Tomorrow is my dad’s 85th birthday and as we are getting ready, I realized that I’ve never shared my family’s favorite chocolate cake recipe. This is a from scratch recipe, but it’s so easy, you’ll never use a mix again. It’s yummy with butter cream frosting and cream cheese frosting (my husband’s fav) but it’s heavenly with German chocolate frosting.
I have no idea where my mom originally came across this recipe, or I would happily give credit. If you try this cake for a celebration, I’d love to hear about it — and see your photos!
Real Crazy Cake
Easy chocolate cake that doesn't need eggs.
Servings: 12
Equipment
- 8" round cake pan(s)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Large whisk
Ingredients
- 1½ cup flour
- 3 tbsp cocoa
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 tbsp canola oil
- Pam for baking OR flour and Crisco
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients into large mixing bowl.
- Make 3 depressions in mixture with the back of a spoon.
- Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the second and canola oil in the third.
- Pour water over all, then mix well until smooth.
- Pour into a greased and floured 8-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
Makes ONE layer of cake. You will need to double the ingredients for a two-layer cake.
Makes 12 – 15 cupcakes.
This recipe is great with German chocolate cake frosting, vanilla buttercream, or cream cheese frosting.
This is a very moist cake, so buttercream frosting will pick up cake crumbs unless you do a crumb coat before the final frosting coating.
Now there’s a tutorial I need. I understand what a crumb coating is but how? Do you use your prepared icing or do you need a special icing for the crumb coating?
Hi E – I think the key is that you need a really big spatula. Trying to do the job with a small one is tough. You use the same icing for the crumb coating as the regular icing. (Store bought is fine.) Just spread a thin coat of icing on all surfaces, pop it in the fridge to set up, and then come back later for the final coat.
Jennifer- the kids and I always make a chocolate cake for my husband on his birthday and they do the same for me. I will have to try this for a change and see what they think! Thanks so much! And, a very happy birthday to your dad!!
Thanks, Lydia! He had a good day today. Hope you enjoy this cake!
It’s my birthday coming up soon so I might just have to make myself a chocolate birthday cake…thanks for sharing the recipe!
Enjoy, Leonie!