Chocolate Depression Cake

Ingrediente

For the Cake:

180g (1 ½ cups) plain or all-purpose flour

198g (1 cup) granulated sugar

6g (1 tsp.) baking soda

3g (1/2 tsp.) salt

40g (1/3 cup) cocoa powder

80ml (1/3 cup) vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil

15ml (1 tbsp.) apple cider vinegar (or other light vinegar such as white vinegar or rice vinegar)

5ml (1 tsp.) vanilla extract

236ml (1 cup) water

For the Chocolate Icing:

170g (1 ½ cups) icing sugar (powdered sugar)

30g (¼ cup) cocoa powder

45ml (3 tbsp.) water (add gradually)

5ml (1 tsp.) vanilla extract

Instrucțiuni

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until combined.

In a separate container, mix the water, vinegar, and vanilla extract.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil. Mix quickly but gently until just combined. Lumps are okay, but avoid dry pockets of flour.

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool completely.

To make the icing, whisk together the icing sugar and cocoa powder.

Add the vanilla extract, then add water one tablespoon at a time, whisking until you reach a thick but spreadable consistency (usually 3-4 tablespoons).

Spread the icing thinly over the cooled cake and let it set.

Optionally decorate with sprinkles, shaved chocolate, or candy.

Note

Made popular on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Old_Recipes/s/qMrzJ9TwDA

• No eggs, milk, or butter are used, making the cake vegan and dairy-free.

• Baking soda and vinegar create the rise instead of eggs.

• Mix batter quickly to get the best rise. It's okay to have some lumps in the batter.

• Thin layer of icing is enough because of its sweetness. The icing is very sweet and thick due to the lack of fat.

• The cake can be dressed up for special occasions with additional toppings.