Ever wondered how to whip up a cake without eggs, butter, or milk? Enter the world of crazy wacky cakes, a Depression-era marvel that’s as ingenious as it is delicious. These cakes were born out of necessity when certain ingredients were hard to come by, yet they’ve stood the test of time thanks to their simplicity and surprisingly rich flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own crazy wacky cake. These humble ingredients come together to create a delicious, moist cake without the need for eggs, butter, or milk.
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 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries for garnish
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup) if you want extra chocolatey goodness
These components might seem basic, but when combined and baked, they create a cake that’s both nostalgic and truly satisfying. Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start for a smooth baking experience.
Tools Needed
Creating a crazy wacky cake is as simple as it gets, and using the right tools helps streamline the process. Here is a list of the essential tools you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl to combine all your dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Whisk or Fork: For mixing the ingredients together easily and effectively.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for this cake, so have both liquid and dry measuring cups.
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan: This size helps the cake bake evenly and results in the perfect texture.
- Sifter: To incorporate air into the flour and cocoa mix, ensuring a light and fluffy cake.
- Rubber Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring every bit of batter makes it to the pan.
- Cooling Rack: To cool your cake evenly once it comes out of the oven.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but useful for lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.
Having these tools ready before you start mixing your ingredients ensures a smooth and efficient baking experience.
Directions
Follow these uncomplicated steps to whip up your very own crazy wacky cake. I’ll guide you through mixing dry and wet ingredients before adding optional toppings.
Dry Ingredients
- Prepare the Dry Mix:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Blend the Dry Ingredients: Use a whisk or sifter to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly until they’re evenly distributed.
Wet Ingredients
- Create Three Wells: In the blended dry mix, use a spoon to form three small wells.
- Add Wet Components:
- Pour 1 tablespoon white vinegar into the first well.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the second well.
- Pour 5 tablespoons vegetable oil into the third well.
- Pour Water: Slowly pour 1 cup of cold water over all the contents in the mixing bowl.
- Mix Everything Together: Use a whisk or a fork to blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Before Baking:
- If you prefer a flavored twist, you can add:
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- Gently fold any of these optional toppings into the batter.
- Post-Baking:
- After the cake has baked and cooled, consider adding:
- Frosting (cream cheese, chocolate, or vanilla)
- Powdered sugar for a simple and elegant touch
Your crazy wacky cake is now ready to be baked and enjoyed! Chef’s choice – customize it to suit your cravings.
Tips for Making Crazy Wacky Cake
Measure Ingredients Accurately
To ensure a perfect crazy wacky cake, it’s essential to measure your ingredients precisely. Use measuring cups for the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Make sure to level off each ingredient for accuracy. This attention to detail ensures that the cake will rise properly and have the right texture.
Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly
After measuring your dry ingredients, thoroughly mixing them is crucial. I use a whisk to combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed, avoiding any uneven rising in the cake.
Create Wells for Wet Ingredients
One unique aspect of making a crazy wacky cake is creating wells in the dry mixture to hold the wet ingredients. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, I use my spoon to make three small wells in the mixture. One well for vanilla extract, one for vinegar, and the last for oil. This method ensures even distribution and simplifies the mixing process.
Use Vinegar and Baking Soda for Leavening
Instead of traditional leavening agents, crazy wacky cake relies on the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda. Make sure to use both ingredients as directed. They create bubbles that help the cake rise, mimicking the effect of eggs in traditional cakes.
Add Water Last
Pouring water over the entire mixture as the final step helps bring everything together. I prefer using room temperature water to help dissolve the sugar and blend the ingredients smoothly. Stir just until the mixture is combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Check for Doneness
Your crazy wacky cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. I usually start checking a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid over-baking. Every oven is different, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
If you plan to add frosting to your cake, let it cool completely first. I often transfer the cake to a wire rack to speed up the cooling process. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, so patience here is key.
Experiment with Toppings
Crazy wacky cake offers endless opportunities for creativity with toppings. Whether you prefer a classic chocolate frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some whipped cream, the choice is yours. I love experimenting with seasonal fruits and nuts for added flavor and texture.
How to Make Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Gradually add 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the creamed butter. Mix on low speed until the cocoa is fully incorporated and you have a smooth chocolate base.
- Mix in Sugar and Milk: Alternately add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1/3 cup milk to the chocolate mixture. Begin with 1 cup of powdered sugar, then follow with a small amount of milk, mixing well after each addition. Continue this pattern until all sugar and milk are combined. The frosting should be smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well-blended.
- Cool the Cake Completely: Before frosting, ensure your crazy wacky cake is completely cooled to avoid melting the frosting.
- Spread Evenly: Use a spatula to spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the entire cake, aiming for a smooth, even layer.
- Customize: For added flair, sprinkle some chocolate shavings, nuts, or colorful sprinkles on top of the frosted cake.
This chocolate frosting complements the simplicity of the crazy wacky cake, bringing a rich and creamy texture without overwhelming its unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving a Crazy Wacky Cake, presentation and pairing can elevate your dessert experience. Here are my top suggestions to enhance the enjoyment:
Classic Accompaniments
- Vanilla Ice Cream:
- A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich, chocolatey flavor of the Crazy Wacky Cake.
- Whipped Cream:
- Freshly whipped cream, either plain or lightly sweetened, adds a light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the dense cake.
- Fresh Berries:
- Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries provide a tartness that balances the cake’s sweetness. Arrange them around the cake or on individual plates.
Elegant Touches
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle:
- For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle warm chocolate ganache over each slice just before serving. The glossy finish not only looks beautiful but also intensifies the chocolate experience.
- Mint Leaves:
- Fresh mint leaves can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. Place a couple of leaves next to each slice for a sophisticated touch.
Creative Combinations
- Caramel Sauce:
- A drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting adds a delightful contrast of flavors, blending the bitterness of chocolate with the sweetness of caramel.
- Espresso Shot:
- Serving a shot of hot espresso alongside each slice can enrich the cake’s chocolate notes. This is ideal for adult gatherings where a sophisticated touch is appreciated.
Seasonal Variations
- Pumpkin Spice:
- In fall, add a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or cinnamon on top for a warm, seasonal twist.
- Citrus Zest:
- Grate some orange or lemon zest over the frosting in the spring and summer to add a fresh, citrusy aroma that brightens the cake’s flavor profile.
- Colorful Sprinkles:
- Children will delight in a generous sprinkle of colorful, festive confetti sprinkles over their slice, adding a fun visual element.
- Marshmallow Topping:
- Add mini marshmallows to the cake’s surface before the frosting sets for a gooey, kid-approved treat.
By considering these serving suggestions, you can make your Crazy Wacky Cake not just a treat, but an experience, tailored to any occasion or preference.
How to Store
Storing your Crazy Wacky Cake properly ensures it remains moist and delicious for days. Follow these steps to keep your cake fresh:
Room Temperature
- Cool Completely: Let the Crazy Wacky Cake cool entirely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation that can make the cake soggy.
- Wrap and Seal: Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap. Ensure every part of the cake is covered to lock in moisture.
- Use Airtight Container: Place the wrapped cake or slices inside an airtight container. This adds an extra layer of protection against dryness and preserves flavor.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container at room temperature in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The cake stays fresh for up to 2-3 days at room temperature.
Refrigerator
- Wrap Thoroughly: Again, wrap the cake or slices tightly in plastic wrap. For extra protection, you can add a layer of aluminum foil.
- Airtight Storage: Store the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
- Shelf Life: Refrigerate the cake for up to 5-7 days. Always let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
- Pre-Freeze: Place unwrapped cake slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, typically 1-2 hours.
- Wrap for Freezing: Once frozen, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for tracking.
- Long-Term Storage: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Maintain Moisture: To refresh the cake’s moisture, lightly brush with sugar syrup after thawing.
By following these steps, you can savor your Crazy Wacky Cake’s delightful flavors even days after baking.
Conclusion
Crazy Wacky Cakes offer a wonderful blend of history and simplicity. By following the steps and tips I’ve shared, you can effortlessly create a delicious cake that’s sure to impress. Remember to store it properly to keep it moist and flavorful for days. Happy baking!