Wacky Cake Variations

Note: This makes an 8x8 cake, for a 9×13-inch cake double the recipe and bake for 35–45 minutes.


Original Chocolate Wacky Cake


1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup white sugar

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon cider or white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup water


1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the oil, vinegar, vanilla, and water. Stir until smooth and well blended.

4. Pour the batter into an ungreased 8×8-inch pan.

5. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30–40 minutes. Cool completely before dusting with powdered or an optional frosting.


Frosting suggestion: Simple Chocolate Glaze


1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2–3 tablespoons milk or water

½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Whisk until smooth and pourable; drizzle over the cooled cake.


Coffee Chocolate Wacky Cake


Replace the 1 cup water with 1 cup hot brewed coffee. Optional: Stir in ½ cup regular chocolate chips

before baking.


Frosting suggestion: Mocha Glaze


1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 tablespoons brewed coffee


Whisk smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.


Chocolate Chip Wacky Cake


Keep the 1 cup water. 

Stir in ½ cup regular chocolate chips before baking.


Frosting suggestion: Classic Chocolate Buttercream


¼ cup softened butter

1½ cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1–2 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Beat until fluffy; spread over cooled cake.


Classic Vanilla Wacky Cake


Omit cocoa powder. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract total. Increase flour to 1¾ cups.


Frosting suggestion: Vanilla Glaze


1 cup powdered sugar

1½ tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Whisk until smooth; drizzle over cooled cake.


Lemon Wacky Cake


Omit cocoa powder. Add zest of 1 lemon to the dry ingredients. Use 3 tablespoons lemon juice + 1

teaspoon vinegar in total. Optional: Stir in ½ cup blueberries or raspberries.


Frosting suggestion: Lemon Glaze


1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice


Whisk smooth; drizzle or spread over cooled cake.


Apple Spice Wacky Cake


Omit cocoa powder. Increase flour to 1¾ cups. Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves to dry ingredients. Stir in 1 cup peeled and finely chopped or grated apple before baking. Optional: Add ¼ cup chopped nuts or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.


Frosting suggestion: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Glaze


2 tablespoons butter

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon milk

½ cup powdered sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon


Melt butter with brown sugar and milk; simmer 1 minute, then cool slightly. Whisk in powdered sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Pour over cooled cake.


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