Crazy Cake, also known as Wacky Cake or Depression Cake, is a delightful dessert that requires no eggs, milk, or butter. This simple yet delicious cake was created during the Great Depression when ingredients were scarce. It's a perfect treat for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert.
Most of the ingredients for Crazy Cake are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually stock cocoa powder or vinegar, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Cocoa powder adds the rich chocolate flavor, while vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise.
Ingredients For Crazy Cake Recipe
Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's moisture.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
Water: Combines with the dry ingredients to form the batter.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to complement the chocolate.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the dry ingredients in the baking pan, ensure they are evenly distributed before creating the depressions. This helps in achieving a uniform texture and prevents any pockets of unmixed flour or cocoa powder.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cake slightly denser.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides natural sweetness and adds moisture, but reduce the water slightly to balance the extra liquid.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder, but omit the vinegar since baking powder already contains an acid.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.
cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, offering a different flavor profile.
water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds richness and a slight creaminess to the cake.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce reduces the fat content and adds moisture, though it may make the cake slightly denser.
vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides the necessary acidity to react with the baking soda for leavening.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor to the cake.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cake
How to Store / Freeze This Cake
Allow the Crazy Cake to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy.
For short-term storage, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to refrigerate, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For freezing, first wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring all sides are covered. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. This double wrapping helps to protect the cake from freezer burn.
Label the wrapped cake with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature, still wrapped, for several hours or overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the cake's texture and moisture.
If you need to thaw the cake quickly, you can use the microwave. Unwrap the cake and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Use the defrost setting in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Once thawed, you can refresh the cake by placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This can help restore some of its original texture and warmth.
For individual servings, slice the cake before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need, reducing waste and maintaining freshness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the leftover Crazy Cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Place a slice of Crazy Cake on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 10 seconds if needed.
- Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the Crazy Cake in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cake and let it cool slightly before serving.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the Crazy Cake on a toaster oven tray.
- Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.
- Heat for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
- Allow it to cool for a minute before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cake at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
8x8 baking pan: The container where you mix the ingredients and bake the cake.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, water, and vegetable oil.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking soda, salt, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.
Cooling rack: Used to let the cake cool down after baking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before you start. This will save time and ensure you don't miss anything.
Use a sifter: Sift the flour and cocoa powder together to avoid lumps and make mixing easier.
One-pan method: Mix everything directly in the baking pan to save on cleanup time.
Room temperature water: Use room temperature water to help the baking soda activate more quickly.
Quick cooling: Place the cake on a wire rack to cool faster, so you can serve it sooner.
Crazy Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In an ungreased 8x8 baking pan, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Make three depressions in the dry ingredients. Pour the vinegar in one, the vanilla in another, and the vegetable oil in the third. Pour water over all. Mix until smooth.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool and serve.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Cake
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