I’ve been obsessed with WWII lately. I’ve also been researching recipes that were popular during times of rationing and this one caught my attention, so much so that I JUST had to try it! I’m so glad I did – it is completely scrumptiously rich and moist and uses NO eggs, milk or butter! I’ve updated the original ingredients and instructions a bit.
OLD FASHIONED WACKY CAKE aka DEPRESSION CAKE or WAR CAKE
1½ cups flour
1 cup sugar
4 3 tablespoons QUALITY cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons NEUTRAL oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 1 teaspoons PURE vanilla
1 cup water
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Spray 8×8 inch cake pan with Baker’s Joy.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in
an 8×8 inch panlarge bowl. - Make 3 wells in the flour mixture.
- Pour the oil into one well, the vinegar into another well, and the vanilla into another well.
- Pour the water over everything.
- Whisk the mixture until cake batter forms.
You may need to use a spatula on the corners of the pan to make sure all of the dry ingredients get mixed in.Spread into prepared cake pan. - Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool, slice, and serve.
- Top the cake with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or frosting (chocolate or cream cheese are best).
