Old-Fashioned Family Depression Cake

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Old-Fashioned Family Depression Cake

A humble classic born from hard times, rich in history and comfort

The Old-Fashioned Family Depression Cake, also known as wacky cake or war cake, is a timeless dessert that proves delicious baking doesn’t require expensive ingredients. Created during the Great Depression, this cake was made without eggs, milk, or butter—items that were scarce and costly at the time. Yet despite its simplicity, it delivers a moist, tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor that has kept it alive in family kitchens for generations.

This cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and warmth shared around the table. Today, it remains popular because it’s easy, economical, and surprisingly indulgent.

Why Depression Cake Is So Special

No eggs, milk, or butter – perfect for tight budgets or dairy-free diets
Mixed in one pan – fewer dishes, less effort
Moist and rich – thanks to oil and vinegar
Beginner-friendly – nearly impossible to mess up

The magic lies in how simple pantry ingredients react together to create a soft, flavorful cake with no fancy techniques required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are classic pantry staples, just like families used decades ago:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white vinegar
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 cup warm water

Optional additions:

A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for deeper flavor
Powdered sugar or simple chocolate glaze for topping

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan or similar baking dish. Traditionally, this cake was mixed and baked in the same pan to save time and cleanup.