Description
This Wacky Chocolate Cake is an incredibly moist, rich, and egg-free chocolate cake that comes together quickly using simple pantry staples. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave a chocolate treat, this easy-to-make cake delivers delicious results without eggs or butter, making it suitable for vegans and adaptable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (preferably fresh, high-quality)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined and free of lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make three small wells in the dry mixture. Pour the vinegar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into separate wells. Then pour the water over the entire mixture. Stir everything gently until the batter is smooth and glossy but avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking at 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures your frosting won’t melt and slide off.
Notes
- Use fresh cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Don’t skip the vinegar; it is essential for the cake’s rise and tender crumb.
- Measure flour carefully by spooning and leveling to avoid a dense cake.
- Mix gently and just until combined to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Start checking for doneness at 28 minutes to prevent drying out the cake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 10 slices)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg