.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder	Key for rich chocolate flavor in cake and icing.
Baking Soda	Leavening agent ensuring a fluffy cake when reacting with vinegar.
Kosher Salt	Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
White Vinegar	Works with baking soda for cake rise and tenderness.
Vanilla Extract	Deepens flavor, complements chocolate, and adds aroma to icing.
Vegetable Oil	Gives moist texture and tender crumb to the cake.
Warm Water	Blends ingredients and contributes to cake’s moistness.
Powdered Sugar	Makes icing silky smooth and sweet after blending.
Ground Cinnamon	Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the icing.

Chocolate Depression Cake – Step by Step

Preheat the Oven. Use parchment paper to line an 8×8 baking dish. This helps to make it easier to remove the cake.

Combine Dry Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together thoroughly.

Add Wet Ingredients. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, make a well in the center. Pour in the vinegar, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and warm water. Mix until just combined but don’t overmix it.

Bake the Cake. Transfer the batter to the lined baking dish. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. To test, insert a toothpick. When it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s perfect. Set it aside to cool.

Prepare the Chocolate Icing. As the cake cools off, it’s time to make the icing. You’ll want to whisk the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and water together.

Keep an eye on the consistency of the icing. If it’s too thick, add a little water. Don’t forget to toss in a pinch of cinnamon for that special flavor.

Frost the Cake. After the cake is completely cooled off, spread the chocolate icing evenly on it. Wait for it to set.

Serve and Enjoy. Slice the cake into squares and serve. Try not to eat it all at once!

Step	Description
Preheat the Oven	Line an 8×8 dish with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients	Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Add Wet Ingredients	Pour vinegar, vanilla, oil, and warm water into a well in the dry mix. Combine without overmixing.
Bake the Cake	Transfer batter to dish, bake for ~30 mins. Cool after testing with a toothpick.
Prepare the Icing	Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and water. Adjust consistency and add cinnamon.
Frost the Cake	Spread icing on cooled cake and let it set.
Serve and Enjoy	Slice into squares and serve.