Additional Coverage:
- I tried ‘Depression cake,’ a vintage recipe from the Great Depression with no eggs or dairy, and it’s my new favorite dessert (businessinsider.com)
With egg prices still high, I decided to try a recipe from the Great Depression era – Depression cake. This chocolate cake uses no eggs or dairy, making it a budget-friendly option.
I found a recipe and gathered my ingredients. Most were pantry staples, but I needed flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a pan. The total cost was about $1.90 per serving.
I preheated the oven and prepared my pan. The recipe called for blooming the cocoa powder in hot water, which filled my kitchen with a delicious chocolate aroma.
Next, I combined the wet ingredients, including the surprising addition of apple cider vinegar. I then mixed the dry ingredients separately.
Combining the wet and dry ingredients created a fizzy, bubbly batter thanks to the vinegar and baking soda reacting. This reaction helps create a light and fluffy cake without eggs.
The batter went into the pan and baked for about 45 minutes. While it baked, I made a simple chocolate glaze with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and water.
The finished cake looked like a typical chocolate cake, though the top formed a slightly crispy shell. Cutting into it revealed a spongy texture.
I drizzled the glaze over the cake and took a bite. It was delicious! The cake was perfectly sweet and rich, and the glaze added another layer of chocolatey goodness.
I even shared a slice with my partner without mentioning its unique ingredients. They loved it, commenting on its pleasant sweetness and going back for seconds.
Depression cake is a surprisingly delightful treat. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of bakers during tough times, and a great option for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing flavor.