Depression Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Create Wells for Wet Ingredients:
- In the dry mixture, make three small wells (indentations). Pour the vinegar into one well, the vanilla extract into the second well, and the vegetable oil into the third well.
4. Add Water and Mix:
- Pour the water over everything in the bowl. Using a whisk or spoon, stir the ingredients together until smooth and fully combined. The batter will be thin.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with frosting.
Total Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 9 slices):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Notes:
- Frosting Options: This cake pairs well with a simple chocolate glaze or frosting, but it’s also delicious on its own.
- Flavor Variations: You can add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Storage: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
This classic Depression Cake is a humble yet flavorful dessert that shows you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious treat!
