This is a magical cake that is so easy to make and delicately decadent. Wartime chocolate cake will remind you of a rich brownie and has a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. It is a vegan cake so you can share this with those that have dietary restrictions. It is also a great cake for those observing lent. And of course, if your supplies are short on hand and you are struggling to find eggs, milk or butter, you can rejoice. This is an amazingly delicious cake.

Being co-raised by my grandparents had its advantages. My maternal great-grandmother lived on the property with them and I got to learn a lot about how the great depression, prohibition and the wars affected their lives. Because of this, I got to learn about frugal cooking and baking. My grandma used to say “give me flour, drippings and a bag of potatoes and I can keep the family fed.” This recipe is one example. A chocolate cake without eggs or dairy.

During times of war in the past, there were many rations and what was rationed was sometimes scarce. So a lot of recipes lacked key ingredients. Some recipes were frankly horrible. Thankfully, some were delicious and made the difficult times of war a little less upsetting on these special occasions. Birthdays could still be honored, people could have a small gathering and not feel so alone and scared for an afternoon as the world was falling apart around them. This cake, a staple in many kitchens shared in newspapers bringing forth news of the never ending war, helped keep worried mothers, daughters and lovers occupied while they awaited for better days.

Today, this cake can bring solace to others. Just as the depression, prohibition and wars ended that brought violence and uncertainty into our lives, so will these days. Depression or wartime chocolate cake reminds us all that better days are to come and things will eventually return to happier times.

Here is a brief video tutorial on how to make this recipe. You’ll be making this a lot as it’s that delicious and easy. After you try it out, this icing is another nice variation for topping. The possibilities are endless with this simple no fuss vegan chocolate cake.

Vegan Chocolate Cake

This is an easy chocolate cake recipe that was printed in many newspapers during World War II. Wartime cake is reminiscent of a brownie, this cake is eggless, dairy-free and perfect for those short on supplies or with dietary restrictions. It's considered a vegan chocolate cake, but don't let the lack of eggs and dairy fool you. It's moist and wonderfully delicious.

Print Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time30 minutes minutes

Total Time40 minutes minutes

Servings8

Calories 287.7

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (225g) flour
• 1 cup (240mL) water
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• ⅓ cup (80mL) oil
• ¼ cup (20g) cocoa powder
• 1 tbs (15mL) vinegar
• 1 tsp (6g) baking soda
• 1 tsp (5mL) vanilla*
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
• 1 tbs (5g) cocoa powder
• 1 – 3 tbs (15-45mL) water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F (180C.)
• Grease and line the bottom of a 9" (23cm) round cake pan.
• Combine flour, sugar cocoa, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Sit aside.
• In a large bowl, combine water, oil, vanilla and vinegar. Add flour mixture, stirring until there are no lumps, about 30 seconds. Pour immediately into cake pan.
• Bake 25 – 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Center should read between 190F (88C) and 210F (99C.)
• Cool completely in pan before icing.

For the Glaze

• In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and cocoa. Mix in water, one teaspoon at a time, until you get a thin glaze. Pour over the still warm cake slowly and allow it to seep into the crumb.
• Let icing harden 10 – 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

*Vanilla is completely optional.

You can substitute self-rising flour.  If you do, use equal amounts flour and omit both the baking soda.  It will change the final texture slightly.

If you do not have vinegar, lemon juice can be used or it can be left out.  The rise will be less if left out, more like a thin brownie.

The water can be replaced with coffee to bring out the flavor of the chocolate.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Serving Size

 

1 slice

Amount per Serving

Calories

287.7

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

9.5

g

15

%

Saturated Fat

 

0.7

g

4

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

2.3

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

5.9

g

Sodium

 

145.3

mg

6

%

Carbohydrates

 

51.3

g

17

%

Fiber

 

1.2

g

5

%

Protein

 

2.3

g

5

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.