Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Chocolate Depression Era Cake (Wacky Cake)
Chocolate Depression Era Cake (Wacky Cake) is made with cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Original yield
- Serves 8
- Ingredients
- 10 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Desserts
- Cuisine
- American
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 31–60 minutes
A few quick notes
1. Watch the mixing
Stop mixing at the point described in the method.
2. Preheat as directed
Have the oven at the specified temperature for its cooking step.
3. Allow for cooling
Include the cooling stage before the next step.
Get to know the ingredients
cocoa powder
In the method: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
granulated sugar
In the method: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
baking soda
In the method: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 8. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Source: 1 ½ cups flourIngredient note
Source: 1/4 cup cocoa powderIngredient note
Source: 1 cup granulated sugarIngredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon baking sodaIngredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon baking powderIngredient note
Source: ¼ teaspoon saltIngredient note
Source: 1 cup of lukewarm waterIngredient note
Source: 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractIngredient note
Source: 1 tablespoon of white or apple cider vinegarIngredient note
Source: 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
How to make it
0 of 6 steps completeMake room for Chocolate Depression Era Cake (Wacky Cake)
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Finish as directed
Top with powdered sugar, fruit, or your favorite frosting.
A little more help as you go
Prepare the finishing addition
Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.
Prepare the whisked mixture
Keep the whisking step in its stated place in the preparation.
A few questions you might have
What should I prepare first?
Set out the oven. Start with this step: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Which preparation step should I plan for?
Stop mixing at the point described in the method.
What happens at the end?
Top with powdered sugar, fruit, or your favorite frosting.
Is there another preparation step to plan for?
Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.
Additional recipe notes
Ensure the leavening agents are in date: Otherwise, the cake won’t rise properly. If you want to make cupcakes , mix the batter in a bowl and pour it into a cupcake tin (until about 3/4 full). Bake for between 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean. For a layered cake, double the batch and divide evenly into two pans. Allow to cool completely before spreading the filling. If you want vanilla, I also have a great recipe for vanilla depression era cupcakes .
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: plantbasedonabudget.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
