Depression-Era Chocolate Cake, Also Known as “Crazy Cake”

Prepare to be amazed by how delicious this cake is!

Decatur Macpherson

If you’ve never tried Depression-Era Cake, or “Crazy Cake” as it’s affectionately called, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Originating from the Great Depression—a time when ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter were scarce—this recipe is a testament to creative cooking. With these key ingredients hard to come by, people found innovative ways to create a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

Despite its unconventional origins, “Crazy Cake” rivals traditional cakes made with dairy and eggs. In fact, its vegan nature makes it a great choice for those with dairy or egg intolerances. For a completely dairy-free option, you can use non-dairy butter in the frosting.

This cake’s flavor is nothing short of exceptional. The addition of coffee intensifies the chocolate, while the combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda ensures a light, airy texture. It’s everything you’d want from a chocolate cake: decadently rich and bursting with flavor. What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to this extraordinary cake tonight!

Crazy Cake

Yield: Serves 8-10
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon coffee (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

• 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions in the next page