Depression Cake Recipe Vanilla – Egg-free

Depression cake recipe vanilla, also known as “war cake” or “wacky cake,” is a type of cake that became popular during the Great Depression.

Due to economic hardships, ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk were often scarce. This led to the creation of a cake recipe that required none of these ingredients, yet still delivered a moist and delicious treat.

The vanilla version of depression cake is a delightful twist on this historical recipe, bringing a touch of classic vanilla flavour to a beloved dessert.

In this ultimate guide, I will explore the history of depression cake, provide a step-by-step recipe, and share tips for variations and serving suggestions.

History Of Depression Cake

The Great Depression was a period of severe economic downturn that affected many countries worldwide, but it hit the United States particularly hard.

Between 1929 and the late 1930s, millions of people faced unemployment, poverty, and food shortages. During this time, home cooks had to be resourceful, finding ways to make the most out of limited ingredients.

Depression cake emerged as a solution to these challenges. By using inexpensive and readily available ingredients, people could still enjoy a sweet treat without spending much money.

The basic recipe for depression cake includes flour, sugar, baking soda, vinegar, and water. The absence of eggs, butter, and milk not only made the cake affordable but also inadvertently created a vegan-friendly dessert.

How To Prepare Depression Cake Recipe Vanilla?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Yield: 8 servings

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Oven

Ingredients

To make a vanilla depression cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How To Make Depression Cake Recipe Vanilla

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar may seem like an unusual ingredient, but it reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. It’s important not to over mix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Mix until you no longer see dry flour, and the batter is smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost the cake or dust it with powdered sugar before serving.

Special Note

This Depression Cake recipe not only offers a glimpse into culinary history but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived through tough times.

It’s a simple, delicious treat that proves you don’t need extravagant ingredients to create something wonderful.

Variations And Tips

While the vanilla depression cake is delicious on its own, there are several ways to enhance and personalise this recipe. Here are a few ideas:

1. Add a Glaze or Frosting

A simple vanilla glaze or a light frosting can add a touch of sweetness and elegance to the cake. For a vanilla glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. For a more decadent option, you can use a buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

2. Incorporate Spices

To give your vanilla depression cake a warm and spicy twist, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dry ingredients. These spices complement the vanilla flavour and add depth to the cake.

3. Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts

For some extra texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit into the batter before baking. This can add a delightful surprise in every bite.

4. Make It Citrus

For a refreshing twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the wet ingredients. This will give the cake a bright, citrus flavour that pairs beautifully with vanilla.

Storage And Shelf Life

Vanilla depression cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Crafting a Depression Cake is more than just making a dessert; it’s about connecting with the past and appreciating the simplicity of flavours.

This vanilla version is perfect for any occasion, offering a moist, flavourful bite that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

Whether you’re serving it plain, with a glaze, or topped with fresh fruit, this cake is a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated baking. Enjoy!

I hope you find this Depression Cake recipe as delightful as I do. Happy baking!