Indulge Without Constraints: Chocolate Depression Cake – No Milk, Eggs, or Butter
Are you craving a decadent chocolate cake but find yourself without milk, eggs, or butter? Fear not! Our Chocolate Depression Cake is here to save the day. This delectable dessert proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a masterpiece in your kitchen. With its rich cocoa flavor, moist texture, and simple preparation, this cake is sure to become a go-to recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth. Join us as we delve into the world of Depression-era baking and discover the magic of this delightful chocolate cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Water
- Chocolate Frosting of your choice
- Rainbow Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make three wells in the dry ingredients. Pour the white vinegar into one well, vanilla extract into another, and vegetable oil into the third. Pour the water over the entire mixture. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cake has cooled, frost it with your favorite chocolate frosting and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles if desired.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich and chocolaty goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Coffee Infusion: For an extra depth of flavor, substitute brewed coffee for the water in the recipe.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Why is it called Depression Cake? A: Depression Cake, also known as Wacky Cake or Crazy Cake, originated during the Great Depression when ingredients such as milk, eggs, and butter were scarce or expensive. This cake recipe was developed to create a delicious dessert using simple pantry staples.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this cake by substituting a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q: What type of frosting pairs well with this cake? A: Chocolate frosting is a classic choice for this cake, but you can also use vanilla frosting, cream cheese frosting, or any frosting of your choice.
Q: Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake? A: Yes, you can pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this cake, substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour, and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar. You can also use melted coconut oil or butter instead of vegetable oil.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version substitutions and adjust the ingredients to fit your low-carb dietary preferences.
With its simplicity, affordability, and delicious taste, Chocolate Depression Cake proves that you can create a mouthwatering dessert with basic pantry staples. Whether you’re facing tough times or simply want to indulge in a nostalgic treat, this cake is a true testament to the power of creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the joy of baking without limitations.