Wacky Cake – Vegan Chocolate Cake
Mar 23, 2025, Updated Apr 18, 2025
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This Wacky Cake was made by grandmas across the country, but I was well into my 20s before I realized this wasn’t my own grandma’s secret chocolate cake recipe. Wacky Cake – also known as a Depression Cake or Crazy Cake – is made without eggs, milk or butter. Hence the wackiness.
It’s a great cake to make now, as eggs are more expensive and difficult to find. It makes for a quick-and-easy dessert that’s so simple even novice bakers and children can join in the fun.
I remember my grandma making this cake often, and it was one of the first recipes I learned to make on my own. It remains one of the most delicious chocolate desserts you can whip up with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The chocolate glaze I use here is just like the one my grandma made, creating a crackle-top frosting for the fluffy and moist chocolate cake.
Traditionally, the cake was served without any frosting. It’s equally delicious with a dusting of powdered sugar in lieu of any frosting or icing at all.
Additional topping ideas:
- Add sprinkles to make this a celebration cake
- Chop toasted walnuts or pecans to add on before the icing sets
- Use pre-made whipped topping to spread on for an icebox-style cake
Wacky Cake – Vegan Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the chocolate icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8-inch x 8-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray.
- Add 1½ cups flour, 1 cup sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Create a well in the middle of the dry mixture and add in 1 tablespoon vinegar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup hot water.Stir until the mix is just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake rest, until cool.
- Meanwhile, make the glaze by adding 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, ¼ cup water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to a bowl. Whisk together until a shiny glaze is formed and no lumps are present.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and use the back of a spatula to spread evenly. Let rest until glaze is set. Slice and enjoy!
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