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.

Learn how to make wacky cake. 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, you'll create wells for the dry ingredients and fill them with the wet ingredients before mixing, just for another level of wacky.

Ingredients for a Wacky Cake

The ingredients for a Wacky Cake include everyday kitchen staples that you likely already have in your home:

• All-purpose flour: This flour provides a tender crumb that's substantial but still light and fluffy in the final cake. You can also use gluten-free flour if you prefer.
• Sugar: For sweetness.
• Cocoa powder: A wacky cake is a chocolate cake, and this recipe uses cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate.
• Baking soda: A leavener, baking soda will interact with the vinegar to give this cake its lofty rise during baking.
• Salt: Salt is essential for evening out the flavors of the cake.
• Oil: Oil provides tenderness and richness, and make the final cake moist. We tested with canola oil, but you could use vegetable oil or liquid coconut oil if you want.
• Vinegar: Instead of buttermilk or another dairy product, vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create the reaction that will give the cake its rise. Distilled white vinegar is the most common, but if you don't have any on hand, apple cider vinegar can work.
• Vanilla extract: An essential ingredient for bringing all the flavors of the cake together.

How To 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 a brief outline of the process:

• Step 1. Sift dry ingredients: After preheating your oven, 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.

Ways To Serve 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.

How To Store Wacky Cake

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.

Our Tips for the Best Wacky Cake

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 1/2 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.