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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 oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Do not grease the 8×8 pan.
  2. Sift dry ingredients: 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 and level: Smooth the dry mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
  4. Make three wells: Using your finger or the back of a spoon, press three wells into the dry ingredients.
  5. Add vinegar: Pour 1 tablespoon white vinegar into the first well.
  6. Add oil: Pour 5 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted shortening) into the second well.
  7. Add vanilla: Pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the third well.
  8. Pour water over batter: Gradually pour 1 cup cold water over the entire surface.
  9. Mix batter: 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: 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. Let cool: Cool in the pan before slicing.

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

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