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Chocolate Depression Cake

Chocolate Depression Cake-this recipe originates from the Great Depression. Also known as a Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake,  it’s also egg-free and dairy free for those with allergy issues

Chocolate Depression Cake-also know as a Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake, it's also egg-free and dairy free for those with allergy issues

My grandparents were all born in 1917/1918. When the Great Depression hit, they were old enough to understand why they had to ration and do without many things we take for granted today.  They drank their coffee black because they learned to do without the luxury of cream and sugar.

It’s funny, but I don’t remember them talking much about that time period as a hardship. They were young, in their teens. I remember the stories of them walking to school in the snow, having to help out around the house with chores. No TV, just a radio to listen to in the evenings.

Chocolate Depression Cake-also know as a Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake, it's also egg-free and dairy free for those with allergy issues

I sometimes envy the simplistic values of that time. Family, faith and hard work.

This Chocolate Depression Cake comes from that time. Just one bite and you’d never realize that there are no eggs, or milk. It’s moist, with a rich chocolate flavor.

The original recipe didn’t have frosting, and it doesn’t need it. You can just dust a little powdered sugar on top. Me, I like frosting, and we’re not in a depression, so why do without it?

Chocolate Depression Cake-also know as a Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake, it's also egg-free and dairy free for those with allergy issues

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Chocolate Depression Cake

Chocolate Depression Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water

frosting

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon milk (or cream)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine vanilla, vinegar, oil and water. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until completely combined and no lumps remain.
  3. Pour batter into a greased 8x8 square pan.
  4. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  5. Let cake cool completely before frosting.

for the frosting

  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan (or in the microwave using a microwave safe dish.) Stir in cocoa powder, mixture will form a thick paste.
  2. Transfer chocolate mixture to a medium size mixing bowl. With mixer on low speed, add in powdered sugar, milk and vanilla.
  3. Once ingredients are incorporated, turn mixer to medium high speed and beat about 5 minutes, until frosting is smooth and creamy. Spread on top of cooled cake.
© Gail Dickinson
Chocolate Depression Cake-also know as a Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake, it's also egg-free and dairy free for those with allergy issues

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Chocolate Depression Cake-this recipe originates from the Great Depression. Also know as a Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake, it's also egg-free and dairy free for those with allergy issues

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Comments

  3. Despite my mom telling me about wacky cakes, I’ve yet to try it. I need to get on it! I’ve heard many stories from my grandmother about the depression as well. My mom will actually joke with her a bit about how she always carries around a few crackers The depression period of her life always stayed with her a little bit. And I’m so with you about envying the more simplistic time. Can we go back together?

  8. Hi Joan, I’m from the Phillippines, thank you for sharing your recepies to us especially this one, I haven’t tried this yet, it looks yummy, can I make this as cupcake? Thank you again ms. Joan!!

  9. Instead of water in the cake I’m thinking some strong coffee would amp up the flavor. Thank you for the recipe