Elevate your mood with our easy recipe for Depression Cake! A sweet escape from economic woes, this treat is pure joy in every bite.
Are you looking for a delicious, yet simple, classic cake that is sure to impress? Look no further than an old-fashioned Depression Cake recipe! This moist, tender treat is so easy to make and turns out perfectly every time.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that a delightful dessert can be whipped up even in the toughest times. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps – just pure goodness in every bite.
The cake’s versatility allows for customization with various different flavors and toppings. While vanilla is classic, a chocolate depression cake is just as delicious.
Nostalgia and a sense of comfort associated with the cake’s history add to its appeal. The therapeutic process of baking, coupled with the cake’s moist texture, creates a delightful and satisfying treat despite its simple composition.
What is Depression Cake?
Depression Cake is a type of cake that dates back to the 1930s, during the Great Depression Era. It was developed as an economical way to bake a delicious dessert without needing expensive key ingredients like butter and eggs and still quench that sweet tooth during hard times.
The recipe reflects the resourcefulness of that time.
Unlike other cakes which rely on eggs for leavening and structure, Depression Cake relies solely on the combination of vinegar and baking soda – making it easier than ever before to whip up a simple cake with very few ingredients. The end result is a dense yet fluffy cake that has become increasingly popular in modern times due to its simplicity and affordability.
You may know a Depression Cake alternately known as a Crazy Cake or Wacky Cake recipe, War Cake or Poor Man’s Cake or Pantry Cake, all highlighting the use of affordable, simple ingredients in the original recipe.
How to Make Depression Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold tap water
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies), plus extra for decoration
- Frosting of choice
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Make a large well in the center of the dry ingredients and two small wells next to the large (the large well needs to hold at least 5 tablespoons and each small well should told at least a teaspoon).
Pour the vegetable oil into the large well, pour vinegar into a small well, and the vanilla extract into the second small well. Note: it’s important to keep the wet ingredients separate until they’re stirred into the batter at the same time.
Add the water and stir the batter just until all ingredients are combined.
Fold in the sprinkles, but do not over-stir. Be sure to stir the batter as little as possible once the sprinkles are added. The color will bleed fast.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely to room temperature.
Frost the top of the cake with your favorite frosting recipe and add more sprinkles to the top.
The cake keeps well at room temperature. Store leftover cake covered well with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
What is the perfect depression cake frosting?
The perfect frosting for an inexpensive cake like this depression era cake is one that complements the simple and rustic nature of the cake while adding a layer of sweetness and flavor. Buttercream frosting, peanut butter frosting and whipped cream are great choices thanks to their basic ingredients.
More Delicious Recipes:
- Chocolate Frosting Recipe
- Chocolate Cake Recipe
- How to Make a Boxed Cake Taste Homemade
- How to Convert White Cake to a Chocolate Cake
- Funfetti Sheet Cake
Depression Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold tap water
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies), plus extra for decoration
- Frosting of choice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Make a large well in the center of the dry ingredients and two small wells next to the large (the large well needs to hold at least 5 tablespoons and each small well should told at least a teaspoon).
Pour the vegetable oil into the large well, pour vinegar into a small well, and the vanilla extract into the second small well. Note: it’s important to keep the wet ingredients separate until they’re stirred into the batter at the same time.
Add the water and stir the batter just until all ingredients are combined.
Fold in the sprinkles, but do not over-stir. Be sure to stir the batter as little as possible once the sprinkles are added. The color will bleed fast.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely to room temperature.
Frost the top of the cake with your favorite frosting recipe and add more sprinkles to the top.
Notes
The cake keeps well at room temperature. Store leftover cake covered well with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
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