This eggless, butterless, milkless cake recipe was invented during the Great Depression and was popular during World War II when eggs, milk, and butter were not readily available and/or too expensive to use for dessert. The cake is known as Wacky Cake, Depression Cake, Victory Cake or Hobo Cake.

If you are scared about using vinegar and/or no dairy in your desserts, trust the recipe and try it. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

BONUS: this cake is mixed in the pan it bakes in!

I’ve included a link to a page with variations in ingredients for different flavors including lemon and spice cake.

WACKY CAKE

1½ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cocoa powder

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup vegetable oil or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup boiling water

 

Grease an 8×8 dish and preheat your oven to 350°.

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the dish. After whisking, level the mix and make three separate holes.

Pour vanilla in one hole, vinegar in the second hole, and oil in the third hole. Pour boiling water over the top and mix well.

Bake at 350° for 28 minutes.

Feel free to add frosting or just dust it with powdered sugar!

For a 9X13 pan, double the recipe.

Link for additional flavors HERE. Scroll to the bottom of the page for recipe variations.

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