This vegan fudgy chocolate cake, the old depression cake, bakes up deep, dark, and moist without eggs, butter, or dairy. Unsweetened applesauce and neutral oil keep the crumb fudgy while vinegar and baking soda do the lifting. One bowl, 38 minutes, eight slices of cake that tastes far more effortful than it is.
Craving a rich, fudgy chocolate cake that just happens to be vegan? You’ve found it! This recipe is a modern take on a classic ‘Depression Cake’ or ‘Wacky Cake,’ celebrated for its incredible results using the simplest pantry ingredients. The magic happens when vinegar and baking soda react, creating a surprisingly light and tender crumb without any eggs or dairy. It’s a foolproof, one-bowl wonder that delivers a deeply satisfying chocolate flavor every single time. Perfect for birthdays, last-minute dessert needs, or just a Tuesday treat!
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups (180g / 6.3 oz) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (30g / 1.06 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (240ml) soy milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60g / 2.12 oz) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) neutral oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml / 0.5 fl oz) white or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda until thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix together the soy milk, vanilla extract, applesauce, oil, and vinegar.
4. Pour the wet into the bowl with the dry . Stir with a spatula just until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Immediately pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 26–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 8
• Cost Per Slice: $0.37
• Calories: 213 kcal
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 170mg
Pro Tips
• for the Perfect Cake
• Sift the dry (flour, cocoa, baking soda) to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more tender cake crumb.
• Do not overmix the batter. Mix only until the wet and dry are just combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake tough.
• Bake the cake immediately after mixing. The leavening reaction between the vinegar and baking soda starts right away, and you want to capture that lift in the oven.
• Ensure the cake is 100% cool to the touch before frosting. A warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and can make the cake crumble.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different plant-based milk instead of soy milk
A: Absolutely! This vegetarian chocolate cake is very forgiving. You can easily substitute soy milk with other plant-based milks like almond, oat, or cashew milk on a 1:1 basis without affecting the delicious, fudgy result.
Q: What can I substitute for applesauce in this vegetarian cake
A: The unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and helps bind the cake, acting as a natural egg replacer. If you don’t have any, you can use an equal amount of mashed banana or a vegan yogurt for a similar tender texture.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian chocolate cake gluten-free
A: To make this cake gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be just as rich and fudgy.
Q: How should I store this eggless chocolate cake
A: Store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted it with a perishable frosting, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Vegan Fudgy Chocolate Cake (Depression Cake)
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round or 8x8-inch square cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix together the soy milk, vanilla extract, applesauce, oil, and vinegar.
- Pour the wet into the bowl with the dry .
- Stir with a spatula just until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Immediately pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 26–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Mix only until the wet and dry are just combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake tough.
- Bake the cake immediately after mixing. The leavening reaction between the vinegar and baking soda starts right away, and you want to capture that lift in the oven.
