Are you craving a delicious, moist vanilla cake but short on time and ingredients? Then you've come to the right place! This Crazy Cake recipe, also known as a Depression Cake or One-Bowl Wonder, is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a simple yet impressive dessert. It requires no eggs, no milk, and no mixer – just a bowl, a whisk, and a few pantry staples. Get ready to be amazed by this surprisingly delicious and easy dessert! This recipe provides a healthy twist, making it a guilt-free treat for the whole family. It's perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or healthy meals without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake will slide right out and look perfect.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid clumps in your cake.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cold water, oil, and vinegar.
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Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Boiling Water Magic: Slowly pour the boiling water over the batter while stirring continuously. The batter will become thin and bubbly – this is perfectly normal!
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving.
Tips for Crazy Cake Success:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use cold water: Cold water helps prevent the cake from becoming too dense.
- Boiling water is key: The boiling water activates the baking soda, creating a light and airy texture.
- Let it cool completely: This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
Variations:
- Chocolate Crazy Cake: Increase the cocoa powder to 1 cup for an intensely chocolatey cake.
- Lemon Crazy Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
- Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients. However, generally, this recipe provides a relatively healthy dessert option, low in fat compared to many other cakes.
This Crazy Cake recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy this simple homemade cooking experience and impress your friends and family with this unbelievably easy and tasty treat. It's a perfect addition to any gathering and a great way to utilize pantry staples for a satisfying dessert. Perfect for quick dinner ideas or healthy meals when you’re short on time!