by Anne Carter
Hello, readers I Anne Carter welcome you all today to try another cake recipe that is as different and unique as its name: Wacky Cake Recipe.
Sounds different? Right! Okay, let me tell you Wacky cake is also called by some other names like “crazy cake” and “depression cake“. The interesting fact about this is that all of these names have a different story to tell. But one thing that we must keep in mind is that we should not take its taste lightly just because it is named so. It is as delicious as any other cake that we have tried like LAUSD Coffee Cake, Chantilly Cake, and Philadelphia Cheesecake.
This cake originated during the Great Depression when ingredients like eggs and butter were scarce and expensive, thus called Depression Cake. This cake is so simple to make as it does not require much of ingredients as we usually do like eggs, milk, or butter and whenever someone hears people are like Isn’t it crazy? Hope by now you must have known why is it called crazy cake.
Lastly, this cake is simply unbeatable for all who are vegan or simply seeking some desserts during their diets as it is dairy free but you must consider this fact while preparing your frosting as well. You can also have a look at Protein Mug Cake and Keto Carrot Cake if seeking other such recipes for your diet.
What Is Wacky Cake?
It’s a yummy chocolate cake that’s a bit different because it skips eggs and dairy in the recipe. But don’t worry, it’s still delicious! Just a heads up, I used heavy whipping cream for the topping, so if you’re going for a dairy-free cake, find a non-dairy option for that part.
What makes it even more fun is that some folks just mix up all the cake ingredients right in the baking pan—no extra bowls needed!
Now, let’s dive into the history of this cake. It dates back to World War II and was popular during the Great Depression. Back then, it was tough to find ingredients like eggs and dairy, so creative bakers came up with this recipe. And despite its wacky name, the taste is anything but strange. Give it a try!
Overview: How To Make Wacky Cake?
Get ready for a chocolate lover’s dream with our Quick and Easy Chocolate Cake with Cocoa Frosting! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this moist and delightful chocolate cake using a single bowl. The straightforward process involves combining all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda, adding vanilla, vinegar, oil, and water, then baking until perfection at 350°F.
While the cake cools, whip together a divine cocoa frosting using butter, cocoa, honey, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and a bit of milk. The result is a homemade chocolate masterpiece—quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. This recipe is your go-to solution for a delightful chocolate treat without the fuss. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
Simple Wacky Cake Recipe
You must try this Wacky Cake recipe if you're seeking for a tasty and entertaining dessert! Rich chocolate flavor permeates this cake, which is finished with simple chocolate whipped cream.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Calories: 564kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 9
Equipment
Measuring Cups
Whisk
Baking Pan
Cooling Rack
Icing Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½cups(187 g) all-purpose flour
- 1cup(200 g) granulated sugar
- ¼cup(29.5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½teaspoonkosher salt
- 1teaspoonbaking soda
- 1teaspoonvanilla extract
- 1teaspoonwhite vinegar
- ⅓cupvegetable oil
- 1cup(237 g) water
FROSTING
- 3tablespoonsunsalted butter,softened
- 3tablespoonsunsweetened cocoa powder
- 1tablespoonhoney
- 1teaspoonvanilla extract
- 1cup(125 g) confectioners' sugar
- 3tablespoonswhole milk,or heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.
In a big bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Just whisk them all together.
Add vanilla, vinegar, oil, and water to the bowl. Stir everything together until it's all mixed up. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake it in the oven for 30-35 minutes. You know it's ready when a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs (not all clean!). Let it cool while you get the frosting ready.
Frosting
Using a hand-held mixer, blend room temperature butter, cocoa, honey, vanilla, and confectioners sugar.
Turn on the mixer low and let it mix everything for about 30 seconds.
Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it's the thickness you like. It might not need all 3 tablespoons – you might need a bit more. It depends on the season and your kitchen.
Nutrition
Calories: 564kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 386mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 13mg
Keyword best wacky cake recipe, original wacky cake recipe, wacky cake recipe
Time for The Tips
- Keep it Vegan Goodness: This cake is naturally vegan, so no worries there. If you want to make it friendly for friends or family with specific diets or allergies, a few tweaks can do the trick.
- Allergy-Friendly Adaptations: Easily adjust some ingredients to make this cake suitable for everyone. Swap out specific items to cater to dietary restrictions without losing the deliciousness.
- Get Creative with Mix-ins: Want to jazz it up a bit? Throw in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before popping it in the oven. It’s a simple twist that adds extra yum!
- Flavorful Twists: Change things up by swapping vanilla extract for another flavor like almond or orange. It’s a small switch, but it can make your cake stand out with a unique and delightful taste.
Possible Flavor Variations!
- Mocha Wacky Cake: For a delightful coffee and chocolate blend, throw 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee or espresso powder into the dry ingredients. It’s an absolute winner that everyone will rave about!
- Mint Chocolate Wacky Cake: You can never go wrong with mint! Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for that classic minty kick. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
- Orange Zest Wacky Cake: Here’s a match made in heaven—orange and chocolate! Toss the zest of one orange into the batter for a subtle citrus flavor that takes this cake to the next level. It’s a refreshing twist you won’t want to miss.
Storing and Managing Leftovers
- In the Fridge: Pop your cake into the fridge by covering it with foil or storing those leftover slices in a tight-sealed container. Your cake will keep its deliciousness for a cool 4-5 days.
- In the Freezer: Freezing your Wacky Cake is a piece of cake! Bake it up, but hold off on the whipped topping. Once it cools down, tuck it into an airtight container and slap on a date label. Your frozen delight will stay perfect for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Right before serving, crown it with that luscious chocolate whipped topping. Voilà, instant joy!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is it called wacky cake?
A: The name “wacky cake” is attributed to its unconventional method of preparation and the use of non-traditional ingredients. The recipe doesn’t follow the typical cake-making process, making it a bit “wacky” compared to traditional cake recipes.
Q: Is it difficult to make a wacky cake?
A: Not at all! One of the charms of the wacky cake is its simplicity. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal effort and basic baking skills. You can have a delicious homemade cake without the need for advanced baking techniques.
Q: Can I frost or decorate a wacky cake?
A: Absolutely! You can frost your wacky cake with your favorite icing or glaze. Additionally, feel free to get creative with decorations like sprinkles, grated chocolate, or fresh fruit to enhance its visual appeal.