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Classic Homemade Grandma’s Chocolate Depression Cake

classic homemade grandmas chocolate depression cake - featured image
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A nostalgic, eggless and dairy-free chocolate cake recipe from the Great Depression era, featuring simple pantry staples and a moist, tender texture. Perfect for beginners and adaptable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8-inch pan with oil or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Break up any lumps.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients: 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk to blend.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk or spoon until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake. Use vinegar to react with baking soda for a good rise. If edges bake faster than the center, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Optional: add instant coffee granules to enhance chocolate flavor or top with powdered sugar or frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, depression cake, eggless cake, dairy-free cake, easy chocolate cake, vintage recipe, beginner baking

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/classic-homemade-grandmas-chocolate-depression-cake-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-beginners/