This vanilla crazy cake recipe is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual family dinners.
Also known as Wacky Cake, Depression Cake, or War Cake, this dessert was born out of necessity during the Great Depression when eggs, milk, and butter were scarce.
What makes this cake so “crazy” is its unique preparation method and ingredient list, which excludes eggs, milk, and butter.
The result is a moist, tender, and flavorful cake that’s incredibly easy to make. Let’s dive into the world of this nostalgic, delicious, and surprisingly simple cake!
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe
❖ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just craving a simple dessert, Vanilla Crazy Cake is always a hit.
❖ Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients, this cake uses what you likely already have in your kitchen.
❖ Vegan-Friendly: This cake contains no dairy or eggs, making it perfect for those following a vegan or egg-free diet.
❖ Quick & Easy: Forget the complicated steps – this recipe can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
❖ Moist & Flavorful: Despite using only a few basic ingredients, this cake is unbelievably moist and full of vanilla flavor.
How To Prepare Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Yield: 9 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- 9×9-inch baking pan (or similar size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional)
- Spatula or knife for frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup cold water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or regular butter if not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
How To Make Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Make three small wells in the dry mixture. Into one well, add the vinegar. In the second, add the vanilla extract. In the third, pour in the vegetable oil.
4. Combine with Water: Pour the cold water over the entire mixture. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, vegan butter (or regular butter), vanilla extract, and almond milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife.
9. Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and serve. Enjoy your delicious, moist vanilla crazy cake!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favourite ice cream.
For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top. This cake is also perfect for layering with fresh berries for a fruity twist.
Tips And Variations
1. Flavour Variations
Chocolate Crazy Cake: Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
Spice Crazy Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced version.
2. Add-Ins
1. Nuts and Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Fruit: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, for added texture and flavour.
3. Frosting Ideas
Classic Buttercream: If you’re not avoiding dairy, top the cake with a simple buttercream frosting.
Vegan Frosting: For a dairy-free option, use a vegan buttercream or a glaze made with powdered sugar and water.
Health Benefits
This Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe is a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s dairy-free and egg-free, making it suitable for vegans and those with allergies.
The use of vegetable oil provides healthy fats, and by opting for whole wheat flour, you can increase the fiber content.
Additionally, the simplicity of the ingredients means no preservatives or artificial additives.
Storing Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe
To keep your Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week, ensuring it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
You can also freeze the cake for up to three months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminium foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature.
Conclusion
My Vanilla Crazy Cake recipe is a delightful testament to how simple ingredients can create a delicious treat.
This cake, free from eggs, milk, and butter, surprises with its moist, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavour. It’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions or when you need a quick, easy dessert.
The recipe’s simplicity doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a favorite in my kitchen.
Baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this Vanilla Crazy Cake is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy the magic of baking made easy!
Vanilla Crazy Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- 9×9-inch baking pan (or similar size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional)
- Spatula or knife for frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup cold water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter if not vegan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond milk or any plant-based milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make three small wells in the dry mixture. Into one well, add the vinegar. In the second, add the vanilla extract. In the third, pour in the vegetable oil.
- Combine with Water: Pour the cold water over the entire mixture. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, vegan butter (or regular butter), vanilla extract, and almond milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and serve. Enjoy your delicious, moist vanilla crazy cake!