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Square of Wacky Cake on a white plate.

1940 Wacky Cake Recipe

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This 1940 eggless wacky cake, sourced from the Springfield Evening Union, is one of the earliest documented versions of the Depression-era classic. Made in one ungreased pan with eight pantry staples – no eggs, no butter, no bowl needed. The crumb is moist and chocolatey, with a delicate texture that surprises people who expect something dense. It has been creating converts since before World War II.

  • Total Time: 50 Minutes
  • Yield: 9 Squares 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil or melted shortening
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Do not grease the 8×8 pan.
  2. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt directly into an ungreased 8×8 inch baking pan. Stir with a fork until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Smooth the dry mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
  4. Using your finger or the back of a spoon, press three wells into the dry ingredients.
  5. Pour 1 tablespoon white vinegar into the first well.
  6. Pour 5 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted shortening) into the second well.
  7. Pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the third well.
  8. Gradually pour 1 cup cold water over the entire surface.
  9. Stir immediately with a fork until the batter is smooth. Work quickly – the baking soda and vinegar react on contact, and you want that lift in the oven, not in the pan.
  10. Bake for 34 to 40 minutes, until the center springs back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few dry crumbs.
  11. Cool in the pan before slicing.

Equipment

Find it online: https://recipe-rewind.com/1940-wacky-cake-recipe/

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