I love sharing dishes with a bit of history, and the Depression Vanilla Cake Recipe is a true gem. This charming cake, with its humble origins from the Great Depression, beautifully illustrates how simplicity can yield extraordinary results.
Featuring basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and vanilla, this cake achieves a remarkably moist and tender texture that’s both nostalgic and comforting.
Its understated elegance makes it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating or simply enjoying a cozy treat.
This depression vanilla cake recipe not only honors a piece of culinary history but also proves that great flavor doesn’t need to be complicated.
Dive into baking this classic cake and savor its delightful simplicity!
How To Prepare Depression Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: Serves 8
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch round or square baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and ensures a smooth batter.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the water, vegetable oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar is essential as it reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its rise.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cake remains light and fluffy.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
1. Variations: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice, or fold in some chocolate chips for extra flavor.
2. Frosting: This cake pairs well with a simple glaze or frosting. A dusting of powdered sugar also works perfectly.
3. Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Enjoy this classic vanilla cake, which proves that simplicity and creativity can make for a delicious treat!
Nutrition Facts Depression Vanilla Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Sugar | 15 g |
How to Make Your Depression Vanilla Cake Recipe Even More Delicious
1. Add a Layer of Fruit Jam or Preserves
To give your vanilla cake a burst of flavor, spread a layer of fruit jam or preserves between the cake layers. Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jams work particularly well. This adds a delightful sweetness and a fruity contrast that complements the vanilla.
2. Incorporate Lemon Zest or Juice
For a fresh, zesty twist, mix in some lemon zest or a bit of lemon juice into the batter. Lemon adds a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake. You can also add a touch of lemon zest to your frosting for an extra zing.
3. Create a Vanilla Bean Glaze
Elevate your cake with a vanilla bean glaze. Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean into the mixture. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for a rich, vanilla-forward flavor.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the batter for a touch of indulgence. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that add a delicious contrast to the vanilla.
5. Top with Toasted Nuts
Garnish your cake with toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds. The toasted nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, vanilla cake. You can toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and golden.
Conclusion
In closing, this depression vanilla cake recipe exemplifies the beauty of simplicity in baking. Its rich, tender crumb and comforting vanilla flavor highlight how a few basic ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful.
Rooted in the resourcefulness of the Great Depression era, this cake is a testament to enduring traditions and the joy of homemade treats.
Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or as a sweet indulgence on a regular day, its timeless appeal and ease make it a favorite in any kitchen.
Embrace the elegance of simplicity with this cake, and enjoy the process of creating a classic dessert that’s both satisfying and memorable. Happy baking!
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Strawberry and Vanilla Cake Recipe – A Sweet Slice
Depression Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch round or square baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 190 g all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup 240 ml water
- 1/3 cup 80 ml vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and ensures a smooth batter.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the water, vegetable oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar is essential as it reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its rise.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cake remains light and fluffy.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.