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Gingerbread Crazy Cake

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This Gingerbread Crazy Cake is a vegan, dairy-free, egg-free dessert made with pantry staples. Originating from the Depression era, it’s moist, spiced, and easy to prepare without a mixer.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 8x8 inch cake 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. In a small bowl, mix water and molasses until well combined. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, add all dry ingredients and stir until mixed.
  4. Make 3 depressions in the dry mixture – two small and one large.
  5. Add vanilla in one small well, vinegar in the other, and oil in the large one.
  6. Pour the molasses-water mixture over all and stir until batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool, slice, and serve plain or with toppings like lemon sauce, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Do not use expired baking soda, baking powder, or vinegar.
  • Use unsulphured molasses for best flavor; avoid blackstrap molasses.
  • The cake does not need refrigeration if unfrosted; lasts 3 days at room temp.
  • For frosted cake, refrigerate and consume within 6 days.
  • This recipe can be doubled for a 9×13 pan or used for cupcakes/layer cakes.

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