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Chocolate Depression Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 139 reviews

This Chocolate Depression Cake is a nostalgic, eggless, and milk-free dessert that uses simple pantry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and oil. Originating during the Great Depression, this cake offers a moist, rich chocolate flavor without dairy or eggs, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or limited ingredients. Easy to prepare and delightfully tender, it’s a comforting classic that anyone can bake.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and water. Stir gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This cake can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with your favorite frosting.

Notes

  • This cake is naturally eggless and dairy-free, making it suitable for vegans.
  • The vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise despite the lack of eggs.
  • You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a richer flavor, try using coffee instead of water.

Keywords: Chocolate Cake, Eggless Cake, Dairy-Free Cake, Depression Cake, Vegan Dessert, Simple Chocolate Cake

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/chocolate-depression-cake-recipe/