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Depression Cake

Spiced Crazy Cake – No Eggs, Milk or Butter (Pantry Cake)

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Today I am sharing my Spiced Crazy Cake recipe again, so it has it’s own page and is easier to find. Just like the original Chocolate Crazy Cake, this wonderful cake has no eggs, milk or butter – you don’t even need a bowl, mix everything right in your baking dish. Best of all it’s darn good cake!

Spiced Crazy Cake – NO Eggs, Milk or Butter

This awesome from scratch cake has no eggs, milk or butter, you don’t even need a bowl, it’s super moist and delicious! This cake is also budget friendly, perfect for family and friends with egg and dairy allergies – it’s vegan! It’s also a super fun activity to do with kids. You probably have everything you need to make this cake right in your pantry.  

SPICED CRAZY CAKE - No Eggs Milk Butter Or Bowls

**Be sure to check out all my crazy cake flavors – Chocolate, Snickerdoodle , Carrot, Lemon, Chocolate Mint and more!

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE SPICED CRAZY CAKE

All-purpose flour, sugar, pumpkin spice, salt, baking soda, vanilla extract, white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), vegetable oil (or canola oil) and water.

HOW TO MAKE SPICED CRAZY CAKE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a greased 8″ square baking pan. Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients – two small, one larger (see #3 in photo). Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third larger depression.  Pour water over all.  Mix well until smooth. Bake on middle rack of oven for 35 minutes.  Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.  Cool.  Top with your favorite vanilla frosting or dust with powdered sugar

Spiced Crazy Cake – No Eggs, Milk or Butter

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups flour + 2 Tablespoons (all-purpose)
  • 1 Tablespoon pumpkin spice
  • 1 Cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon  salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 5 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 Cup water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a greased 8″ square baking pan.  Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients – two small, one larger (see #3 in photo below). Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third larger depression.  Pour water over all.  Mix well until smooth.

Bake on middle rack of oven for 35 minutes.  Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.  Cool.  Top with your favorite vanilla frosting or dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Frosting Recipes
Vegan Fluffy Buttercream frosting
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting(contains dairy)

 

Tips

  • IMPORTANT – Make sure your baking soda and vinegar are fresh, they are what make the cake rise.
  • You can double this recipe, just use a 9×13 baking pan.
  • Mix the batter in a bowl for neater, easier mixing.  Be sure to follow the directions the same way – mixing the dry ingredients then making the depressions for the wet ingredients.  Don’t forget to grease you pan.
  • Although I have not used Gluten Free flour mixes for this recipe, many people have and said the cake turns out wonderful!  This is a great tip from someone that made the cake using a GF mix – “…the mix I use is 1c. brown rice flour, 1c. white rice flour, 1/3 c. tapioca starch, 2/3 c. potato starch, 1tsp. xanthan gum. I’ve used it in everything from bread to cookies to cakes, and I love it. I do add just a bit more leavening agent *usually baking soda* than the recipe calls for.  For instance, in this recipe I just added 1/2 of what it called for more. So the recipe called for 1 tsp, so I added 1 1/2.  And it was SO good. Hubby didn’t even know it was vegan.  And he’s a full on man lol. Meat, potatoes, you get it.”  She also added another note for this GF mix – “I only increase the leavening on cakes and bread. cookies are fine.”   A big thank you goes out to the sweet reader for being so helpful and sharing this tip with all of us!

Thank you so much for stopping by!
Cheers!

Coffee & Kahlúa Crazy Cake (no eggs, milk or butter)

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For this week’s Tried & True Tuesday, I am sharing a new flavor for the Crazy Cake recipe, Coffee & Kahlúa! I have BOTH the cake and mug cake versions for you!

I was busy in the kitchen on Friday, experimenting with the recipe for a party over the weekend.  I am so excited to share this new version – it turned out wonderful. Everyone loved the cake!  Just like the original, the cake turned out super moist and delicious. With a just hint of coffee and Kahlúa, it’s a yummy twist on the Great Depression era recipe.

Note: This is not a sponsored post, I have no affiliation with the makers of Kahlúa, I’m just a fan! 

Be sure to check out all of my Crazy Cake Flavors!

Coffee & Kahlúa Crazy/Wacky Cake

 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups flour (all-purpose)
  • 3 Tbsp. cocoa (unsweetened)
  • 1 Cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp.  salt
  • 1 tsp. white vinegar
  • 1 tsp.  pure vanilla extract
  • 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 3/4 Cup brewed coffee (cold or room temperature)
  • 1/4 Cup Kahlúa
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a greased 8″ square baking pan.  Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients – two small, one larger (see #3 in photo below). Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third larger depression. Pour coffee and Kahlúa over all.  Mix well until smooth.

Bake on middle rack of oven for 35 minutes. Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Cool. Top with your favorite chocolate frosting or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy!


FROSTING RECIPES

Tips

If you don’t have/like Kahlúa, use 1 cup of coffee.

You can double the recipe, just use a 9×13 baking pan.

You can also mix the batter in a bowl for neater, easier mixing AND for cupcakes (adjust baking time for cupcakes). Be sure to follow the directions the same way – mixing the dry ingredients then making the depressions for the wet ingredients.

Although I have not used Gluten Free flour mixes for this recipe, many people have use it for the Original Chocolate Crazy Cake, and it turns out wonderful! “Yes it is yummy and very moist. It even works with gf flour mixes!”

 

{The tutorial picture above is from my original Crazy Cake post. The steps are the same. Instead of water in step 5, pour 3/4 cup of coffee and 1/4 cup of Kahlúa}
Next up, Coffee & Kahlúa Crazy Cake in a Mug!
Coffee & Kahlua Crazy Cake in a Mug

COFFEE & KAHLUA CRAZY CAKE IN A MUG

 

Ingredients
  • 5 Tablespoons flour (all-purpose)
  • 4 1/2 Tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • Dash of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or canola)
  • 4 Tablespoons brewed coffee (cold or room temperature)
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Kahlúa
Directions
step-by-step photos below
Using a large microwave safe mug, spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray. Next, mix the first 5 dry ingredients in the mug.  After mixing well, make 3 depressions in dry ingredients.  Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third depression.  Pour coffee and Kahlúa over top.  Mix well until smooth using a fork.  Place in microwave and cook on high for *2 minutes, uncovered. Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.  Be sure not to over cook!  Top with whatever you like – powdered sugar, frosting, chocolate chips, whipped cream. Enjoy hot or cold.

 

TIPS
Each microwave cooks differently, adjust time accordingly!  One person made the cake in 1 minute 40 seconds, and another in 1 minute 20 seconds.  If you overcook the cake, it may ruin it.  Be sure to watch as it bakes.
If you want a neater mug cake, mix the cake batter in a small bowl, then pour the batter in the mug.
You can add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a super rich chocolate cake…or do what I did, throw some on top after you make it, while it’s still warm!  Mmm, mmm good!
Coffee & Kahlua Crazy Cake in a Mug
The tutorial picture above is from the original Chocolate Crazy Cake in a Mug. The steps are the same.  In place of water, use 4 Tablespoons of coffee and a 1/2 Tablespoon of Kahlúa.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cheers!

Vanilla Crazy Cake – No Eggs, Milk or Butter (EASY PANTRY CAKE)

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This week I am sharing two more Crazy Cake flavors (ORIGINALS) I tested in my kitchen…Vanilla & Spiced Crazy Cakes!

CRAZY CAKE (No Eggs, Milk or Butter)

Crazy Cake is also know as Depression Cake and Wacky Cake. These awesome, super easy and delicious cakes have no eggs, milk or butter, you don’t even need a bowl, simply mix everything right in the baking dish! These cakes are budget friendly, perfect for family and friends with egg or dairy allergies or if they are vegan. Best of all, they are really good cakes! You probably have everything you need to make one right in your pantry!

Head here for the complete list of my Crazy Cake flavors!

VANILLA CRAZY CAKE - No Eggs, Milk Or Butter

 

Last week I shared a Chocolate Crazy Cake recipe that was given to me several years ago by a close friend. This super moist and delicious cake has no eggs, milk or butter. You don’t even need a bowl! This recipe was born during the Great Depression, when people had to be creative during hard times. I am so thankful for this recipe, it was such a gift to my family – our youngest has an egg allergy and is able to enjoy real cake!

Be sure to check out the Chocolate Crazy Cake!

 

Update 2020 – Since sharing the original Chocolate Crazy Cake recipe, along with all the other flavors added over the years  – these recipes have had millions of views!  People are crazy for  Crazy Cakes!

Vanilla Crazy Cake - Vanilla Wacky Cake

Just a few more interesting things I learned – this original chocolate cake is also known as Wacky Cake, Depression Cake, Vinegar and Oil Cake, Happy Valley Cake and Dump Cake. I’m sure there are more names out there and I would love to hear what your family calls this cake.


I’ve had several people ask if this cake can be made in vanilla…I decided to give it a try! With just a few simple changes to this recipe, I was able to make Vanilla Crazy Cake.  I also made a Spiced Crazy Cake too! BONUS. Both turned out wonderful,  super moist and delicious!

Vanilla Crazy Cake (No Eggs, Milk or Butter)

Recipe Updated 2020

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Save to Pinterest

 

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups flour  (all-purpose)
  • 1 Cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 5 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 Cup water

 

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 inch  baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix first 4 dry ingredients in a greased 8″ square baking pan.  Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients – two small, one larger (see #3 in photo below). Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third larger depression.  Pour water over all.  Mix well until smooth. Bake on middle rack of oven for 35 minutes.  Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.  Cool.  Top with your favorite frosting.  Enjoy!

Frosting Recipes
Vegan Fluffy Buttercream frosting
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (contains dairy)


Tips 

IMPORTANT – Make sure your baking soda and vinegar are fresh, they are what make the cake rise.

This cake is not light, it is more dense.  For a stronger vanilla taste, you could add a 1/2 teaspoon more of vanilla for a total of  2 1/2 teaspoons.

You can double this recipe, just use a 9×13 baking pan.

You can also mix the batter in a bowl for neater, easier mixing.  Be sure to follow the directions the same way – mixing the dry ingredients then making the depressions for the wet ingredients. Don’t forget to grease you pan.

Although I have not used Gluten Free flour mixes for this recipe, many people have and said the cake turns out wonderful! “Yes it is yummy and very moist. It even works with gf flour mixes!”

 

Crazy Cake batter can be used for cupcakes!

Crazy Cake Cup Cakes

BONUS RECIPE!! 
SPICED CRAZY CAKE RECIPE

SPICED CRAZY/WACKY CAKE

Save Recipe to Pinterest

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups flour + 2 Tablespoons (all-purpose) 
  • 1 Tablespoons pumpkin spice
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 5 Tablespoons vegetable oil 
  • 1 cup water 



Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a greased 8″ square baking pan.  Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients – two small, one larger (see #3 in photo below). Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third larger depression. Pour water over all. Mix well until smooth.

Bake on middle rack of oven for 35 minutes. Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Cool. Top with your favorite frosting ( I used vanilla). Enjoy!

Frosting Recipes
Vegan Fluffy Buttercream frosting
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (contains dairy)

Tips

IMPORTANT – Make sure your baking soda and vinegar are fresh, they are what make the cake rise.

You can double this recipe, just use a 9×13 baking pan.

You can also mix the batter in a bowl for neater, easier mixing. Be sure to follow the directions the same way – mixing the dry ingredients then making the depressions for the wet ingredients. Don’t forget to grease you pan.

Although I have not used Gluten Free flour mixes for this recipe, many people have and said the cake turns out wonderful! “Yes it is yummy and very moist. It even works with gf flour mixes!”

Pinnable Image
SPICED CRAZY CAKE - No Eggs, Milk or Butter
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Cheers!

Chocolate Crazy Cake (No Eggs, Milk, Butter or Bowls)

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Chocolate Crazy Cake

Crazy cake also known as Wacky Cake & Depression Cake – No Eggs, Milk, Butter, Bowls or Mixers! Super moist and delicious. Go-to recipe for egg/dairy allergies. Great activity to do with kids. Recipe dates back to the Great Depression. It’s darn good cake!

Read rave reviews from people who tried this recipe on Pinterest!

More Rave Reviews

More Reviews

Chocolate Crazy Cake - Also known as Wacky Cake and Depression Cake

 
 
More cake flavors have been added since this post. Click on the photo below to head to the recipes section for links to all the flavors. There are mug cake versions too!
 
Crazy Cake can be made with Gluten Free mixes! Many people have commented they have made this cake with Gluten Free mixes and it’s wonderful.”Yes it is yummy and very moist. It even works with GF flour mixes!” 

 

 

For years my youngest one never had a real cake for her birthday. I know there are worse things in life, but no cake – that just stinks. She never had REAL cake until my good friend shared her mom’s Chocolate Crazy Cake, also known as Wacky Cake and Depression Cake.  (Original post date for this recipe – March, 2013)

 

Within minutes of my friend sharing the recipe, I whipped up the cake while talking to her on the phone. I could not believe how easy it was to make. No bowls. No mess. I mixed everything right in the baking pan. AWESOME.

When the cake was done, frosted, ready to eat, I could not believe how moist it was. Over the years we tried other egg-free recipes and replacements, they were just okay, nothing great. THIS CAKE is crazy good, my daughter and family loved it!

From that day on, it was good-bye to the same old ice cream cake we had EVERY SINGLE birthday….hello yummy REAL chocolate cake with ice cream on top.


 

I did a little research on Crazy and Wacky Cake recipes. These cakes were created during the Great Depression, when eggs, milk and butter were very hard to come by. The cakes are also known as Depression Cakes. Remember my favorite childhood Depression sandwich my grandparents made? People were pretty resourceful during those hard times. It took some creativity and baking science to create a cake without eggs or butter. You don’t even need a mixer. Genius!
 
The LA Times has a great article on Crazy Cake: 

“Mad for crazy cake – It contains no butter or eggs, is a cinch to make and comes out rich, moist and delicious. What’s not to like?“

Pinnable Image 

CHOCOLATE CRAZY CAKE - No Eggs, Milk Butter, Bowls or Mixers! Sweet Little Bluebird

 

Read more rave reviews from people who tried this cake on Pinterest! 

 

Chocolate Crazy Cake Recipe (No Eggs, Milk, Butter or Bowls)

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Print Recipe 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups flour (all-purpose)
  • 3 Tbsp. cocoa (unsweetened)
  • 1 Cup sugar (All purpose sugar – Granulated Pure Cane Sugar)
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp.  salt
  • 1 tsp. white vinegar
  • 1 tsp.  pure vanilla extract
  • 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 Cup water

Directions (picture tutorial below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a greased 8″ square baking pan.  Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients – two small, one larger (see #3 in photo below). Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other and the vegetable oil in third larger depression. Pour water over all. Mix well until smooth.


Bake on middle rack of oven for 35 minutes. Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Cool. Top with your favorite frosting. Enjoy!

Note: Oven baking times may vary, be sure to check your cake to make sure you do not over bake.

 

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FROSTING RECIPES



TIPS

  • You can double this recipe, just use a 9×13 baking pan.
  • Mix batter in a bowl for neater, easier mixing. Be sure to follow the directions the same way – mixing the dry ingredients then making the depressions for the wet ingredients. Don’t forget to grease your pan. You can also make cupcakes – be sure to adjust baking time.
  • Google Bob’s Red Mill’s Gluten-Free Crazy Cake.
  • Many have shared that this recipe is great served warm or cold with just sprinkling powdered sugar on top.
  • This cake is also a great activity to do with kids.

 

 
Here are some spring cupcakes my sister made using the Vanilla Crazy Cake  recipe, for a birthday party where several kids had severe egg and dairy allergies.


Many people have asked if I have a Crazy Banana Cake recipe. I don’t have one yet, but stay tuned. In the meantime, here is a CRAZY BANANA CAKE with CREAM CHEESE FROSTING recipe that’s not crazy because it’s dairy and egg free (this recipe contains eggs, butter and buttermilk), but crazy because of how it is made… and it’s amazing!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cheers!

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