Tillie Doyle
The Depression cake, also known as Wacky cake or Crazy cake, is a simple chocolate cake recipe that became popular during the Great Depression when eggs, milk, butter, and sugar were expensive and scarce. The cake is made without these ingredients, making it vegan and free of common allergens. It is also easy to prepare, as it requires no mixer, and can be made in a loaf pan, as some bakers have done, or in a square or round pan, as is more commonly suggested in recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can depression cake be made in a loaf pan? | Yes |
| Type of cake | Chocolate cake |
| Ingredients | Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, vanilla extract, vinegar, vegetable oil, water |
| Add-ins | Coffee, honey, cinnamon, brown sugar, dark karo syrup, walnuts, chocolate chips |
| Frosting | Chocolate buttercream frosting, peanut butter-cocoa frosting, whipped cream, chocolate ganache, powdered sugar |
| Baking temperature | 350°F |
| Baking time | 25-40 minutes |
| Baking dish | Loaf pan, 8x8 square pan, 9x9 pan, 9x13 pan, Bundt pan |
| Calories | 282kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Loaf pan size for depression cake
The loaf pan size for a depression cake depends on the number of servings you want. The standard loaf pan size for a depression cake recipe is 9x5x3 inches, which yields around 6-8 servings. However, if you're looking to serve a larger crowd, you can use a 9x13-inch pan for a single-layer cake or a 9x9-inch pan for a square cake, both of which will yield around 12-15 servings.
It's important to note that the baking time may vary depending on the size of your loaf pan. For a standard loaf pan, the cake should bake for around 35-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). For larger pans, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, typically ranging from 30 to 45 minutes at the same temperature.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that depression cakes are known for their versatility, so feel free to experiment with different pan sizes and shapes to find the one that suits your needs. Whether you use a loaf pan, a square pan, or even a Bundt pan, the key to a successful depression cake is in its simplicity and adaptability.
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Oven temperature and baking time
The oven temperature and baking time for a depression cake will vary depending on the size and type of pan used. For example, if using a loaf pan, as suggested in the initial query, a baking temperature of 350°F and a time of 35-40 minutes are recommended.
When using an 8-inch square pan, a preheat temperature of 350°F and a baking time of 30-35 minutes are suggested. However, one source recommends preheating to 375°F and baking for 35 minutes.
For a 9x13 pan, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 40 minutes.
It is important to note that oven temperatures and baking times may vary, so it is advisable to check the cake periodically to ensure it is not overbaked. A common way to check if a cake is done is to insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake; if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.
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Ingredients and their alternatives
Depression cake, also known as wacky cake, crazy cake, dump cake, and war cake, is a chocolate cake that does not use eggs, milk, or butter. The cake gets its name from the Great Depression when these ingredients were too expensive or scarce, and bakers replaced them with affordable alternatives.
The following ingredients and their alternatives can be used to make a depression cake:
Flour
White all-purpose flour is typically used in this cake. However, for those with gluten intolerance, gluten-free one-to-one flour can be used as a substitute.
Sugar
Granulated white sugar is used to sweeten the cake. Brown sugar can be used as a substitute or in combination with white sugar, as seen in some recipes.
Cocoa
Unsweetened cocoa powder is added to give the cake its chocolate flavor. It is important to note that cocoa powder is different from cocoa mixes, which often contain sugar and other additives.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise. It reacts with the vinegar in the recipe to create a fluffy texture.
Vinegar
White vinegar is used in the cake as a leavening agent and to activate the baking soda. It gives the cake a spongy texture without adding a vinegary taste.
Oil
Cooking oil is used in place of butter to keep the cake soft and tender. The type of oil can be chosen based on preference or availability. Some recipes suggest that the oil may not fully incorporate with other ingredients, which is normal.
Water or Coffee
Water is typically used in the cake batter, but strong coffee or boiling water can be used for an enhanced flavor.
Salt
A small amount of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is used to add flavor to the cake.
Toppings
The cake can be served without any topping, dusted with powdered sugar, or glazed with chocolate. For a more indulgent treat, chocolate buttercream frosting or chocolate ganache can be used.
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Frosting and other toppings
Depression cake, also known as wacky cake, is a chocolate cake that is vegan and free of most allergens. It gets its name from the Great Depression, when ingredients like milk, butter, and eggs were too expensive or scarce. The original recipe does not include frosting, but instead, a dusting of powdered sugar.
Frosting
If you want to frost your depression cake, there are several options to choose from. You can make a simple dairy-free chocolate icing, but be aware that it may be very sweet due to the lack of fat. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the icing and dust the cake with powdered sugar after it has cooled. Alternatively, you can use a traditional chocolate buttercream frosting if you have butter on hand.
For a vegan option, you can make a coconut cream chocolate frosting. You can also experiment with different extracts and zests to create a unique flavor profile. If you want a looser and more liquid frosting, you can add a tablespoon of water or maple syrup to thin it out.
Other Toppings
In addition to frosting, there are several other toppings you can use to enhance your depression cake. You can create a thin layer of chocolate glaze, or for something more indulgent, try a chocolate ganache. The cake is moist enough that you can skip the frosting altogether and simply dust it with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving.
For a refreshing touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of an icing-free slice. If you're feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce or powdered sugar glaze. Chopped candy pieces, various chocolate chips, or sprinkles can also be added to the frosted cake for a fun and tasty treat.
Get creative and experiment with different toppings and add-ins to make your depression cake uniquely yours!
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History of depression cake
Depression cake, also known as "War Cake", "Boiled Raisin Cake", "Milkless, Eggless, Butterless Cake", or "Poor Man's Cake", originated during the Great Depression when ingredients like milk, butter, and eggs were either too expensive or hard to obtain. The cake is dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, and gets its name from the challenging economic period during which it was created.
During the Great Depression, which began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929, families had to make do with minimal and affordable ingredients when cooking. Dessert became a luxury for most, and depression cake was a more accessible alternative to traditional cakes that used milk, eggs, and butter. Women's periodicals and radio shows, such as Betty Crocker's Cooking Hour, played a significant role in circulating depression cake recipes, offering budget-friendly options for homemakers.
The recipe for depression cake typically includes little or no milk, sugar, butter, or eggs. Shortening is used in place of butter, water is substituted for milk, and baking powder or baking soda replaces eggs. This cake is an example of the creativity and resilience of people during the Great Depression, finding ways to create sweet treats with limited resources.
Depression cake is not just a relic of history but has continued to be baked and enjoyed by people even in recent times. It offers a nostalgic taste and texture, reminiscent of childhood birthday parties and supermarket bakery chocolate sheet cakes. Its simplicity and ease of preparation, along with its ability to accommodate various dietary restrictions, have made it a popular choice for home bakers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, depression cake can be made in a loaf pan. The recipe is very adaptable, and the cake can be made in a variety of pans, including square, round, and loaf pans.
Depression cake, also known as wacky cake, is a simple chocolate cake recipe that does not require eggs, milk, or butter. It gets its name from the Great Depression when such ingredients were scarce and expensive.
The recipe is straightforward, and the ingredients are combined and baked in a pan. The cake can be served plain or with a variety of toppings, including chocolate glaze, buttercream frosting, ganache, or whipped cream.
The baking time for a depression cake in a loaf pan can vary depending on the recipe and oven temperature, but it typically ranges from 35 to 45 minutes. It is recommended to bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
