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.

Why This Cake Is So Popular

Depression cake recipe vanilla has remained a beloved dessert for a good reason. It’s a nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of simpler times, yet it’s also perfect for the modern-day baker looking for an easy, affordable, and egg-free recipe.

The fact that it’s dairy-free and requires no fancy ingredients makes it accessible to a wide variety of diets, from vegan to gluten-free, when adjusted accordingly.

Plus, the vanilla flavor is classic, and the cake’s moist texture will win over anyone who tries it!

How To Prepare Depression Cake Recipe Vanilla?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Yield: 8 servings

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• baking pan (9×9-inch)
• Oven

Ingredients

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

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cold water
• Pinch of salt

How To Make Depression Cake Recipe Vanilla

1. Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together with a whisk to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the dry ingredients. Then, slowly pour in the cold water and stir the mixture until everything is combined into a smooth batter.

4. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Cool and Serve:

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. Optionally, you can dust it with powdered sugar or add a frosting of your choice.

Special Note

This Depression Cake is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding a variety of ingredients such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of fruit preserves.

Plus, it’s a great recipe for those with dietary restrictions, as it’s naturally vegan and dairy-free. For a little more flavor, you can even drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of water or milk.

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 Depression cake recipe vanilla 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 recipe vanilla 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 recipe vanilla 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 vanilla Cake recipe as delightful as I do. Happy baking!