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Wacky Chocolate Cake

Wacky Chocolate Cake

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Diet: Egg-free, Vegan, Dairy-free (if using non-dairy frosting), Vegetarian

Description

Wacky Chocolate Cake is a moist, fudgy, and incredibly simple egg-free chocolate cake made from pantry staples like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, oil, and vinegar. This easy to make, budget-friendly dessert delivers rich, decadent chocolate flavor with a tender crumb and is perfect for allergy-friendly, vegan, or last-minute baking needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining dry ingredients first helps ensure even distribution and a well-balanced batter.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Stir everything just until combined; don’t overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
  4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before adding your choice of frosting or enjoying it plain for a more rustic treat.

Notes

  • Use fresh, quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
  • Don’t skip the vinegar; it’s key to activating the baking soda and achieving the cake’s signature lift.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and soft.
  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.
  • Allow cake to cool before serving to let flavors develop and texture set.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (of 9)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: egg-free chocolate cake, vegan chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, wacky cake, pantry staple recipe, dairy-free chocolate cake

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/wacky-chocolate-cake/