Depression Cake
A simple (but delicious!) chocolate cake recipe from the Depression Era. Not only is it easy to make but doesn't require eggs, butter or milk!
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Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 329kcal
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm water
Chocolate Icing
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water
- pinch ground cinnamon
Instructions
Cake
- Use parchment paper to line an 8x8 baking dish. This helps to make it easier to remove the cake.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- After the cake is completely cooled off, spread the chocolate icing evenly on it. Wait for it to set.
- Slice the cake into squares and serve. Try not to eat it all at once!
Nutrition
Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 253mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 42g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 2mg
