Great Depression Era Vanilla Cake Recipe - No Eggs, No Milk, No Butter!

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed and has a lower glycemic index.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: applesauce

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Applesauce reduces fat while adding moisture.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean paste

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Vanilla bean paste offers a more intense flavor.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cake flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

Mix 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl.

Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the bowl.

Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.

Make three holes in the dry mixture.

Pour 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into one hole.

Add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the second hole.

Pour 5 tablespoons of olive oil into the third hole.

Pour 1 cup of water over all the ingredients in the bowl.

Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Prepare an 8x8 baking dish lined with parchment paper.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, testing with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven after 35 minutes, it should look moist and have holes from the tester.

To make frosting, combine 1 and 1/2 cups of confectionary sugar and 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter in a medium bowl.

Mix the sugar and butter together until well combined.

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk to the mixture.

Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth.

Spread the frosting on top of the cooled cake, without icing the sides.

Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberries.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens