Wacky Cake(A.K.A. Three Hole Cake)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Wacky Cake, also known as Three Hole Cake, is a moist, chocolatey dessert that requires no eggs or dairy, perfect for quick baking and satisfying sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1/3 cup oil

Instructions

  1. Into an ungreased 8-inch square pan, sift and mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Mix cocoa and sugar together and add to the pan.
  3. Stir all to mix well.
  4. Make three holes in the dry mixture.
  5. Pour vinegar into the first hole, oil into the second hole, and vanilla into the third hole.
  6. Pour cold water over all ingredients.
  7. Stir or use a rotary beater until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  8. Bang the pan on the table three times to remove air bubbles.
  9. Bake at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the richness of your Wacky Cake, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added texture. You can also replace the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist. If you want to make it even more decadent, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.

Serving Suggestions

Wacky Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving by dusting it with powdered sugar or drizzling it with melted chocolate. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Dumpling Soup for a comforting meal or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh fruit salad for a lighter option.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Wacky Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold. The cake also freezes well; wrap slices tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Wacky Cake(A.K.A. Three Hole Cake) contains roughly 521 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1489mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).

521 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 45.5g 58% DV
Carbs 25.2g 9% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1488.9mg 65% DV
Potassium 61.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 18.1mg 1% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
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 make Wacky Cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Wacky Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your baking soda and cocoa powder are also gluten-free. The recipe's simplicity makes it easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How can I make this cake sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. Alternatively, add a frosting or glaze on top after baking. A simple chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting would complement the flavors beautifully.

Is it possible to add fruit to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can fold in some crushed pineapple or mashed bananas into the batter before baking. This addition not only adds moisture but also creates a delightful flavor contrast. Just be mindful of the extra liquid when adding fruit.

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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