Grandma'S Wacky Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Wacky Cake is a moist, chocolatey, and easy-to-make dessert that combines rich cocoa flavor with simple ingredients, perfect for family gatherings or a quick treat.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 6 tablespoons cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 10 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Mix together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Add the melted butter, vinegar, and cold water to the dry ingredients.
  3. Mix until well combined.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, sift the flour and cocoa together to aerate them. You can substitute the melted butter with vegetable oil for a dairy-free version. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa to 8 tablespoons. For an extra twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor. This cake can be enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grandma's Wacky Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. You can also try it alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it after a hearty dish like Ham 'N Egg Rice Bake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through, or enjoy it cold for a different texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Wacky Cake contains roughly 684 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

684 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 61.2g 79% DV
Carbs 27.4g 10% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 13.5g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1237.7mg 54% DV
Potassium 269.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 180mg 60% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 4.1mg 5% DV
Calcium 80.2mg 6% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the cake may have a denser texture. To maintain lightness, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour, or add a bit more liquid to the batter.

What if I don't have vinegar?

If you don't have vinegar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or buttermilk. Both will help to activate the baking soda, ensuring your cake rises properly and maintains its moist texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips, can enhance the flavor and texture of your cake. Just fold them into the batter gently before pouring it into the cake pan, keeping in mind that it may slightly change the baking time.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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