Depression Cake

If you are looking for a cake that is made with simple pantry ingredients, make this Great Depression Cake. This delicious dessert recipe is a unique cake that taste rich and full of chocolate flavor.

Adding the homemade chocolate flavor frosting makes it even better. You will want to serve this cake recipe for any occasion. If you have a chocolate lover in your family, then this is recipe to make. You may even want to make Chocolate Gravy, Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Chocolate Poke Cake, Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake or Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake.

What is a Depression Cake?

Depression Cake gets its name because during the Great Depression ingredients such as eggs, milk and butter were to expensive. Combining ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda which helps the cake rise to create a dairy-free, vegan chocolate sweet treat that is still moist, fluffy and full of flavor.

You may also hear this cake called Wacky Cake or Crazy Cake. But the name Depression Cake or War Cake has stuck and now it is still loved as a delicious cake everyone loves.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – Measure flour in a measuring cup to ensure that the right amount is added.
• Cocoa Powder – Make sure to choose the unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Baking Soda – If you are out, see The Best Baking Soda Substitutes
• Vanilla Extract – We recommend using Pure Vanilla Extract for the best flavor
• Vegetable Oil – You can also use canola oil
• Butter – We used unsalted butter that has been melted
• Vinegar – You can also use Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Frosting – Feel free to change the frosting when making this cake. You can top the cake with a Buttercream Icing, Peanut Butter Frosting, or remove the frosting and dust with powdered sugar.
• Toppings – If you are serving this cake for a birthday or a holiday, add your favorite color of sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
• Cake Flavor – Feel free to make this recipe as a vanilla cake. Just do not add the cocoa powder for a delicious variations.

How to Make Depression Cake

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Step 2 – In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda.

• Step 3 – In a separate bowl, whisk the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, vinegar, oil and water.

• Step 4 – Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a hand held mixer until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

• Step 5 – Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

• Step 6 – Allow the cake to cool completely before topping with the frosting.

How to Make Frosting

• Step 1 – Stir together the butter and cocoa into a mixing bowl.
• Step 2 – Add in the remaining ingredients and combine with a hand held mixer until the frosting is combined and smooth.
• Step 3 – Spread the chocolate glaze on the cake.

• Step 4 – Then the cake is ready to slice, serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Baking Pan – This cake bakes in an 8×8 baking pan but if you double the recipe, you can bake in a 9×13 baking dish.
• Combining Ingredients – When combining the ingredients, make sure to not over mix the batter as this could change the texture of the cake.
• Frosting the Cake – Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before adding the frosting. We often make the cake the night before to ensure that the cake is completely cooled.
• Measure Ingredients – When preparing the liquid and dry ingredients for this cake recipe, make sure to use measuring cups so the right amount is added.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and chocolate cake is delicious served with Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe for the best after dinner dessert.

My kids love to enjoy with a glass of milk, but I love to enjoy with a hot coffee topped with Whipped Cream.