Depression Cake (Wacky Cake)

No eggs, no butter, no milk — and somehow still a celebration.

Prep 10 min · Bake 30–35 min · Cool 20 min

You'll need

• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 5 tbsp (75 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold water

Equipment: 8 × 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan

Method

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). No need to grease the pan.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, soda and salt directly in the pan.
3. Make three wells: oil in one, vinegar in another, vanilla in the third.
4. Pour the cold water over everything and stir with a fork until no dry streaks remain, scraping the corners.
5. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean and the top springs back.
6. Cool in the pan at least 20 minutes before cutting.

Storage · Covered at room temperature up to 3 days.