“Possibly the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had!” ~my sweet friend, Brinton
This recipe was popular during the American Great Depression. Apparently eggs were scarce, but cocoa wasn’t? It is also known as Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake. There are plenty of recipes like it online, but I like the proportions of this one.
I like this recipe, because it has a history. You can tell it’s been cherished, passed down, and personalized by it’s various owners. Some say “make a well in the center,” while others instruct you to “create 3 holes” – one for each wet ingredient. Well, I did neither, so the recipe below will forever be the one I made for the Grand Occasion of Scout’s 4th Birthday, lovingly personalized, and hopefully passed down to people who love me.
Vintage Chocolate Cake
3 c. flour
2 c. sugar
2 c. water
2/3 c. cocoa (unsweetened)
1 c. oil
2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla
Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix till blended. (Also called a dump cake recipe) Pour into greased, floured 9”x13” pan. Bake at 350 for 30-35 min.
My Notes: I read online that you can substitute 1 c. of sugar substitute for 1 c. of sugar. I bet you could reduce the overall amount of sugar, too, but I haven’t tried it yet. I used plain old vegetable oil. You can vary the amount of cocoa a bit, because many of the other recipes I reviewed varied widely in that amount. I blended the dry ingredients before adding the wet, but I guess you don’t have to. I added cocoa drops to the batter, because I love eating chocolate chunks. Also, if your newly-turned 4yo opens the oven (the horror) 5 minutes before it’s done baking, a giant sink-hole will form in the middle.
You can find this recipe and other wonderful ones like it in the pages of Hospitality from A to Z, a memoir and compilation of recipes by Bernice H. Wagner. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at a Ladies Retreat and look forward to sharing what I gleaned from this dear Lady.
More great recipes at:
Tasty Tuesday
Mouthwatering Mondays
Delicious Dishes
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
