Today, I had a blast experimenting in my kitchen and whipped up a Chocolate Crazy Cake in a Mug! If you’re not familiar with Crazy Cake, it’s also known as Wacky Cake or Depression Cake. The best part? It’s made without eggs, milk, butter, bowls, or mixers! This simple, budget-friendly recipe is perfect for anyone with egg or dairy allergies and is a fun project to do with kids. Dating back to the Great Depression, it’s a deliciously moist and affordable cake that’s sure to impress!
INGREDIENTS
Dry Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
- 4 1/2 tablespoons water
DIRECTIONS
Step-by-step photos below
- Spray the inside of a large microwave-safe mug (about 16 oz) with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the first 5 dry ingredients to the mug and mix them together.
- Create three small wells in the dry mixture. In one well, pour in the vinegar; in the second well, add the vanilla extract; and in the third well, pour in the vegetable oil. Then, pour the water over everything.
- Use a fork to mix the ingredients together until smooth.
- Microwave the mug on high for 2 minutes, uncovered. Check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake it!
- Top the cake with whatever you prefer—powdered sugar, frosting, chocolate chips, caramel, or whipped cream. Enjoy it hot or cold!
Tips
- Microwaves vary, so adjust cooking time as needed. One person cooked the cake in 1 minute 40 seconds, while another did it in 1 minute 20 seconds.
- Make sure your baking soda and vinegar are fresh—they’re what help the cake rise!
- For a neater cake, mix the ingredients in a small bowl first, then pour the batter into the mug.
- Want extra chocolatey goodness? Add mini chocolate chips to the batter, or sprinkle some on top while the cake is still warm! Mmm, so delicious!
