Poor Man Or Eggless Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist eggless chocolate cake with simple pantry ingredients, perfect for quick desserts, potlucks, or satisfying chocolate cravings without eggs or dairy.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 8 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup cooking oil
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
  2. Make 3 holes in the dry mixture.
  3. Put salad oil in one hole, vinegar in the second hole, and vanilla in the third hole.
  4. Pour water over all the ingredients.
  5. Mix with a fork until it becomes like cake batter.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of espresso powder to the dry ingredients, which enhances the cocoa. If you're out of white vinegar, lemon juice can be an effective substitute. For a gluten-free version, replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. This cake is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to experiment with flavors or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a festive touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache or a simple glaze. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing drink like Ghostly Glow Punch for a fun dessert party.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poor Man Or Eggless Cake contains roughly 220 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

220 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 27.7g 10% DV
Fiber 3.5g 12% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1001.5mg 44% DV
Potassium 260.1mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 23.7mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 different types of flour for this cake?

Yes, you can experiment with other flours. Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it may result in a denser cake. If gluten-free is your preference, use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like almond or coconut flour, adjusting the liquid as necessary.

Is this cake suitable for vegan diets?

Absolutely! This eggless cake is naturally vegan since it contains no animal products. Ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly as some sugars are processed with bone char. You can also add plant-based toppings, such as coconut whipped cream, for an extra indulgent treat.

How can I make this cake more decadent?

To make the cake richer, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking. You can also top it with a chocolate frosting or serve it with a warm chocolate sauce drizzled over each slice. Pairing it with G.G.'S Ginger Crisp can provide a delightful contrast in flavors.

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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