Whacky Vegan Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe has been around for decades. It’s also called the Whacky cake or the Depression cake. But let me tell you, the taste and texture of the cake is definitely not whacky or depressing. It’s unbelievably moist and tastes like any regular chocolate cake especially with the frosting. At first I didn’t tell my husband that the cake has vinegar in it, so he was not able to tell any difference. He liked the cake very much even after I told about the secret ingredient. But since I knew about the vinegar I was able to feel a very very very mild smell/taste. I guess it’s psychological. I have to stress here again that when eaten with the frosting this chocolate cake is so delicious. This vegan chocolate cake recipe is definitely a keeper. I’m already thinking of the variations I can make each time.
I was wondering what to do for the frosting without the sugar because all the recipes I had called for confectioner’s sugar. I had a few packs of instant pudding mixes and thought how it would be for a frosting. I googled and found that pudding mix frosting is very common. Luckily I had the Cool Whip topping which is required for the frosting. Even though I was skeptical, I had to proceed with it anyway because I had no other go. Surprisingly it did turn out good. So the frosting is not vegan.
Yield: One 8 or 9 inch cake or 8 cupcakes.
2 Stir together all the dry ingredients (flour to cocoa powder) and create a well in the center.
3 To the well add all the wet ingredients one by one. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix. It’s ok to have some lumps.
4 Pour the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Mine was done by 24 minutes. If baking cupcakes, check around 13-15th minute.
5 Cool completely on a wire rack. I left it for an hour.
6 To remove the cake from the pan, run a sharp knife around the inside of the pan to loosen the cake.
7 Cool completely before frosting. Actually frosting is not even necessary for this moist cake. You may simply dust with confectioner’s sugar and top with fresh raspberries.
Procedure:
1 Pour milk into a large bowl. Add the pudding mix. Beat until fluffy for 2 minutes.
2 Blend in the thawed Cool Whip thoroughly.
3 Frost the cake/cupcakes and refrigerate it at least for 3-4 hours before serving.
My Notes:
1 This frosting is not very sweet, but it was perfect with the cake and for us. We don’t like overly sweet cakes and frosting.
2 This measurement will be right for a 13×9 inch cake or a layer cake. I had at least a cup of frosting left over, which I intend to serve in ice cream cones for my son.
1. Egg Replacement Event – Vinegar hosted by me.
2. Just for You hosted by Alka. I made this cake for Valentine’s day for my husband.
3. My Favorite Things – Heart Shaped Food hosted by Bindiya.
4. Cook and Create with Luv for Luv hosted by Priyanka.


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March 2nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
This is the best cure for depression. I love it. Next I’m gonna try to make it with some nuts and chocolate bits in it. I love baking but I have had some trouble with baking without eggs. This is absolutely the best cake ever. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome Julia.