Depression Era Cake (Original)

This type of cake may have started in the Depression Era, when dairy and eggs were rationed; however, I jokingly call it "Depressed No More! Cake" because it's hard to feel sad when eating this deliciously moist dessert. ; )

Depressed Era Cake: Original- VegWithMandy.com

see variations (below)

Preheat oven to 350F

Spray 8x8 pan with cooking spray.

In large mixing bowl, add:

• 1 and 1/2 c all purpose flour

• Scant 1c. sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt.

Mix well.

Make 3 “depressions” in the center, and into them:

• 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 6 Tbsp canola oil

Then pour over:

• 1c water

Stir well.

Pour batter into sprayed 8x8 pan.

Bake at 350F x 28-35 min.

Notes: Although I could enjoy this cake just sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar without icing, it tastes really delicious topped with chocolate. I'm still working on creating a chocolate icing that is lower in sugar without sacrificing flavor or texture; I'd love to avoid the icky sugar crash that icing gives me. Until then, use icing on this cake that is from your favorite recipe, or store-bought, if you must. 

-or-

Variation - Avoid icing altogether, and add 1 cup of chocolate chips (dairy-free) to the batter, after first lightly dusting them with flour. (Dusting helps with buoyancy; avoids chips from all falling to the bottom.) This creates a chocolate chip cookie cake of sorts. It does tend to dry out after 2-3 days, so be mindful of that, and/or consider serving with dairy-free vanilla ice cream. SoDelicious is a plant-based ice cream company that lives up to its name!

Variation #2 - I HIGHLY recommend you try the Chai/Fall version of this cake, with its oh-so pure and simple APP-MaP icing.