Crazy Cake

Table of Contents

1. Recipe Overview
2. Ingredients for Crazy Cake
3. Substitutions and Additions
4. How to Make Crazy Cake
5. Pro Tips
6. How To Serve Crazy Cake
7. Why You'll Love This Crazy Cake Recipe
8. Recipe FAQ
9. Serving FAQ
10. Storage FAQ
11. JUMP TO RECIPE
12. More Cake Recipes To Try 

This chocolate crazy cake is also known as "Depression cake" or "wacky" cake. During the Great Depression and wartime, some ingredients were hard to find, so this cake uses simple, non-perishable items like vegetable oil and vinegar.

Plus, there's no milk, eggs, or dairy! It’s incredibly easy to make, and you likely already have everything you need!

This crazy cake recipe is simple and quick. It stirs together in a baking dish - no mixer required!

It’s perfect for anyone looking for a foolproof cake that’s moist and full of flavor. Get ready to enjoy this budget-friendly treat that everyone will love!

Recipe Overview

🥣 - Made in an 8x8 baking pan. You don't need any mixing bowls or beaters. Just measuring cups and spoons, and a spoon to mix everything together.

🎂 - You'll only need simple pantry staples, including cocoa, vinegar, flour, sugar, and oil.

⏲️ - 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and serves 9.

🛒 What you'll need to make this recipe for Crazy Cake:

For The Cake:

• 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of cold water

For The Chocolate Frosting (optional):

• ½ cup of cocoa powder
• ½ cup of butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 5 cups of powdered sugar
• ¼ cup of milk or more if needed for desired consistency

VEGETABLE OIL: Canola oil or sunflower oil will also work. Butter is also a suitable replacement.

COCOA: Dutch processed cocoa will make the cake even richer and more chocolatey.

FROSTING: This cake is delicious with or without frosting. We provide you with more serving suggestions below!

MORE CRAZY CAKES:

We love crazy cakes so much, we've also shared our vanilla crazy cake recipe, and our chocolate peanut butter crazy cake.

Each one is delicious as a simple and affordable birthday cake, or as a quick weeknight dessert treat.

Never made a crazy cake before? Don't worry! It's really easy.

Pro Tips

A few things to know before you get started:

💡 The vinegar is a must in this recipe. It reacts with the baking soda to give the cake the desired texture, doing the work eggs would do in other recipes. The cake does not come out tasting like vinegar!

💡 Remove the bubbles! After you mix everything together, you might see some bubbles in your cake batter. Tap the cake pan lightly on the counter to release the bubbles.

💡 Watch the baking time. Check the cake around the 25 minute mark. You don't want to overbake it. It may need up to 35 minutes. Over temperatures might vary.

Follow our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips below. Let’s get started.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In an UNGREASED 8×8-inch baking pan, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Using a whisk, stir the dry ingredients in the pan to sift it all together.
4. Next, using your fingers or a spoon, make a good-sized well in the middle and two smaller wells, one on each side of the center well.
5. Place the vegetable oil in the center well, and the vanilla and vinegar in the smaller wells.
6. Pour the water over everything.
7. Use the whisk to stir until combined. You can also use a spoon to get into the corners and further mix until smooth.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Remove from the oven to cool completely before serving.
9. Slice into 9 pieces and serve.

To Make The Chocolate Frosting

1. Place the cocoa in a medium mixing bowl. Add the melted butter.
2. Using a mixer, mix together until smooth. Then add vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk and mix until smooth, beating for two to three minutes.

This chocolate crazy cake recipe is easy to make for all sorts of events. It's a quick party dessert. We love ending a weeknight dinner with this classic comfort food dessert.

It's the perfect sweet treat for your egg-free or dairy-free loved one.

• For Kids' Parties: Serve with easy homemade ice cream to make the birthday girl or boy feel extra special. Here are some ideas (no ice cream maker needed!):
  
  🍨 - No-Churn Birthday Cake Ice Cream
  🍨 - No Churn Cotton Candy Ice Cream
  🍨 - Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
  🍨 - Peach Ice Cream
  
• Topping Ideas: We love our chocolate frosting with this simple cake. For a birthday or holiday, add some sprinkles while the frosting is still fresh.
  
  For an even easier treat, serve plain! This sweet treat is enough, all on its own.
  
  A sprinkle of powdered sugar is a nice touch.

More Topping Ideas for Chocolate Crazy Cake

• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Cool Whip Frosting
• Lemon Buttercream Frosting
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
• Caramel Sauce

This chocolate depression cake is a fan favorite for so many reasons. It’s simple, reliable, and so delicious! Here’s why we can’t get enough of it:

• Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients or tricky steps—just mix and bake!

• Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have, so it’s kind to your wallet.

• No Frosting Needed: You can enjoy it plain, or top it with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

• Quick to Bake: In no time, you’ll have a warm, homemade cake ready to enjoy.

This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Everyone loves it, and it’s sure to become a regular in your baking routine!

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips to this cake?
We haven't tried it, but you could experiment with chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit.

How do I know when the chocolate depression cake is done?
Check the cake by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done baking.

Can I make this chocolate depression cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the cake up to 24 hours before serving. Let it cool completely, then cover it and store it until ready to serve.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this chocolate depression cake should be naturally vegan since it doesn't include eggs or dairy, but

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
You can adjust the pan size, but make sure to check the baking time. A larger pan will need less time, while a smaller pan may require more.

What’s the best way to serve chocolate depression cake at a party?
Serve the cake in squares or slices on a decorative platter. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch.

What else can I serve this cake?
Whipped cream pairs perfectly with this cake! Add a dollop on top for extra creaminess. Of course, ice cream is a nice touch!

How should I cut the chocolate depression cake?
Cut the cake into small, even squares or slices. We cut our 8x8 cake into 9 pieces.

For optimal storage of this chocolate depression cake, follow the tips and tricks below. Proper storage helps maintain its flavor and texture, so be sure to keep it fresh!

Can I freeze chocolate depression cake?
To freeze the cake, place it on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to two months.

How should I store leftover chocolate depression cake?
Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for a few days.

Can I freeze frosted chocolate depression cake?
To freeze frosted cake, set it on a baking sheet and freeze uncovered until firm. This keeps the plastic wrap from sticking to the frosting. Next, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay good in the freezer for up to two months.

How do I thaw frozen chocolate depression cake?
To thaw frozen cake, place it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

More Cake Recipes To Try 

• Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
• Easy Butter Cake Recipes 
• Easy Bundt Cake Recipes