Description
Vanilla crazy cake emerges as a simple, depression-era dessert with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Bakers can mix ingredients directly in the pan, creating a moist, tender treat that delights with its effortless preparation and rich taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 5 tablespoons (75 ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk or dairy-free alternative
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 350F (175C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring smooth edges for effortless cake release.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until perfectly blended, creating a uniform dry foundation.
- Strategic Liquid Placement: Craft three wells in the dry mixture, positioning vinegar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil in distinct depressions to maximize flavor distribution.
- Batter Transformation: Pour water across the ingredients, gently whisking to create a smooth, velvety batter without overworking the mixture, ensuring a delicate texture.
- Pan Preparation and Baking: Smoothly transfer batter into the prepared pan, distributing evenly, then slide into the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cooling and Finishing: Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack, preparing an optional glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a glossy, flowing consistency.
- Final Touch: Elegantly drizzle the silky glaze over the cooled cake, letting it cascade naturally for a stunning, appetizing presentation.
Notes
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Check Baking Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to verify precise temperature, as slight variations can impact cake’s final texture and rise.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt to gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, or make vegan by using plant-based milk and replacing oil with applesauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg