Description
Sweet memories bloom with Vanilla Crazy Cake, a simple Depression-era dessert that defies traditional baking rules. Mixing ingredients directly in the pan creates a moist, tender treat that connects generations through its nostalgic charm and effortless preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup water
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or dairy-free alternative
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring smooth edges for easy cake removal.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform mixture by whisking flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until completely integrated.
- Create three distinct wells within the dry ingredient landscape, strategically placing vinegar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil into separate depressions.
- Gently cascade water across the entire mixture, using a whisk to incorporate ingredients with minimal agitation, ensuring a silky, lump-free batter without overmixing.
- Transfer the liquid mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to guarantee consistent cake texture and smooth surface.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a slender toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, permitting temperature stabilization before potential glazing.
- For optional vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until achieving a glossy, pourable consistency.
- Drizzle the silky glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade naturally and create an elegant, appetizing finish.
Notes
- Customize the cake’s texture by adjusting mixing time, ensuring a tender crumb without overworking the batter.
- Create dairy-free and vegan variations by substituting milk with almond or oat milk in the glaze.
- Elevate flavor complexity by adding a splash of almond extract alongside vanilla for deeper aromatic notes.
- Transform the basic recipe into cupcakes by reducing baking time to 18-22 minutes and using a muffin tin.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg