Chocolate Depression Cake

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Chocolate Depression Cake. This cake is a testament to simplicity and resourcefulness, born out of the Great Depression era when ingredients like eggs and butter were scarce.

Despite its humble origins, this cake is incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with chocolate goodness. Whether you’re facing tough times or simply craving a delicious chocolate treat, this cake is sure to lift your spirits with every bite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

1. 9×13-inch baking pan
2. Mixing bowls
3. Whisk or fork
4. Spatula
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Sifter (optional)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups cold water

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. If you don’t have a sifter, you can whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.
3. Create Wells: Make three wells or indentations in the dry ingredient mixture. Pour the vinegar into one well, vanilla extract into another, and vegetable oil into the third.
4. Add Water: Pour the cold water over the entire mixture.
5. Mix: Using a whisk or fork, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy: Slice the Chocolate Depression Cake into squares and serve it as is or dusted with powdered sugar. Pair it with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

This Chocolate Depression Cake is a timeless classic that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something delicious. Enjoy the rich chocolate flavor and moist texture of this simple yet satisfying dessert.