Wacky Cake

Wacky Cake, also known as crazy cake, war cake, depression cake, and three-hole cake, is a simple chocolate cake recipe that has been used in kitchens for nearly a century. This cake was created when many common ingredients were hard to acquire, or food items were being rationed, so the recipe doesn't include any butter, eggs, or milk. Even though this cake originated during challenging times, the recipe itself couldn't be easier to create.

What Makes a Wacky Cake 'Wacky'?

Wacky cake is considered wacky not only because the recipe lacks any dairy or eggs but also because all the ingredients for this cake are mixed directly in the pan it is baked in. This recipe goes against the most popular methods for mixing cake batters, especially since there is no bowl or whisk necessary. Plus, it creating wells for the dry ingredients and filling them with the wet ingredients before mixing adds another level of wacky.

What Are the Ingredients for a Wacky Cake?

The ingredients for a Wacky Cake include everyday kitchen staples that you likely already have in your home; these ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.

There is a little wiggle room for substitutions if needed. Some possible options are using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour, vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of canola oil, cold coffee instead of water, or apple cider vinegar instead of regular white vinegar.

Just be sure to always include baking soda and vinegar in the recipe since the reaction of these ingredients helps give the cake its rise while baking and helps aid in its fluffy texture.

How Do You Make a Wacky Cake?

You're going to be surprised how easy this cake recipe is. And you're not going to believe how well it works. Here's how to make a Wacky Cake:

Step 1. Sift dry ingredients

After preheating your oven to 350°F, sift the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt) into an ungreased 8- by 8-inch baking pan.

Step 2. Create wells

Create three wells (one large and two smaller sizes) in the dry ingredients. This can be easily done with a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup. Pour the oil into the large hole. Then add the vanilla extract and the vinegar into the other two smaller ones.

Step 3. Add water

Add one cup of water over the entire mixture, and stir until it is well combined.

Step 4. Bake

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool the cake on a wire rack until ready to serve. Make the Wacky Cake Frosting after the cake has cooled slightly.

What Are the Best Ways to Serve and Store a Wacky Cake?

A Wacky Cake can be served in various ways and is up to your preference. It can be served cold, at room temperature, or warm. The cake can also be ready to eat as is without any additions. Or opt to serve it dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a delicious frosting. For example, the recipe below is paired with a decadent, fudgy frosting and topped with chopped, toasted pecans.

If you are making this cake in advance, it can be kept at room temperature and covered for up to three days, but it also freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months in your freezer.

Helpful Tips and Insights

Without any alterations, the cake is a wonderful vegan option. With minor substitutions to some ingredients, this cake can be adapted to be a perfect option for family members and guests with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

If you are looking for variations to this cake recipe, consider mixing ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking, or replacing the vanilla extract with another flavor, such as almond or orange.

Editorial contributions by Nik Pugmire.