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The Great Depression was a time of immense hardship, with families struggling to put food on the table due to economic turmoil and food shortages. During this period, home bakers had to get creative, developing recipes that used minimal and affordable ingredients. One such recipe that has stood the test of time is “Depression Cake,” also known as “Wacky Cake” or “Crazy Cake.”
This unique chocolate cake is made without eggs, milk, or butter, yet it remains incredibly moist, rich, and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dessert, a vegan-friendly treat, or simply want to enjoy a piece of history, Depression Cake is a must-try.
Recently, Talia Lakritz from Business Insider shared her experience making Depression Cake, proving that this vintage recipe still holds up in today’s world. With egg prices soaring due to supply chain issues and avian flu outbreaks, many bakers are turning to egg- and dairy-free alternatives. Depression Cake fits the bill perfectly!
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of Depression Cake, walk through the step-by-step process of making it, and explore why this simple yet delicious dessert has remained a favorite for nearly a century.
The History of Depression Cake
The origins of Depression Cake date back to the 1930s, during the Great Depression, when households had to make do with what little they had. Essential ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter were either too expensive or simply unavailable, leading bakers to develop recipes that omitted these costly items.
By using baking soda and vinegar instead of eggs, and oil instead of butter, bakers could still create a cake with a light, fluffy texture. The use of hot water or coffee helped enhance the flavor of the cocoa powder, giving the cake a deep, rich chocolate taste despite the lack of dairy.
Interestingly, a similar version of this cake became popular during World War II when rationing limited the availability of eggs and dairy. The recipe gained even more recognition in the 1970s and 1980s, when it was rediscovered by home bakers looking for easy, pantry-friendly recipes.
Today, Depression Cake continues to be a favorite among frugal bakers, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions. Its affordability, simplicity, and delicious flavor make it a timeless classic.
How to Make Depression Cake
This simple recipe requires basic pantry staples, making it an easy go-to dessert when you’re short on ingredients but still craving something sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water (or a mix of both)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Chocolate Glaze (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons coffee or water
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
Step 2: Bloom the Cocoa Powder
In a mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder with hot coffee or boiling water. This step helps release the deep chocolate flavors, making the cake taste even richer. If you’re not a coffee drinker, don’t worry—hot water works just fine!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the cocoa mixture, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix the Batter
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
You might notice the batter bubbling slightly—this is completely normal. The vinegar and baking soda are reacting, which helps the cake rise without eggs.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. However, every oven is different, so start checking at 30 minutes using the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done! If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add coffee or water one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you reach a smooth, drizzly consistency.
Step 8: Let the Cake Cool & Add the Glaze
Once the cake is done, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before adding the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the top and spread it evenly.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Slice and serve your Depression Cake with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Depression Cake is a Must-Try
✔ Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples.
✔ Egg-Free & Dairy-Free: Great for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
✔ Super Moist & Chocolatey: Despite lacking traditional ingredients, it has a rich flavor.
✔ Quick & Easy: Takes only minutes to prepare.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee!
Talia Lakritz’s experience with Depression Cake showed that even a decades-old recipe can still be a hit today. She found the cake perfectly balanced in sweetness and richness, and even tricked her partner into thinking it contained eggs and dairy!
With rising egg prices and increasing demand for plant-based baking, Depression Cake proves that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most enduring.
A Cake That’s Anything but Depressing
Depression Cake is a testament to resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness. It was born out of necessity during hard times but has remained a favorite due to its delicious flavor and simplicity.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a chocolate cake but don’t have eggs or butter, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself loving it as much as people did nearly a century ago!
Have you ever tried Depression Cake? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 🍰✨
