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Wacky Cake is an old-fashioned, one-of-a-kind chocolate cake that does not require eggs, butter, or milk—ingredients otherwise indispensable to baking. The bakers of this cake during the Depression (1929-1939) knew that many families struggled to buy basic staples during that time and therefore had to get creative with the ingredients they had on hand, and this cake is an example of a one-recipe wonder.
The good thing about this old-fashioned cake is that it can be served with any kind of frosting so Here is the recipe for Wacky cake frosting Vanilla.
Related: Eggless Rasmalai Tiramisu Recipe: A Must-Try Fusion Dessert
What Exactly Is Wacky Cake?
The name Wacky Cake fairly represents the ridiculous manner in which it is prepared. Instead of the eggs or butter adding any level of fluffiness, vinegar and baking soda react during baking and give rise to this cake. Might sound a little odd, but it yields a very moist, tender, and rich chocolate cake.
Wacky Cake is unique even today, as it is a very cheap chocolate cake that anybody can throw together baking experience required is great for anyone with dietary restrictions, i.e. vegans and people allergic to dairy. Furthermore, it is made in one bowl with just a few national supply items, making it the easiest dessert for any occasion!
What Are the Ingredients Required?
The best part about this Wacky Cake is that it uses all simple and ordinary ingredients that you are likely to have in your kitchen already. Your list includes:
Basic Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: The cake’s foundation.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise with vinegar.
- Salt: To enhance flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Substitute for butter, which helps retain moisture in the cake.
- White vinegar: Interacts with baking soda to fluff up the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds another layer of flavor.
- Water: To bring things together.
- Vanilla Whipping Cream Powder: To frost Wacky Cake frosting Vanilla.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavors:
Want to enhance your Wacky Cake? You may try adding:
- Chocolate chips: They just add a little gooeyness.
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds): For that extra crunch.
- Spices (cinnamon or nutmeg): For warmth and uniqueness.
- Coffee: Substitute some of the water with brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
And you may now bake an egg-free, dairy-free chocolate cake with ease using these simple ingredients!
Directions to Make Base For Wacky Cake Frosting Vanilla
Wasn’t it easy, wasn’t it? All we need is a bowl, a spoon, and a baking pan-NO mixers or anything shebang. So follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat it and prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175C).
Lightly grease the 8″ square pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big bowl, mix 1 ½ cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 teaspoon baking soda,
½ teaspoon salt. This is the dry mixture, the foundation of the cake.
3. Preparing Wells
Make three small wells (holes) in the dry mixture using a spoon. In those wells, pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in one well, 1 tablespoon vinegar in another, and 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the third one. It might seem odd, but this is a traditional “wacky” method!
4. Fold In Water & Mix
Pour water, 1 cup, over everything. Mix with a spoon or spatula until smooth and just combined. (Do not over mix!)
5. Bake & Cool
Put the pan in an oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
And that’s it! There are really no eggs, no milk, and no butter—just soft, melting chocolate cake in your mouth!
How to Make Vanilla Frosting For Wacky Cake Frosting Vanilla
- Take ½ cup of Vanilla whipping cream powder of any good brand.
- Mix 1/4 cup of chilled water and beat until this creates a thick creamy frosting.
- Keep the frosting in the refriegdgerator for 5 minutes and beat again for getting silky smooth texture. Make it thinner by adding a little more cold water if required.
How to Frost the Wacky
- Let the cake cool completely so the frosting won’t melt.
- Spread using a spatula or butter knife evenly again, strokes on the top of the cake with vanilla frosting.
- Add chocolate shavings, nuts, or sprinkles.
- When the frosting has set, slice the cake and serve.
This creamy vanilla frosting makes Wacky Cake even more mouthwatering by adding a sweet, rich flavor!
Some Other Easy Frosting Ideas for Wacky Cake
- Chocolate Glaze – Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk for a smooth, shiny topping.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting – Simply sprinkle powdered sugar over the cake for a light, elegant finish.
- Vegan Chocolate Frosting – Mix ½ cup dairy-free butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a creamy chocolate frosting.
Best Ways to Serve:
With Ice Cream – a Scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream makes it decadently good.
With Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries contrast wonderfully and keep the dessert fresh.
Warm with a Coffee or Tea – Serve a warm slice with your favorite hot drink for a cozy treat.
No matter how you enjoy it, Wacky Cake makes for an incredibly easy yet satisfying dessert that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- There are simply so many reasons to love Wacky Cake! A classic recipe, easy, delicious, and for everyone.
- Great for Allergies – With no eggs, milk, and butter, this cake is perfect for anybody who has dairy or egg allergies.
- Super Easy to Make – Just one bowl and basic ingredients-no mixer is needed!
- Stays Moist and Fluffy – It stays light, moist, insane chocolatey goodness, even without eggs or dairy.
- Very Easy on the Budget – It’s cheap to make, and anyone with a good reason to cake will find it handy on their list of cake recipes.
- This cake will become a favorite, whether being made for a special occasion or simply just when a craving hits!
Conclusion
Wacky Cake frosting Vanilla is one to be tried: easy, tasty, and for all sorts of diets. Be it when you are out of eggs or if you just want to bake an easy, low-cost dessert, this cake never fails to impress!
Try your own twist! Throw in some chocolate chips; throw in some nuts; throw in a drizzle of peanut butter. Make it your own.
Have you ever made Wacky Cake? What is your favorite way to eat it? Tell us about it in the comments!
FAQs
Here are some questions and answers about common sources of trouble with making the perfect Wacky Cake!
Q1- What if I cannot find vinegar?
Ans: No problem; you can replace 1 tablespoon of vinegar with:
1 tablespoon lemon juice,1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon cream of tartar mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Q2- Can I make it gluten-free?
Ans: Absolutely! Make the switch from all-purpose flour to a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Q3- How do I store leftovers?
Ans: Keep AM covered at room temperature for up to 3 days; if you are looking to keep it for longer, wrap slices in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Freezing individual slices up to 3 months- just thaw and enjoy!
Q4- Why Use Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Ans: As Wacky Cake does not contain eggs or butter, it depends on vinegar and baking soda to generate bubbles in the cake batter. A combination of vinegar (acid) and baking soda (base) creates a fizzy chemical reaction that brings lightness into fluffiness. Do not worry! The vinegary taste dissipates once the Wacky Cake is baked!