A delicious chocolate cake with minimal ingredients that just so happens to be dairy free, egg free and vegan! Wacky Cake is just as easy as using a boxed mix and so tasty that it might become your new go-to chocolate cake recipe.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with shortening and flour (or baking spray).
In the pan, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Make 3 wells in the dry mix and add the vanilla, white vinegar, and vegetable oil (2 small wells for the vanilla and vinegar and 1 large for the oil).
Pour the water on top and whisk all ingredients until combined. You may use a spoon or spatula to get into the corners of the pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
Sprinkle cooled cake with powdered sugar or top it with buttercream frosting.
To make the frosting, place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chips are completely melted and are a smooth consistency. Cool completely to room temperature.
While chocolate chips are cooling, place butter into a medium mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add ½ cup of powdered sugar. Beat until smooth. Add the rest of the powdered sugar. Using a spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl. Continue beating about a minute until all the powdered sugar is incorporated.
Add the melted chocolate and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy and has a smooth texture.
Frost cooled cake and enjoy.
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Notes
Wacky cake is also commonly called Depression Cake. The Cake itself has no butter, eggs, or milk.
I paired my cake with a buttercream frosting, but to keep it simple you could also sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Cake is best eaten in 3 days. Can be stored at room temperature.