Description
Chocolate Depression Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert made with budget-friendly pantry staples — no eggs, no butter, no milk! This rich, moist cake comes together in one bowl with just a whisk and bakes up soft, fluffy, and full of deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re baking on a budget or need an easy vegan dessert, this quick chocolate cake is a must-have in your recipe box. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or an everyday chocolate fix, it’s also a fantastic idea for dairy-free and egg-free baking. Keep this simple and nostalgic recipe on hand for effortless sweet moments.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup cold water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Make three wells in the dry mix; add vanilla, vinegar, and oil into each well.
4. Pour cold water over all ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely before frosting or slicing.
8. Serve as-is or with your favorite vegan chocolate frosting.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter — stir just until smooth for a tender crumb.
You can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, eggless cake, vegan dessert, dairy free cake, quick chocolate cake